Dermatologists began using lasers in the 1980s to treat rosacea, a chronic inflammatory condition that causes facial redness, broken capillaries and small bumps or pustules. One of the newer tools, approved by the FDA in 1995 which built upon that technology and is now used to fight rosacea, isn't a laser at all, but rather intense pulsed light, or IPL.
Considerations
IPL is not recommended for anyone who is pregnant or anyone who has a sunburn, a clotting disorder, a tendency to develop keloids or insulin-dependent diabetes. People who have lighter skin and limit their exposure to the sun after the procedure tend to have the best results.
Process
The IPL process involves applying a cold gel to the area to be treated, and your doctor may also give you dark glasses to protect your eyes. Then, the IPL's hand piece is applied to the skin as it delivers pulses of light which transform into heat energy. The heat targets chromophores, or the cells with color in the tissue, and fragments them, with the rest absorbed into the skin leaving it smooth and less red. There is no down time, and you should be able to resume normal activities right away, says the Mayo Clinic.
Benefits
IPL is good for correcting vascular changes like broken blood vessels, redness, flushing, blushing, sun damage, papules, pustules, and the early stages of rhinophyma--a large bulbous red nose often caused by rosacea, especially on men. In a 2003 issue of the "Journal of Drugs in Dermatology," a report of one study showed that following treatment, 83 percent of patients had reduced redness, 75 percent noted reduced flushing and improved skin texture, and 64 percent saw fewer acneiform breakouts
Side Effects
Some patients report more pain with IPL treatments than others, akin to being snapped with a rubber band. You may request a patch test first to determine how sensitive you are to the treatment and, if needed, your dermatologist can provide a numbing agent or additional form of pain relief. Other side effects are temporary and rare and include skin lightening, redness, bruising, swelling, blisters, slight burns and hair loss on the area treated.
Cost
Both laser and light therapy are generally not covered by health insurance. Treatments average from $300 to $600 per session, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, with up to five treatments potentially required, separated by three weeks in between.
