Patented IPL technology has been available and FDA-cleared since 1995. IPL treatments using the Photo rejuvenation process are recognized as safe, effective, and high in patient satisfaction. In addition to treatment of benign vascular and pigmented conditions, scar treatments are included in the IPL FDA clearance.

Q & A on IPL Skin Care and Laser Systems

Is the IPL light a laser?
No, it is a light-based technology. Unlike lasers, IPL light uses a wider spectrum ( from 400 nm to the near Infrared of 1200nm) to target the melanin found naturally in the hair shaft and hair follicle or the hemoglobin present in the vessels. Since these parts contain more melanin/hemoglobin than the surrounding skin tissue, they absorb more light, which rises the temperature and allow the destruction of the follicles/vessels.  
How do the results of IPL light compare with other laser/light based hair removal systems?
IPL light delivers the longest lasting results available today. We can have a permanent reduction of hair regrowth of about 20 to 28% after only one treatment. The most dramatic changes normally occur after the second treatment. Multiple treatments (normally from 4 to 8) can reach 80% of hair reduction in various body areas. Only few people may require extra treatments.   
What areas of the body can be treated?
Virtually any body area, large or small. Arms, legs and back are normally treated as well as sensitive areas (bikini line, chin, upper lip…). 
Which are the most common side effects?
Can be a mild to moderate redness immediately after treatment that normally disappear after 24 hours maximum. In very few cases slight blistering can results that disappear after few days with a therapy based on Aloe Vera, Echinacea and Asialene. A temporary increase or decrease in skin pigmentation may also occur, but it is very unusual and in any case disappears in few months.   

How many treatments are required for hair removal?
For permanent results the hair must be treated during active phase: for this reason from 3 to 6, sometimes up to 8 to 10 treatments, are normally necessary to have long-lasting results. The repetition rate varies from person to person and from the area of the body treated (density, location of the hair growth. skin type or hair color…) but it is normally between 3 to 6 weeks.  
How long does a treatment take?
Thanks to the large spot size and the shooting rate (typically 2 sec.) the treatments are very fast. Thus, a moustache area may take only a couple of minutes. A typical treatment session (back, legs…) takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour. In any case, this value is strictly dependent from the area to be treated, the thickness of the hair and the patient’s skin type.  
Is there something the patient should be aware of?
Some people can be very sensitive to light. Therefore some check must be executed before the first treatment. If the patient feels any discomfort during the treatment, he/she should inform the operator immediately. Waxing immediately before treatments is not recommended, but shaving is fine. In addition exposure to the sun for some weeks before and after the treatment should be avoided.   
Is it safe?
The light can spread out in all direction, but it does not affect the eye in anyway more than a camera flash. The use of protective goggles is in any case warmly recommended. As further safety, if the lamp box is not in proper contact with the skin, a safety switch stops undesired shots.   
Is it the IPL light effective in other applications than hair removal?
Yes. It is the most effective choice for improvement of the overall skin appearance, and particularly for skin rejuvenation treatments. The light treatment can improve lesions such as vascular and pigmented, fine lines, enlarged pores, different kind of scars, active acne, and freckles…  
How does it work in these applications?
The unit uses filtered light to selectively target the melanin, the hemoglobin and collagen by selective photo-thermolysis. In case of skin rejuvenation many clinical studies show that selective heating of the dermal collagen layer to a temperature of about 60°C stimulates the fibroblast to produce new collagen. The most recent studies are demonstrating that light radiation induces an intense production of H2O2 suitable to renew the collagen. This effect takes place in a period of 8-10 weeks and lasts for 6-12 months after the last treatment. Small vascular lesions (telangiectasia, hemangioma, spider veins…) can be treated with the 520 nm lamp box, centered on the absorption line of the hemoglobin. At temperatures of more than 60 °C the blood coagulates and the small/intermediate vessels coagulate and collapse.  
How many treatments are needed?
This is strictly dependent on the application: typically 2 to 6 sessions are required, each every 3 to 4 weeks. 
Are there any counter-indications?
Subjects with disorders like localized or systemic infections, immune system disorders, skin pathologies, under antibiotic therapy, assuming A, K vitamins and with elevated photosensitivity should not be treated. Moreover the area to be treated has to be healthy and not injured.