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In intense pulse light therapy, the skin is exposed to high intensity pulses of light. This is how damaged skin is treated and unwanted hair removed. Your physician begins the treatment by applying a soothing gel on the treatment area and covering it with a prism. Then, an intense pulse of light is passed through the prism. This prism serves to direct the rays to the healing area and concentrate them there.
Initially, the doctor will only administer very light treatment to ascertain the tolerance levels of your skin, and prevent any damage from occurring to it. Only when the physician is convinced that your skin can handle further intensive treatment, will he proceed. -
When the light from the laser strikes the dark colored melanin in the hair roots, it gets converted into heat. This heat vaporizes the hair shafts and roots. The heat also destroys the papilla, if not the entire hair follicle. After you undergo this treatment a few times, the result is permanent hair removal.
The process works in a similar way when it comes to treating skin damage. However, depending on the specific condition and the extent of the damage, it may require many more sessions than the hair removal process. - One must not confuse this therapy with laser treatment. Laser treatment involves only one continuous wavelength of light, while pulse light therapy involves multiple wavelengths. Also, with pulse light therapy, specific settings can be chosen according to the skin color and type of the patient, and the body area where the treatment is being imparted.
- Intense pulse light therapy is considered a long-lasting solution for skin treatment and a permanent one for hair removal. However, the entire treatment may take up to six months, depending on the condition for which it is being used. The one great advantage of this treatment is that it involves no recuperation time. You can literally step out of the clinic and continue your normal daily activities. However, you must be cautious that the treatment area is protected from exposure to the UV rays contained in sunlight and tanning beds.
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Typically, there are no major side effects of intense pulse light therapy. It is not painful, but there is a possibility that the treated area may redden or swell up slightly. However, this should all subside after a few days. Consult your physician if it doesn't.
Some people have also reported of blistering, hyper-pigmentation or slight bleeding. Though, bear in mind that with this form of therapy, it can take three to 12 months to get fully cured of pigmentation. In very rare cases, patients have reported of permanent skin pigmentation changes and scarring.
