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Ipl Laser For Face At Home

Ipl Laser For Face At Home

The use of anesthetics or in-office surgical procedures is unnecessary before getting an ipl laser for face at home treatment. Quick and painless, the procedure itself is: After numbing the skin using a lotion, laser energy is administered in short bursts to the target area. Each pulse lasts for roughly a second, and most people need only three treatments to see visible results.

You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on Ipl laser for face at home , ipl dry eye treatment near me. Read on to learn more. We at cosmeticsurgerytips have all the information that you need about ipl eye treatment side effects. Read on to learn more on Best Ipl Hair Removal and at home ipl for dark spots.

Ipl Laser For Face At Home

Ipl Laser For Face At Home

At this point, anyone who feels compelled to try hair removal can choose from an array of options. From depilatory creams to sugaring to old-school razors, there are more ways to eliminate hair than you could count on both hands.

IPL hair removal is one common option, which offers a more lasting result than shaving or even waxing. (In fact, it was one of the top five most popular minimally-invasive procedures in 2020, according to the most recent Plastic Surgery Statistics Report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons [ASPS].) While you may associate the treatment with med spas, numerous at-home IPL devices have hit the market, promising an alternative for people who’d rather take matters into their own hands. If you’re wondering whether the ability to use the tech from your home is too good to be true, here’s the full scoop.

What are at-home IPL devices?

IPL stands for intense pulsed light, the form of scattered light that these handheld tools give off. “These are devices that emit a wide spectrum of light to treat the skin,” says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. The technology is similar to but different from laser hair removal. “Technically [IPL devices] are not lasers since lasers emit only a single wavelength of light,” while IPL emits multiple wavelengths, explains Dr. Zeichner. (Related: Everything You Need to Know About Trying Laser Hair Removal at Home)

IPL can be used to treat brown spots or broken capillaries and redness in addition to its application in reducing hair production. “Different filters are used to limit the light that is delivered by the device to offer a customized treatment that addresses your particular need,” says Dr. Zeichner.

“[IPL] uses a big [dose] of light to capture certain targets in the skin,” says Azadeh Shirazi, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Laser Dermatology. “In terms of hair removal, the target would be melanin.” (Reminder: Melanin is a natural pigment in your skin and hair.) When the goal is hair removal, IPL devices are filtered to emit light at a wavelength of 600 to 700 nanometers, which can selectively heat and destroy melanin without heating the surrounding skin, she explains. When the light heats the melanin in a hair follicle, that causes the strand of hair to fall out and kills the hair follicle, thereby decreasing regrowth. (Although it takes multiple sessions to achieve full results, which only ever amounts to a reduction of hair growth rather than permanently eliminating new growth, according to Dr. Shirazi.)

Home IPL devices — e.g. Kenzzi, SmoothSkin, and Braun IPL devices — use the same technology at lower energies compared to what the pros use, according to Dr. Zeichner. Of course, that comes with a tradeoff. “The IPL devices in the office are obviously going to be a lot more powerful and hopefully are being used by trained professionals, whereas the IPL devices at home are going to be much weaker in terms of the amount of energy that they’re able to deliver so the results aren’t going to be as good,” says Dr. Shirazi. That said, a small study on at-home IPL devices published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology reported a 78 percent reduction in amount of hair at the one-month mark and a 72 percent reduction after three months, with participants receiving biweekly treatments with an at-home device over the course of six weeks.

What are the perks of using at-home IPL devices?

You can use at-home IPL devices on any area of the body where hair is found, whether that means treating your facial hair or giving yourself a full Brazilian, according to Dr. Shirazi. Investing in an at-home IPL device can also save you money compared to in-office treatments. Home IPL devices typically cost around $150 to several hundred dollars, while the average cost of a single session of professional IPL cost roughly $412 in 2020, according to the ASPS report. Most people need six to 12 IPL treatments to achieve full results, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Then there’s the convenience factor. Switching to using an IPL at home will save you time if you normally shave. To give you an idea, Braun recommends using its Silk Expert Pro 5 once a week for four to 12 weeks, then every one to two months for maintenance. Taking matters into your own hands also eliminates any awkwardness you might feel around having a stranger treat your bikini area while you attempt to make small talk. (Related: How to Shave Your Bikini Area Without Causing Irritation)

What are the downsides of trying IPL at home?

IPL can be moderately painful. It also comes with potential side effects, which is one reason why Corey L. Hartman, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama, finds the idea of putting the technology in the hands of non-professionals unsettling. When used improperly, IPL can cause “blistering, redness, scarring, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, pain, oozing, or crusting,” says Dr. Hartman. “IPL devices are not casual.”

