IPL for Rosacea Treatment: What You Need To Know
IPL or Intense pulsed laser is a relatively new laser treatment method used to treat a wide variety of skin conditions including rosacea. IPL for rosacea treatment is quite controversial. Its results are not consistent, it’s expensive, and there have been reports of major side effects. However, there are numerous reports and scientific studies that confirm that IPL treatment for rosacea is very effective if done correctly on the right candidates.
So how does IPL work? IPL laser treatment works by using high-intensity pulses of light to penetrate the skin. IPl for rosacea works by destroying the small blood vessels underneath the skin. Once these blood vessels are destroyed, the facial redness should subside and the skin should have a more even tone and texture.
Unlike laser treatment, IPL laser treatment is a lot less painful and there’s virtually no downtime or recovery period needed. Ideally, you can have your IPL treatment for rosacea done during your lunch hour and be back to work without any problems.
Prior to treatment, you need to consult with a dermatologist to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for IPL. You can’t have IPL treatment for rosacea if you:
- Don’t react well to burns
- Are prone to keloid scarring, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
- Dark-skinned or tanned
- Are an insulin-dependent diabetic
- Are taking anticoagulant drugs or herbs
- Have a blood clotting disorder
- Are pregnant
- Have an allergic reaction to IPL
Once it’s determined that you’re an ideal candidate for IPL treatment , then rosacea treatment can begin. A session usually lasts an hour or less, depending on the severity and extent of the flare up. Prior to your session, a dermatologist first applies a topical anesthetic on the area to be treated, to numb the skin. Then a cold gel is applied to further protect the skin before placing a glass prism over the treatment area. A pulsed light is then flashed through the prism and the prism directs the intense pulsed light on the skin that needs to be treated.
After treatment, patients are advised to avoid staying out of the sun and avoid irritating the treated area. It usually takes several sessions to completely treat rosacea. Treatment sessions are usually done every 2 to 3 weeks to allow the skin to heal in between sessions.
The side effects of IPL include blistering, bleeding, skin lightening, skin darkening, or scarring. These side effects are rare and most of them heal on their own in a few months. And with each session, the skin becomes more tolerant to IPL laser treatment.
So why doesn’t IPL for rosacea work for everyone. Why do some people report intense pain during their sessions and serious side effects? The problem with IPL treatment is it’s not as regulated as laser treatment. Some IPL treatments, those done in questionable skin care clinics and medical practices, are not performed by dermatologists or skin care professionals. People who are not licensed or qualified to perform IPL don’t know how to perform it correctly and safely. And there are some people who insist on getting IPL laser treatment, despite not being an ideal candidate for the procedure.
If considering IPL for rosacea, make sure you go to a licensed and experienced dermatologist for a consultation. If the dermatologist thinks you’re not a good candidate for the procedure then don’t insist on it. If you’re a good candidate for IPL and you can afford it, make sure you follow your doctor’s instructions strictly. And don’t be afraid to tell your doctor if the sessions are becoming painful or if you notice some side effects.
There’s no perfect treatment for rosacea. The only way you can get the best treatment is by working with your doctor. If you and your doctor feel IPL for rosacea would work for you, be responsible and proactive about your treatment. When you get the best care and you take care of yourself, that’s when you get the best results.
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