Intense Pulsed Light – AFT

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, which refers to the light energy used during treatment. IPL works by directing light energy to pigmented areas in the skin (commonly freckles, moles, or redness) where it is absorbed and generates heat. This causes damage to the pigmented melanin cells, after which they can be expelled by the skin.

At Wisconsin Vein Center & Medispa, we use an advanced form of IPL, called AFT or Advanced Fluorescent Technology. This multi-wavelength, light-based treatment penetrates the deepest layers of the dermis, causing the skin to heat and contract for a tighter, more youthful appearance. Additionally, the heat stimulates long-term collagen and elastin production, resulting in natural skin tightening. This makes it the next step in IPL technology and one of the best laser options available.

IPL can be used on virtually any area of the body, although some skin types and tones may not respond as well to treatment. Before your treatment session, it’s important to avoid things that can damage your skin like UV rays, certain skin treatments, and at-home retinoids. If you have any active skin conditions like serious acne or eczema, you should be sure to discuss these during your consultation, since these can affect your skin’s ability to recover.

Your treatment will start out with a cleansing of your skin. You will then be given a pair of protective eye shades to wear during treatment. Then, the IPL handpiece is applied to the target area where the light energy affects the melanin cells underneath. Most patients experience some slight warming during this time, but our advanced technology ensures that no damage is done to the surrounding skin and that you experience no discomfort. Overall, this treatment session can take around thirty minutes, but this can depend on how large the treatment area is.

No! IPL treatments don’t require any downtime, although you might experience some mild symptoms after your treatment sessions. This can include some redness and sensitivity at the treatment area, but this fades quickly.

It’s common for the treatment area to experience some flakiness or roughness in the week or so following treatment, and it can take some time for the skin to get rid of the damaged melanin cells. This occurs through sloughing off of the treatment area, which can darken throughout the process— this is because the cells come to the surface of the skin where they are more visible.

It’s also very important to keep your skin protected from UV damage during the recovery period, since the treated skin can become photosensitive, causing further pigmentation. During your consultation, we can recommend the best products to keep your skin healthy, moisturized, and protected throughout your recovery period.

For your best results, you’ll most likely require a package of treatments. Most patients benefit from a package of 3-5 treatments that are spaced about one month apart, although this can be customized to your unique goals, anatomy, and treatment area.

Treatments with lasers and IPL differ in that a laser uses light with one wavelength and IPL uses a band of wavelengths.

IPL is classified as a non-ablative treatment, meaning it doesn’t actively remove, destroy, or exfoliate skin cells. Many patients prefer this method because it’s gentler and requires less downtime.

No! IPL treatments should not be painful. While some people feel nothing at all during their treatment, others may feel a slight snap. However, if you ever feel any pain during the treatment, let us know, and we can adjust the intensity.

IPL treatments work the best on lighter skin tones with darker hair. Caution is required when treating people with darker skin tones, as hyperpigmentation is likely to occur if there is too much melanin in the skin.

There is not much you need to do to prepare for IPL treatments.  However, be sure to avoid the sun, tanning beds, and spray tans beforehand.