“I’ve seen some terrible burns and terrible scarring from IPL done in the office and done at home,” echoes Dr. Shirazi. “It’s tricky because you’re playing around with energy and heat and if the skin absorbs all of that, you can certainly get a burn.”

Additionally, both IPL and laser devices have the potential to do the exact opposite of what you want. “If you use conservative settings or low energy settings of light to try to remove hair,” you can actually stimulate growth, says Dr. Shirazi. “You could end up with a condition called paradoxical hair stimulation from laser treatments. The low energy is not enough to chill the hair follicle, but it’s enough to stimulate the hair follicle to grow.” That’s why you may have heard of low-level laser-emitting caps designed to promote hair growth.

Another major downside? IPL isn’t well-suited to dark skin tones or light-colored hair. “IPL is high-risk for people with dark skin tones,” who naturally have more melanin, according to Dr. Shirazi. “What happens, as the light passes through it’s going to capture the melanin on the surface of the skin. The more melanin there is on the surface of the skin the more likely it is to absorb all the energy, and then you can end up with a burn.” IPL device brands often provide charts on their websites indicating which skin tones should avoid using their products altogether.

All in all, is at-home IPL worth trying?

The experts interviewed for this story were divided on whether at-home IPL is worthwhile or even okay to try. If you buy an at-home IPL device, you can assume that it uses lower energy than professional devices, making it safe to use at home, says Dr. Zeichner. “The biggest potential risk associated with using IPL devices is the development of hyperpigmentation,” he says. “This risk is very low with at-home devices because of the safety measures put in place that allow them to be used without professional supervision.”

Not everyone gives at-home IPL devices a thumbs up. Any IPL device will be either be able to “really do some harm” or they’ll be ineffective, and that there’s no in-between, says Dr. Hartman. “I don’t understand at-home IPL devices,” he says. “I’m scared of them. I do not recommend.”

IPL technology is better suited for treating brown spots, redness, and sun damage than hair removal, he adds. When his patients ask him about IPL for hair removal, Dr. Hartman steers them toward laser hair removal instead. More specifically, Nd:YAG and alexandrite laser hair removal are ideal for dark and light skin tones, respectively, he says. “They just work better, and they have more science and studies behind them,” says Dr. Hartman. (Related: I Was ~This Close~ to Lasering Off My Pubes for Life—Here’s What Stopped Me)

Finally, IPL is fine to try at home provided you a) don’t have a dark skin tone, b) have read up on IPL, and c) have managed your expectations, in Dr. Shirazi’s opinion. “I always recommend that people do a test spot, wait a day or two and make sure that your skin is not reacting in an adverse fashion,” before using one of the devices on a large area, she says. Another pointer: “You have to be really careful around going around curved areas, so particularly around the bikini or contours of the face it’s really important to have good contact [between your skin and] the device, because if you’re at an angle or you don’t have full contact of the light with the skin you could just be delivering pure heat rather than the light,” preventing the device from functioning properly, she adds.

If you’re after a dramatic reduction in hair growth, it’s probably best to visit a pro, since they’ll use a much more powerful device, says Dr. Shirazi. “I think [at-home IPL] is fine to use as a maintenance treatment but it’s really not going to work as effectively as in-office IPL.” And IPL in general is “much weaker” than lasers for hair removal to begin with, she adds.

One thing’s for sure: If you want to remove your body hair but at-home IPL doesn’t feel quite right, you’ve got plenty of other options to consider.

At Home Ipl For Dark Spots

“Home IPL devices are unregulated and should not be used for management of pigmentation, or any skin problems,” she advises. Both doctors noted that these DIY devices aren’t really strong enough to produce significant results.

When the light penetrates your skin, the targeted heat zaps only the spots with excess melanin, and leaves the rest alone. It works to eliminate the pigmentation that you see toward the surface of your skin so that you can naturally slough off or exfoliate those cells.

Unfortunately, IPL doesn’t permanently stop or remove melanocytes from producing melanin, so your dark spots will likely return in time. However, a lot of women see significant reductions in visible dark spots after professional treatments.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF USING AN IPL LASER AT HOME?

So if getting IPL done in a professional setting works well on dark spots, can we try at-home IPL for dark spots? Using this kind of advanced technology at home sounds like risky business—and, according to the experts we consulted, it is.

