Intense pulsed light, or IPL, is a therapy used to treat skin problems that are medical and cosmetic in nature. Concentrated amounts of broad spectrum light are aimed at areas of the skin marred by age spots, birthmarks such as port wine stains, spider veins, and the effects of rosacea. IPL may also be used as a hair removal technique. The Baylor College of Medicine explains that most patients may require several pricey IPL sessions to see satisfactory results. IPL is a safe procedure but may cause some minor side effects in some people.
Pain
Intense pulsed light therapy may be painful to some people, according to the New Zealand Dermatological Society. Pain is most likely to occur during the treatment itself but can be eased by the use of a topical anesthetic that is applied prior to the procedure. A temporary feeling of warmth that may be uncomfortable, but is similar to the discomfort of a sunburn, may also occur. Some areas of treated skin may swell temporarily after treatments.
Discoloration
Bruising, loss of pigmentation in some areas of normal skin and redness are all side effects that may occur after a session of IPL. Peeling of the skin similar to a sunburn may accompany discoloration, but usually stops within a few days, according to the Baylor College of Medicine.
Hair Loss
Intense pulsed light therapy can be used to remove unwanted hair. Hair loss may be seen as a side effect if the procedure is not intended to remove hair but to treat another condition, such as the removal of age spots. This side effect is more likely to be seen in people who have dark hair. The New Zealand Dermatological Society explains that IPL as a hair removal method is not as effective in people with fair hair.
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