Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment is also known as “Photofacial” and can be used to help restore the skin’s youthful appearance. IPL improves the appearance of photo-aged skin, removes sunspots, and helps reduce redness caused by broken capillaries.  This procedure requires no “down” time and has a low risk of side effects.

This treatment uses a broad-spectrum light to treat face, neck, chest, and hands anywhere that sun damage is visible. Treatments are quick and non-invasive.  By removing or reducing age spots, (sun spots) and broken capillaries, the result is an overall more even, younger looking skin.

 

How It Works
IPL treatment for small spider veins destroys capillaries and excess blood that has leaked into the skin.  Because the pulses of light are controlled and precise, they can treat the spider veins successfully without affecting surrounding tissue.  The pulses of light emit heat that selectively damages or destroys abnormal veins.  Eventually, the treated veins are absorbed by the body and disappear.

 

Unlike laser treatment, IPL treatment is appropriate for treating veins that are slightly deeper in the skin.  The results of IPL treatment last for approximately a year or longer.  A total of 2 to 4 treatments are typically required in order to achieve optimal results.  The number of treatments required depends on the size and quantity of the veins.  Generally, people with fair skin have the best results with IPL treatment, while those with darker skin often do no respond well to IPL treatment.

 

During IPL treatment, you will feel as if you are being pinched or as if a rubber band is being snapped against your skin.  A cooling gel or topical anesthetic may be applied to your skin prior to the procedure to ease discomfort.  The treatment takes a total of 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area and the severity of the vein problem.