How Effective is IPL for Treating Rosacea? Notes from a dermatologist
Rosacea is a skin condition that’s not harmful, but is distressing to many people. It can cover the face and be very visible. But fortunately, Lumenis M22 Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, is available as an effective treatment.
What Is Rosacea?
Rosacea is chronic skin redness on the face and other body parts. It appears as dilated blood vessels, little red bumps, and swelling. Anyone can have it, but it affects middle-aged women with fair skin most often, and is three times more common in women than men. The cause is unknown, but rosacea can be aggravated by sunlight, sunburn, cold wind, and changes in temperature. Alcohol and caffeine can also make rosacea worse.
Can IPL Alleviate Rosacea?
Yes, erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (you don’t have to say it!) is entirely treatable with IPL. IPL can be a long-term solution to the annoyance of rosacea by causing the body’s natural response to heal it. IPL is also practically painless and produces dramatic improvement with no down time. There’s no recovering from surgery, swelling, laser resurfacing, or chemical peels.
How Exactly Does IPL Work?
The light waves emitted by IPL cause controlled damage to the skin, which stimulates the body to break down and remove the damaged tissue. Then new cells rebuild and replace the area with clear, healthy skin. Each treatment session with IPL takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Usually patients have a series of 2 to 6 treatments at 3 to 4 week intervals.
What Is IPL Treatment Like?
Patients put on protective eyewear, and a topical anesthetic is given. A cooling gel is applied to the area, and cold air for additional cooling is circulated. Then the IPL hand piece, which feels like smooth glass, is placed over the treatment area, and precisely calibrated light waves are emitted. These may vary, depending on the type of skin, treatment area, treatment type, and depth of penetration. The hand piece is passed over the area for about 30 minutes, and then the session is done. The patient may have slight redness, which usually disappears in an hour, but otherwise is good to go.
If you’re suffering from rosacea and ready to be rid of it, contact the Calabasas Dermatology Center in Calabasas, CA to schedule an appointment. Let painless, effective IPL change how you look and feel.