Why is it that IPL treatments have to be 3-6 weeks apart?

IPL treatments are spaced 3 to 6 weeks apart in order to assess the effect of treatment. IPL is most effective for improving some types of sun-induced dark patches. Like most light-based technologies, the effect does not appear at the time of treatment but appears after a few weeks. At that time, the need for additional treatment - and whether treatment is effective - can be assessed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The minimum amount of time between IPL treatments is usually 3 weeks. This allows "damaged pigmented" lesions to absorb completely. Initially the sunspots turn darker because of the heat generated from the laser. The body sees this damaged, darkened pigment as debris and needs to be removed. This removal process can fully take up to 3 weeks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The reason you want to wait is because you want the sun spots to flake off so that it doesn't interfere with laser heating the remaining pigments. I normally just wait 2 weeks between treatments. I don't think it is necessary to wait more than 3 wks.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Typically laser and IPL treatments cause a thermal injury to the skin. This injury takes time to heal properly and thus there is always a delay between treatments. The analogy we make to explain this to our patients involves working out at the gym. If you work out at the gym, you actually tear the muscles, which causes them to heal. But this healing takes several days before it is completed and it does not make sense to go back and work out these same muscles before the healing has occurred. It is the same concept for laser skin care treatments.

Published on Jul 11, 2012