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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Annals of Dermatology: Intense Pulsed Light and Low-Fluence Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser Treatment in Melasma Patients
- Annals of Dermatology: Intense Pulsed Light and Low-Fluence Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser Treatment in Melasma Patients
- Balkan Medical Journal: Comparison of SHR Mode IPL System with Alexandrite and Nd -- YAG Lasers For Leg Hair Reduction
- Balkan Medical Journal: Comparison of SHR Mode IPL System with Alexandrite and Nd -- YAG Lasers For Leg Hair Reduction
- Biomed Research International: Unconventional Use of Intense Pulsed Light
- Biomed Research International: Unconventional Use of Intense Pulsed Light
- Photomedicine and Laser Therapy: Photodynamic Therapy -- Occupational Hazards and Preventative Recommendations for Clinical Administration by Healthcare Providers
- Photomedicine and Laser Therapy: Photodynamic Therapy -- Occupational Hazards and Preventative Recommendations for Clinical Administration by Healthcare Providers
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
IPL Laser Treatment Side Effects
IPL refers to intense pulsed light therapy, a treatment for various skin concerns such as spider veins, freckles, age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, as well as hair removal 3. The treatment consists of high intensity pulses of visible light that are directed into your skin and converted to heat energy, which subsequently damages the targeted area. IPL differs from traditional laser treatments in that it sends many different wavelengths with each pulse of light, rather than just one. Advantages of IPL over other treatments include a minimum of down time, but certain side effects are common.
Pain
Even though intense pulse light therapy is considered to be one of the milder treatments for skin problems, you will likely experience some discomfort during the treatment. The treatment stings and compares it to snapping rubber bands on your skin. Anesthetic cream is often applied to help numb the area enough for a comfortable treatment.
Sunburn Sensation
Side Effects of Lasers Used on the Underarms
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After the treatment, your skin may take on a sunburned appearance, followed by some swelling and peeling. It is recommended to stay away from direct sun exposure for four weeks before the treatment and four weeks after. This applies to tanning beds as well. If sun exposure is unavoidable, a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is recommended.
- After the treatment, your skin may take on a sunburned appearance, followed by some swelling and peeling.
- It is recommended to stay away from direct sun exposure for four weeks before the treatment and four weeks after.
Pigment Problems
If the doctor administering the treatment lets too much light get into the any one area, it could alter the pigment of your skin. IPL treatments are non-ablative, meaning they generally leave the outer layers of skin undamaged and penetrate to lower layers. Too much light pulsed can lead to internal heating under the surface, which can result in lighter patches of skin, especially in people with darker skin tones.
Infection
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Infections with IPL are rare and happen more when the treatment is used for hair removal. When used for hair removal, the light is aimed at specific spots to try and neutralize hair growth. Sometimes, the heat generated can stimulate a dormant infection. The herpes simplex virus is one example.
- Infections with IPL are rare and happen more when the treatment is used for hair removal.
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References
- Annals of Dermatology: Intense Pulsed Light and Low-Fluence Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser Treatment in Melasma Patients
- Balkan Medical Journal: Comparison of SHR Mode IPL System with Alexandrite and Nd -- YAG Lasers For Leg Hair Reduction
- Johns Hopkins Cosmetic Center: Intense Pulsed Light
- Biomed Research International: Unconventional Use of Intense Pulsed Light
- Photomedicine and Laser Therapy: Photodynamic Therapy -- Occupational Hazards and Preventative Recommendations for Clinical Administration by Healthcare Providers
Writer Bio
Joshua McCarron has been writing both online and offline since 1995. He has been employed as a copywriter since 2005 and in that position has written numerous blogs, online articles, websites, sales letters and news releases. McCarron graduated from York University in Toronto with a bachelor's degree in English.