Practitioners determine an IPL treatment plan for each new patient, accounting for the number and severity of skin conditions being treated, as well as skin type. On average, five to six treatments are recommended, scheduled at three-week intervals. Each session usually lasts about 30 minutes, with patients returning to normal activity immediately afterwards, in fact, patients can often schedule their IPL treatments over their lunch hour. IPL treatments provide gradual, natural improvement with excellent long-term results.

Before treatment, a cold gel is usually applied to the areas to be treated and patients wear protective eyewear. During treatment, the practitioner apply cooling conductive gel then gently applies the smooth, crystalline surface of the IPL hand piece to the skin. Light is delivered to the skin surface in precise pulses that are typically pain-free. Occasionally some signs of treatment, such as redness, can last for one or two hours. In most cases, the entire face is treated, but the therapy can also work well on the neck, chest and hands. Results from a full series of treatments usually last for a year or more.

Aging, sun exposure and other factors can cause the appearance of broken capillaries and blood vessels on the face known as telangiectasias, which appear as spider veins. Sometimes broken capillaries can cause a diffused redness in the skin, called erythema, a source of social embarrassment for many people. Rosacea is a common skin condition that is characterized by diffused erythema. All of these conditions respond well to IPL.

During treatment, Intense Pulsed Light or laser light is absorbed by the blood in these small veins, heating and destroying the vessels. Over time the destroyed veins are reabsorbed and disappear. IPL or Nd:YAG

The term "Photorejuvenation" refers to the non-ablative, non-invasive treatment of red and brown pigment that leaves a smooth skin texture and even complexion, yielding a more youthful appearance.

IPL Skin Treatments are a safe, effective and popular way to improve the signs of aging from the face, neck, chest, arms and hands. This in-office procedure is performed by a physician or trained medical staff member and typically requires four to six sessions of about 20 minutes each, performed at approximately three-week intervals.

In addition to effectively treating multiple symptoms and locations in each session, the IPL procedure is gentle, non-invasive and safe, requiring no downtime. In fact, many people even schedule their sessions during their lunch breaks. Additionally, IPL treatments are customized to each individual's specific skin type and condition, providing the best possible results.

Any man or woman who shows the signs of aged and sun-damaged skin is a candidate for IPL Skin Treatments using Photorejuvenation. A brief consultation with an IPL specialist should provide all the information needed.

Before treatment, a cold gel is usually applied to the area to be treated, and patients are given protective eyewear. During treatment, the smooth, crystalline surface of the IPL hand piece is gently applied to the skin, delivering precise pulses of light to the area being treated. IPL treatments are usually pain-free, but an anesthetic cream can be used if the light pulses are uncomfortable. Some patients compare the sensation to a light pinch or the snap of a rubber band. Treatment sessions usually last about 20 minutes, and a complete program usually includes four to six sessions. After treatment, patients can immediately return to normal routines and activities. Occasionally evidence of treatment such as redness or blotchiness may last for an hour or two.

Several IPL treatments are required to provide gradual, natural-looking improvement with very low risk. Results usually last a year or more.

Costs vary depending on the portion of the body where the procedure is performed, the severity of the skin condition and other factors. Compared to other aesthetic procedures, IPL Skin Treatments are quite affordable. IPL is usually priced above microdermabrasion and some chemical peels, but less than laser resurfacing and cosmetic surgeries.

Lumenis IPL has been available and FDA-cleared since 1995.