IPL uses a range of wavelengths of light to target brown (and, to a lesser degree, red) discoloration. This discoloration occurs over time and after many years of sun exposure. Filters are used to cut off wavelengths of light that could be harmful (in darker skinned patients, filters decrease the risk of damaging the normal pigment in the skin).
I recommend IPL for my fairer skinned patients who have brown discoloration, age spots, and freckles, particularly on the face, chest, and hands. I also use retinoid creams to help even skin tone and pigmentation.
In some people I also use creams containing hydroquinone and kojic acid, to decrease the activity of the pigment cells and fade brown spots.
IPL is best for fair complexions. The light targets the pigmented spots. Immediately after treatment the area is red and swollen, almost like a burn. Over the next few days the redness fades but the brown gets darker- it can get very very dark. Then the brown peels off.
At about 2 weeks after treatment the peeling should be complete. There may be small untreated patches of skin that are still visible among the lighter, more even skin that was treated. That is why most patients need multiple treatments.
Also, each treatment may use a slightly higher energy depending on the previous outcome. It is important to have a test spot performed before treating a large area of skin. That way you can determine what energy level is best for you.
I treat conservatively with low energies until I know how the patient will react. It is much better to have to come in for more treatments than to use a high energy setting and get a burn that may leave a permanent mark.
