Hospital
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Also known as: Intense Pulsed Light Treatment, Skin Brightening Treatment, Freckle Removal, Rosacea Treatment
Recovery
- No significant social downtime
- Mild redness: a few hours
- Possible micro-crusting on lentigines: 5 days
About IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Treated areas:Decolletage, Hands, Face, Neck, Hair, Acne, Pigmentation
IPL is a versatile, light-based treatment used to refresh the skin and correct a variety of concerns. Often called a “photofacial,” it is not a true laser but instead uses broad-spectrum light to target pigments like brown spots and redness. It is the go-to treatment for individuals wanting clearer, brighter, and more even skin with almost no downtime.
How It Works
IPL releases multiple wavelengths of light that target different “colors” in the skin:
- Targets Brown (Melanin): Breaks down sunspots, freckles, and age spots.
- Targets Red (Hemoglobin): Shrinks broken capillaries and reduces facial redness or rosacea.
- Boosts Collagen: The gentle heat improves skin texture and shrinks pores.
What It Does For You
- Clears Pigmentation: Erases sun damage, age spots, and uneven patches.
- Reduces Redness: Excellent for rosacea, spider veins, and facial flushing.
- Brightens Skin: Provides an instant “glow” by removing dullness and evening out tone.
- Acne Control: Helps kill acne-causing bacteria and calms red, inflamed spots.
- Hair Reduction: Provides long-term hair removal for face and body.
IPL vs. Traditional Laser
| Feature | IPL | Traditional Laser |
| Light Type | Broad-spectrum (many colors) | Single wavelength (one color) |
| Versatility | Can treat redness & spots at once | Usually treats one specific issue |
| Downtime | Minimal to zero | Varies (can be significant) |
| Goal | Overall tone & color correction | Targeted problem-solving |
Popular IPL Technologies
Lumecca, Sciton BBL (BroadBand Light), Alma Harmony
Ideal Candidate
- Adults with photo-aged skin: sun spots, freckles, fine lines, diffuse redness
- Clients with telangiectasia (broken capillaries) or mild rosacea
- Anyone seeking overall skin brightening and tone unification with minimal downtime
Proven Results
- Brighter, more uniform skin tone
- Reduced visible redness and broken capillaries
- Lighter freckles and sun spots.
- Results are gentle and cumulative, not dramatic after a single session, but meaningful over a series.
Price by Region
| Location | Ranging from |
|---|---|
| Korea | 300,000 (KRW) |
| Thailand | 6,800 (THB) |
| China | 1,500 (RMB) |
| Japan | 17,000 (JPY) |
| Malaysia | 300 (MYR) |
| Singapore | 200 (SGD) |
| Indonesia | 850,000 (IDR) |
How It Is Performed
- Cleanse; eye protective shields applied and confirmed in place
- Cool coupling gel applied to treatment area
- IPL handpiece placed flat against the skin; sequential pulses delivered with appropriate cut-off filter and fluence settings calibrated to skin type
- Post-treatment cooling; immediate redness assessment
Doctors Performing This
Your Timeline
Preparation
- Avoid all sun exposure and deliberate tanning for **4 weeks** before treatment
- No retinoids for 7 days before
- Disclose all oral medications — especially antibiotics (tetracycline, doxycycline) and any photosensitising drugs
Followup Care
- Hydrating mask immediately post-treatment
- SPF 50+ sunscreen daily
- Series of 3–6 sessions recommended, spaced 3–4 weeks apart
- Possible micro-crusting on individual lentigines, resolving in 5–7 days
Frequently Asked Questions
How does IPL compare to picosecond laser for pigmentation?
Picosecond laser is more precisely targeted and more effective for deeper, denser pigmentation (melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). IPL is gentler and better suited for diffuse, superficial photo-ageing with mixed concerns (redness + pigment). Many patients use both, IPL for regular maintenance and picosecond for targeted correction.
Can IPL treat rosacea effectively?
IPL targeting the 560–590 nm wavelength range is highly effective at reducing the persistent redness and telangiectasia of rosacea. Active rosacea flares should be medically managed before laser/IPL treatment is commenced.
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