Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology, also known as a photo-rejuvenation or photo-facial, is used for facial rejuvenation, treating sun damage, skin discoloration, as well as the improvement of skin texture. Photo-rejuvenation using IPL is a non-invasive treatment that can treat skin damage without disruption of the skin’s surface, with minimal downtime. Several treatments are usually necessary and are typically performed 3-4 weeks apart.

What Is IPL?

Intense Pulsed Light (abbreviated IPL) describes the use of intense pulses of non-coherent light distributed over a range of wavelengths. The technology utilizes specific wavelength ranges to target various chromophores in the skin. This enables effective treatment of a broad spectrum of conditions, including vascular and pigmented lesions, skin photoaging treatments and hair removal.

How Does IPL Work?

Broad spectrum pulsed light is transmitted through a continuously cooled applicator, gently placed over the skin. Cut-off filters in the handpiece change the range of wavelengths, optimizing it for different applications and skin types. The light penetrates the tissue and is absorbed by either the relevant chromophores and damages them (blood chromophores when treating vascular lesions and melanin chromophores when treating pigmented lesions).  The body’s natural processes then clear the lesion debris, giving the skin a more even and youthful appearance.

What Is AFT?

Advanced Fluorescence Technology (AFT) is an advanced form of intense pulsed light technology (IPL). Rather than delivering a pulse with multiple wavelengths, many of which are outside the therapeutic range, AFT converts unused UV light to the optimal spectrum for more effective treatment.
This energy is then channeled into a pulse with equal distribution fluence, whereby uniform energy with controlled peak power is delivered throughout the entire pulse. This minimizes the risk of adverse effects that can occur when patients are exposed to non-therapeutic energy densities and uncontrolled peaks. AFT offers more efficient energy usage per pulse, increased safety, extended applicator lifetime and enhanced clinical results. The combination of Alma’s exclusive Dye-VL and AFT technologies offers a safer and significantly more effective solution than other IPL-based treatment systems, with reliable, long-term results.

Some of the indications our IPL device is FDA-cleared to treat:

  • Brown spots (age spots, liver spots) and pigmentation
  • Redness and brown mottled pigmentation on the face, neck, chest, arms and hands
  • Photo-Aging (rough texture, red and brown discolorations)
  • Face veins (telangiectasias)
  • Rosacea