“In the last few years, there has been a rapid increase in home light devices that have had very little testing,” says plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Simone Matousek(opens in new tab). “Home IPL devices are unregulated and should not be used for management of pigmentation, or any skin problems,” she advises. 

Both doctors noted that these DIY devices aren’t really strong enough to produce significant results. In fact, they can actually cause “darkening of pigmentation, as the intensity of home IPL units is too weak,” says Dr. Morrell. “And, if the intensity is stronger, there is a possibility of burns.” 

So, zapping your skin with an at-home IPL device might actually worsen your unwanted dark spots, by making them even darker.

AT-HOME IPL VS PROFESSIONAL IPL 

If you’re comparing at-home IPL devices against professional-grade equipment, the latter will always be safer and more sophisticated. 

“The more high-end IPL devices that are operated in medical practices are more tunable, have more precise targeting of skin problems, and are safer in darker skin types. Medical-grade broadband light is one such device, and is more effective and has inbuilt cooling to make it safe,” explains Dr. Matousek.

She continued, “At-home devices will likely be too weak to have any real impact, as any manufacturer would be worried about the potential of being sued. The machines that will actually have a real impact on skin problems are way more powerful than is safe for any consumer to use.”  

Moreover, despite how easy at-home IPL for dark spots might sound, managing pigmentation concerns isn’t as simple as zapping your skin a few times. According to Dr. Matousek, “It requires correct topical medication before and after such treatments; some of these can only be prescribed by a doctor.”

So, if an at-home IPL product promises to clear up dark spots in no time—without any medical oversight, topical treatment, or training—it’s probably too good to be true.

HOW TO USE IPL TO TREAT DARK SPOTS

If you want to proceed with an IPL treatment for dark spots, “You should always go see a professional; do not try it at home,” advises Dr. Morrell.

The price tag for professional treatment might be higher, but experts advise against trying a DIY device as a way to cut costs on skincare. 

As Dr. Matousek suggests, “Going to a trained plastic surgeon or dermatologist, having a proper skin assessment and treatment plan, and getting effective, evidence-based therapies is a far better use of time and money than buying a home device. There’s a reason the best lasers and light devices cost hundreds and thousands of dollars; they require precise engineering and regular checkups and tuning to keep your skin safe.”

IPL Dry Eye
IPL for Dry Eyes (Image: Dry Eye Directory)

Ever heard of IPL for Dry Eyes?

In this article, learn how Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) can help relieve Dry Eyes.

Are you tired of the constant discomfort and trouble because of your eyes?

Are over-the-counter artificial tear solutions not working anymore?

IPL can help relieve the signs and symptoms of dry eyes by dealing with the root cause.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment can now be used to treat chronic dry eyes caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Ocular Rosacea.

Don’t let the persistent irritation caused by dry eyes take control of your daily life.

Read on as we discuss everything you need to know about IPL treatment.

What is Intense Pulsed Light Treatment?

Intense Pulsed Light or IPL treatment is a skin treatment that improves dry eyes.

IPL treatment has been used by Dermatologists for over twenty years.

For example, people who had IPL treatment for Rosacea found their dry eyes were significantly improved.

IPL can directly deal with one of the leading causes of dry eyes known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

MGD is the leading cause of over 86% of dry eye cases along with other factors.

This dysfunction occurs when the meibomian glands don’t produce enough oil for the tears which keeps the eye moist.

How can IPL help with dry eyes?

Watch this video by Dr Joseph Allen, Doctor Eye Health about IPL for Dry Eyes:

IPL treatment involves flashes of light to the skin around the eyelids and face.

Light gets absorbed by the mitochondria of the Meibomian Glands. This helps to switch on the Glands. They become ‘younger’ and more active. The Glands produce better Meibomian Oil and improve dry eyes.

IPL also helps target Ocular Rosacea. Flashes gets absorbed in the small, leaky capillaries in Ocular Rosacea. It helps to ‘seal off’ these leaky vessels. The result is less inflammation and redness.

IPL also kills bacteria and Demodex on the surface of the eyelids.

In short, IPL helps switch on your eyes and break the vicious cycle of dry eyes.

How does IPL compare to Lipiflow?

Lipiflow and IPL are treatments for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

Here is a table comparing the effictiveness of IPL to:

  • Lifitegrast/Cyclosporin
  • Lipiflow (Thermal Pulsation)
  • Hypochlorous Acid
  • Omega Three Supplements

Table by Dr Laura Periman M.D. (Dry Eye Master).

What is the Evidence for IPL?

