Birthmarks: The IPL Procedure

• Protective eyewear is given to the patient.
• A topical anesthetic may be applied to the skin for added comfort during the procedure.
• A cooling gel, which reduces the sensation of heat from the hand piece, is applied to the treatment area.
• Cold air cooling to the skin may also be given during treatment
• The smooth glass surface of the IPL hand piece is placed directly over the treatment area.
• Precisely calibrated light waves, which vary in intensity according to the type of skin, the location of the treatment area and treatment type, and the depth of energy penetration required for optimal results, are emitted by the hand piece.
• Treatment continues over a single, specified area (face, legs, neck, or arms) with a series of brief, even passes.
• After 10 - 20 minutes, the session is complete. The patient may experience a slight redness to the treatment area, which usually disappears in an hour.
• Over a series of treatments (usually 2-6, at 3-4-week intervals) the treatment area becomes clear of spots, birthmarks, discoloration or unwanted veins¹.

^{Bitter PH. Noninvasive Rejuvenation of Photodamaged Skin Using Serial, Full-Face Intense Pulsed Light Treatments. Dermatol Surg 2000; 26:835-42.}

^{Goldman MP, Weiss RA, Weiss MA: Intense Pulsed Light as a Non Ablative Approach to Photoaging. Dermatol Surg 2005;31:1179-1187.}