IPL, or intense pulse light, is a technology similar to laser. Instead of a single wavelength of light as with a laser, IPL uses a bright light in front of which filters are placed which filter out most wavelengths except those taken up by pigment and blood vessels, depending on the filter used. The light energy penetrates just below the skin's surface, damaging either the melanin (skin pigment) or blood vessels. The body's natural skin repair mechanisms then remove the damaged tissue and produce a smoother skin appearance. It will usually take 3-6 treatments to see a significant result and treatments can be spaced out every 3-4 weeks.
IPL is good for pigment (age spots) and small blood vessels (such as telangiectasias). It has been marketed for hair removal, though newer technologies seem to give better results. It does not work for wrinkles.
The advantage to IPL systems is that downtime is usually very minimal. Patients may experience slight darkening of pigment before they lighten. The procedure itself is usually described as feeling like a rubber band being popped on the skin.