  • A systematic review showed that IPL is a safe and effective treatment for MGD
  • Another systematic review showed that IPL helps to switch on Meibomian Glands
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology shows evidence that IPL works to improve signs and symptoms
  • IPL reduces symptoms better than near-infrared light in MGD
  • IPL helps to reduce specific signs inflammation in MGD
  • Effects can be predicted based on symptom scores before treatment
  • IPL even helps for Allergic Conjunctivitis and Itchy Eyes

Which celebrities have had IPL?

Mandy Moore is an American singer, songwriter and actress. She was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019:

Kyle Richards is an American actress, socialite and media personality. She starred in The Real Housewives.

The IPL procedure

Your optometrist will start with a comprehensive eye assessment to diagnose the severity of the meibomian gland dysfunction and determine your skin type.

The assessment tailors the treatment plan for your particular dry eyes.

Once your optometrist confirms that IPL is right for you, they will schedule a minimum of four sessions of IPL treatment over three months.

Single top up treatments may be done every six to twelve months.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/155810522?h=33df66c973&dnt=1&app_id=122963IPL (Lumenis) demonstration

Here’s how the IPL procedure works:

  • You remove makeup and other skin products from the skin.
  • Your eye doctor places IPL eye pads over the closed eyes and shields the eyes with protective goggles.
  • Your eye doctor applies conductive gel beneath the eyelid area.
  • You receives one full pass of the pulsed light with overlapping flashes that ensures even treatment of the eyelid area.
  • The doctor applies more conductive gel before performing a second pass.
  • After deeming the patient had enough IPL flashes, the doctor will then remove the gel.

Further treatment may be administered in conjunction with IPL as recommended by your optometrist, like meibomian gland expression.

In this procedure, the doctor squeezes out the contents of your meibomian glands by compressing the lower eyelids.

Best Ipl Hair Removal

IPL treatments are not only the most effective way to remove hair from the body, but have been shown to be the safest and least painful option for removing unwanted hair.

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and uses a combination of high intensity light and heat to destroy the hair follicle. The light is delivered to the skin through a handpiece that emits pulses of light energy. The laser light passes through the skin surface, where it is absorbed by melanin (the pigment in your hair) in the base of each hair follicle. The melanin absorbs energy from the laser light and is converted into heat energy which travels up through the shaft of each hair follicle. This destroys the bulb at its base, stopping future growth.

The best ipl hair removal is at a doctor’s office or medical spa. This is because the machines used in these places are much more powerful than what you can purchase at home. They also have better technology that allows for a more even distribution of heat and energy over the skin, which prevents any burns or spots where the hair has been missed.

The treatment can be performed by a nurse, aesthetician or physician assistant. The process involves applying an alcohol-based gel to the skin and then using an ipl laser to target and destroy the hair follicle and root. This process can take anywhere from 3 to 10 minutes per area treated. The amount of time depends on how many areas need to be treated and if there are any areas with thicker hair growth (such as men’s backs).

After treatment, patients may experience some redness and swelling at the site of treatment for a few days after treatment.

Occaisonally, some people notice an improvement after the first treatment.

Although each person is different, around ninety percent of people notice a significant difference with IPL.

What are the side effects of IPL for Dry Eye?

Side effects are typically minor and temporary. These include

  • Discomfort
  • Redness on the treated skin area
  • Tingling sensations
  • Mild mucus discharge
  • Slight inflammation which might be caused by glad expression rather than the IPL treatment itself
  • Lightening of the skin for dark-skinned or tanned individuals

As stated, these side effects are relatively mild and somewhat rare. If any of these side effects persist, call your doctor.

IPL treatment restrictions

There are a few factors that may prevent you from getting IPL treatment.

  • IPL is not advisable for pregnant women.
  • IPL should be used with discretion if you have very dark skin (skin phototype VI). Darker skin pigment tends to absorb light.
  • You can’t undergo the treatment if you have birthmarks, moles, keloid scarring or tattoo near your eyelid areas and if you have a recent fake tan.
  • Conditions like xeroderma and lupus disease may also prevent you from undergoing IPL treatment.
  • Taking collagen injections, certain medicines that increase photo-sensitivity, vitamin A, RetinA, or glycolic acid, doxycycline, ibuprofen, and aspirin can also affect your eligibility for IPL treatment.

