IPL, also termed photofacial or photorejuvenation, is a nonsurgical and nonablative treatment that uses high intensity pulses of visible light to improve the appearance of the following conditions on the face, neck and body:

• Vascular lesions (blood vessels including telangiectasias and broken veins)
• Rosacea
• Brown spots (freckles, lentigines)
• Sun damaged skin (poikiloderma of Civatte)
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Unwanted hair

You will notice improvement after one or two treatments however, it is typically recommended to undergo a series of treatments, often 3-4 treatments spaced every 3-6 weeks, to achieve the desired cosmetic outcome. Afterwards, treatments 1-2 times a year can help maintain the results. This treatment is generally recommended for patients with lighter skin types (Fitzpatrick I-III) and often avoided in darker skin types as it can cause discoloration. It is also often avoided in patients with melasma as it can worsen the condition.