What You Need to Know Before Getting Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, also called photo facial, removes the skin’s dark spots and improves skin color without surgery. It can even reverse the aging effects caused by sunlight, mostly noticeable on the face, hands, neck, and chest. IPL can help with dark brown or splotchy skin caused by a health condition.

Difference Between IPL and Laser

Intense pulsed light therapy in Monterey, CA, works similarly to laser treatment. However, lasers focus a light beam on the skin or the area being treated. IPL focuses many light wavelengths similar to a photo flash.

In contrast to laser, IPL light comes out more dispersed and less focused. IPL light also reaches the second skin layer (dermis) without causing harm to the top skin layer – the epidermis. Generally, IPL has less damage to the skin compared to laser treatment.

Pigment skin cells absorb the light energy,converted to heat that destroys undesirable pigmentation, clearing up dark spots and freckles. It can also destroy the hair follicles if need be, preventing unwantedhair from growing up again.

Also, IPL can be used on any body part but is not as effective on highly rugged areas. It’s recommended for people with dark skin and jagged keloid scars.

How IPL Works for Dry Eye

The whole point about intense pulsed light for dry eye syndrome is that eye inflammation of the meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) signifies that the treatment might be successful.

There is a vast range of patients who find IPL treatment an excellent option for them. Studies from the past two decades indicate that inflammation is the common factor for all dry-eye deficiencies. In short, IPL works for dry eye treatment because of the multiple action mechanisms that are crucial regardless of etiology.

Dry eyes disorder is of two types, namely:

• Aqueous Deficiency – occurs due to the shortage of tears produced on the eye’s surface to keep it sufficiently lubricated.
• Evaporative dry eye – Fortheevaporativedry eye, there is enough tear production,but the tears quickly evaporate,leaving the eye surface dry. This is a result of the MGD, where the eye gland does not function properly.

IPL treatment is used mainly to treat evaporative dry eye syndrome.

During treatment, the Eye MD Monterey shines light flashes on the eyelid to raise the surrounding skin temperature. This softens up the blocked meibomian glands, which can now quickly clear the held-up secretions.

IPL treatment also works by reducing the inflammatory effects of cytokines in the eyelids. Cytokines are body-produced chemicals that enhance inflammation. Reducing these cytokines, in turn, reduces inflammation in the meibomian glands. Inflammation is among the top causes of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

Finally, IPL treatment cuts the development of abnormal bacteria in the skin constituting the eyelids, contributing to reduced inflammation on the meibomian glands.

What to Expect During the Procedure?

During the treatment, the eye doctor in Monterey, CA, flashes four to five lights on both lower eyelids. You will need three additional treatments of a similar treatment, 30 days apart. Treatment two is 15 days after the first treatment, while the remaining three are set 30 days apart.

Still, some people require a single maintenance treatment each year to keep the effects of dry eye syndrome at bay.

IPL Treatment Safety

During the intense pulsed light therapy in Monterey, CA, you have to wear porcelain glasses for protection. They block all light rays from getting into the eyes. This is essential in protecting the retina since the light flashes are applied so near the eyes.

Still, there may be mild skin reddening on the lower eyelids and the upper cheekbones. These effects should subside within 24 – 48 hours.

For over two decades, IPL has been treating many skin conditions and has recently been introduced for dry eye treatment. A 2016 study on intense pulsed light therapy deemed IPL treatment safe and effective both for eyes and skin.

Benefits of IPL

• There is no downtime for this treatment. You do not need incisions and stitches so you can quickly get back to your normal schedule.
• The procedure is fast, lasting between 30 minutes to an hour. You only need 3-6 appointments to begin noticing results.
• It targets unseen damage in that it treats other complexion and eye problems that are yet to resurface.
• IPL is comprehensive in that it can be used for several skin issues, acne, sun damage, and combat premature aging. It’s the ideal treatment if you want top results in a lesser duration.