Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

At Medicadermis, we work with advanced IPL technology capable of treating various dermatological skin conditions. During an IPL treatment, different filters can be used. These filters all reach different depths into the skin and therefore serve different purposes. As a result, IPL treatment can be used for vascular lesions, pigmentation disorders, hair reduction, and acne reduction.

Who is the treatment suitable for?

The treatment can be applied to vascular conditions, including couperose (dilated capillaries), spider nevus, rosacea, diffuse redness, spider veins, and port-wine stains. Additionally, IPL can be used for pigmentation spots, hair reduction, and acne reduction.

During treatment for vascular conditions, the filter to be used is selected first. This depends on the indication. Before the treatment begins, the eyes are covered with protective goggles. Gel is applied for conduction, and the treatment can begin. During the treatment, pulses are applied to the area to be treated. These pulses generate energy that is converted into heat in the red color of the blood. The heat damages the protein structures in the vessel walls, causing the vessels to contract, allowing the body to neatly clear away the shrunken vessels. Depending on the chosen filter, the heat may also be absorbed by pigment, and it is possible that this, if present, may diminish during the treatment.

During treatment for pigment disorders, the filter to be used is selected first. Before the treatment begins, the eyes are covered with protective goggles. Gel is applied to the treatment area for conductivity. During the treatment, pulses are applied to the area. The pulses transfer energy to the pigmented cells, causing them to heat up. The heating of the pigment cells causes damage and death. The spots will initially darken, after which they will gradually flake off with the skin's normal exfoliation; this will take between 7 and 10 days. The surrounding skin remains intact.

Both treatments are tolerated by most people without anesthesia. When a pulse is applied, it feels like warm pricks or rubber bands being snapped against the skin. After the treatment, you may immediately cool the area with a cold pack.

After how many treatments is a result visible?

Depending on the indication, an average of 3-5 treatments are required for vascular conditions and 1-3 treatments for pigmentation to achieve an optimal result. The treatments are spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Naturally, new spots may develop over time due to aging, lifestyle (alcohol, sun exposure, etc.).

We understand that all the choices we offer online can be difficult. And that sometimes you need advice in addition to the information we share online. Our skin therapist is ready to assist you. Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation consultation. consultation in the Medikadermis Skin Therapy practice. But low-threshold contact in the form of a free video consultation That is also possible, of course.

Before and after

Advice for treatment

Prior to the treatment, you must keep the area to be treated out of the sun for at least 4 weeks. When you go outside, you must use an SPF of at least factor 30. If you are tanned, it is preferable to wait a few more weeks before the laser treatments, until your original skin color has returned. If this advice is not followed, the risk of complications is higher.If in doubt, it is better to reschedule the appointment.
This also applies to the use of self-tanner or tanning spray beforehand in the period before/between the treatments.
If you frequently suffer from cold sores, it is advisable to start prophylaxis against Herpes Simplex (cold sores) before the treatment. You should start this one day before the treatment and complete the course.
No professional chemical peel, laser treatment, or microdermabrasion 4 weeks prior to the treatment.
Stop using home exfoliating products 2 weeks prior to the treatment.

Advice after the treatment

After the treatment, the area is cooled. If necessary, you may continue cooling at home with a cold washcloth or cold pack.
The treated area may be red and swollen for up to three days.
For the first 24 hours after the treatment, do not apply occlusive creams, make-up, deodorants, or body lotions to the treated area for either treatment, so that the heat can dissipate from the skin.
For treatment of vascular conditions, do not drink alcohol, take a hot shower, or use a sauna for 24 hours after the treatment. This is due to vasodilation.
Do not scrub or peel the skin for 7 days after the treatment.
Protect the skin daily after the treatment with a good SPF, at least factor 30.
Spicy food, smoking, and UV radiation influence the development of vascular and pigment disorders. These factors must be taken into account to maintain the achieved result and prevent new spots.