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1. What is Intense Pulsed Light?

This incredible new therapy was pioneered by Dr. Patrick Bitter Jr. and is based on emitting high intensity pulses of light (not lasers) to penetrate the skin and rid you of various complaints.  There are different machines for different levels or types of penetration.  It is also knows as IPL Photorejuvenation. For instance, PhotoDerm™ as the PhotoDerm VL (vascular lesions) {VascuLight/MultiLight}, PhotoDerm PL (pigmented lesions) or PhotoDerm HR (hair removal).

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2. When can Intense Pulsed Light be performed?

There is no decisive age regarding this therapy.

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3. What does a typical Intense Pulsed Light consultation entail?

Once you find a respectable clinic or practice in your area and decide to make a consultation appointment, you will meet with the doctor or dermatologist and he or she will determine if you are a candidate to receive treatment.  He or she will discuss your health, examine your skin and prior scars, ask you a million questions regarding your family history (answer them honestly and disclose all information) and explain to you what can and essentially what cannot be successfully treated.  Prepare to pay for a spot test or test patch if it is decided you are eligible.  He or she will also advise you on approximately how many treatments and pulses per treatment that will be needed to achieve your desired goal.

After your test patch/spot treatment you will wait and watch the test area for any negative reactions such as blistering, hyper- or hypo-pigmentations, rashes, persistent redness, etc. and report them to your technician/doctor.  If all is well you may schedule an appointment and you will be instructed on what and what not to do for the next two weeks before your first treatment.  For instance if you are taking any of the above supplements or medications you will have to discontinue them until a few days after treatment or until instructed otherwise.  You will also be instructed not to tan as hypo-pigmentation (patches of skin lighter in pigment than your normal tone).

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4. How is Intense Pulsed Light performed?

Your technician or doctor will ascertain your comfort and if desired a topical anesthetic may be applied.  After the treatment area is numb, a cold, soothing gel will be applied and a glass prism (pyramid) will then be placed over the gel and treatment area.  An intense flash of light, or pulse, is flashed through the prism where it is directed at the treatment area to rid you of your complaints.  This initial treatment may not be as aggressive as your following treatments so as not to possibly damage the skin and to determine your skin's tolerance for further intensive treatment.  Treatments are usually performed every 3-4 weeks. 

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5. What should I expect after my Intense Pulsed Light treatment? 

Since there is no real downtime you may resume your normal activities after a Pulsed Light treatment.  However you must protect your treatment area  from UV light, be it natural sunlight or tanning beds.  You may be slightly pink or red directly after your treatment as well as have mild swelling.  This should subside in a few days and if not you should inform your doctor/technician. 

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6. Does Intense Pulsed Light hurt? 

Although all pain thresholds are different -- you may feel anything from a sensation of warmth to a sting as if a rubberband has been snapped against your skin.  Some patients may wish to use an EMLA cream beforehand.

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7. When will I be able to see the results?

After one or two treatments you should see results depending upon the complaint -- However, some problems may take several to see any results.  Only a consultation with a qualified physician can determine this factor.

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8. What are the risks of Intense Pulsed Light?

Although rare, blistering or slight bleeding  is possible as is hypo- or hyper-pigmentation (lightened or darkened areas of skin). If pigmentation problems occur, it may be anywhere from 3 to 12 months before normal skin tome returns.  This is especially so with hypo-pigmentation (lack of color).  Be aware that some patients may experience permanent skin pigmentation changes.  Scarring is possible although it too is a rare occurrence. 

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9. What is Arnica montana or Bromelain, I have heard that these homeopathics reduce swelling and bruising? Which is the best kind to take?

also known as: Mountain Tobacco, Mountain Arnica, Common Arnica, Leopard's Bane and Sneezewort
plant family: Asteraceae 
type: Herbaceous perennial
parts used: Roots and flowers
description: Arnica montana or Leopard's Bane is a perennial herb, growing close to the ground. The leaves form a flat rosette, from the center of which rises a flower stalk, 1 to 2 feet high, bearing orange-yellow flowers. The rhizome is dark brown, cylindrical, usually curved, and bears brittle wiry rootlets on the under surface.
habitat: Indigenous to Central Europe, in woods and mountain pastures, although it has been found in England and Southern Scotland. 
warning: This herb should NEVER be taken in raw form. This plant, like many medicinal plants if ingested, can cause intestinal bleeding, abdominal cramping and sickness. Homeopathy is the medicinal use of tinctures and suspensions using herbs and other plants and should never be consumed without proper preparation. Only respectable homeopathic remedies and tinctures should be consumed. 

habitat: Indigenous to southern Brazil and Paraguay, The fruit is now grown all over in green houses and in the fields of Spain, Guatemala, Hawaii and more. The pineapple is a tropical plant and thrives in hot, humid places. Although it can survive cold snaps, it is not recommended for the more northern areas if intended to be grown outdoors.

Bromelain is an anti-inflammatory formula containing the proteolytic enzyme from the stems of pineapples. Proteolytic enzymes are capable of dissolving proteins. It is most often used after sports injuries, to relive edema and after surgical procedures to help with swelling. 

ALWAYS ASK YOUR SURGEON FIRST BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATION.

*Enhancement Media has NO financial ties to Alpine Pharmaceuticals, SinEcch, and merely suggests it for your convenience and post-operative ease.*

 10. Are the results permanent?

Depending upon your habits (sun exposure, skin care, use of sublock, medication use, etc), hyperpigmentations may be fully eradicated.  Collagen replacement due to the thermal wound response is subject to natural aging as the rest of your collagen.  The longevity is complaint-specific and only a qualified physician can determine this factor.

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This page was last updated: 03/23/2006