How to prepare for IPL treatment

Before your scheduled IPL treatment session…

  • Avoid too much sun exposure.
  • Do not expose your skin to UV light and artificial tan (sprays, lotions, gels, etc.) before and in between your IPL sessions.
  • Avoid swimming in strongly chlorinated water before your treatment
  • Don’t use exfoliating or peeling products for a week before your appointment.
  • Avoid intake of aspirin or ibuprofen for a week before your scheduled session. Inform your doctor if your taking medications beforehand.
  • Remove all makeup and other skin products.
  • Keep the area to be treated clean and dry.

IPL aftercare

After you undergo an IPL treatment session…

  • Avoid too much sun exposure to reduce chances of dark and light spots formation on the treated area.
  • Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on the treated area.
  • Do not expose the treated area to UV light.
  • Do not pick on the treated area.
  • Avoid hot baths, showers or sauna for a week. Humid conditions can aggravate the treated area.
  • Make sure you use moisturizer if applying make up after the treatment.

Your doctor might also advise supplements and dietary recommendations, natural remedies, lifestyle changes, and other best practices to ensure the health of your eyes and meibomian glands.

IPL Dry Eye Cost

Prior to your treatment, your doctor will discuss the likely number of treatments with you. Typically, this is around four treatments. Treatments are often spaced between two to four weeks apart.

Doctors often recommend a minimum of four treatments. Treatment costs vary, but are usually around a few hundred dollars per session.

Will your health insurance pay for any of the treatment? Although your visits are unlikely to be covered by your health insurance, it may be worth asking anyway. If they do, you might get to claim some reimbursement. Talk to your doctor or practice staff for more information.

Intense Pulsed Light Treatment FAQ

Here is a list of questions and answers you may need to take into consideration before deciding on IPL treatment.

Is intense pulsed light the same as laser?

IPL utilizes broader range wavelengths of intense light, unlike laser treatment that operates on a narrower, specific wavelength, making IPL safer and gentler than laser.

Does IPL for dry eyes hurt?

You may experience some redness and a little discomfort in the treated areas, but they are mild and will only last for a few minutes or hours after the session.

How much does IPL cost?

The cost of IPL treatment varies depending on the clinics and the equipment and technology they use. A treatment plan can cost $800 – $1000 for three or four sessions. Initial comprehensive eye assessment and additional procedures like meibomian gland expression may cost extra depending on the treatment plan you manage to procure.

Some dry eye sufferers spend just as much on eye drops and medicines alone. Investing in IPL treatment offers long-term results that can save you tons of money in the long run.

Is IPL for dry eye covered by insurance?

Insurance does not cover the cost of IPL, and the charge for each treatment session can vary depending on the optometrist and the equipment they use. It is best to consult with a few optometrists or get some trustworthy recommendations first before booking a session.

How often do I need to have IPL for dry eye?

Patients can expect visible improvement in their dry eye symptoms after the first series of IPL treatment. Your doctor might recommend occasional maintenance treatments.

Your optometrist may advise you to come back for an additional session of IPL treatment every three to six months, depending on how severe your dry eyes are and how your eyes will initially react to the procedure.

Will I still need drops if I finish a course of IPL?

You no longer need eye drops once you have finished a course of IPL treatment. If you feel like your symptoms are coming back, though it can be after a very long time, you can go for an extra session of IPL treatment.

Is IPL FDA approved for dry eye?

One IPL device manufacturer (Lumenis) received FDA approval for IPL in April 2021.

Conclusion- why should you consider IPL for Dry Eye?

  • The intense pulsed light treatment deals with the root cause of dry eye disease.
  • Unlike laser treatments, IPL is easy on the skin. You may even notice an improvement in the treated skin area after the sessions.
  • IPL can also improve your vision (e.g. filmy, smeary, blurry vision) and provide eye comfort.
  • The treatment is safe and ensures little to no discomfort during the procedure.
  • Each session only takes around ten minutes.
  • By dealing with the root cause of the disease, IPL reduces your dependency on eye drops and other pharmaceutical remedies.

Are you tired of having irritated, dry eyes? Have you tried other dry eye treatments without any luck? Fortunately, some procedures can help relieve the symptoms associated with dry eye. 

Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment is a treatment for dry eye that your optometrist can perform. It uses light therapy to target the root causes of dry eye, leaving you more comfortable and with less severe symptoms. 

Don’t let dry eye get you down! Keep reading to learn more about IPL dry eye treatment and how it can improve your dry eye symptoms.

WHAT IS IPL?

Intense Pulsed Light treatment (IPL) for dry eye utilizes pulses of light to release oil buildup in the meibomian glands in the eyelids. 

HOW DOES IPL TREAT DRY EYE?

IPL treats dry eye by removing blockages in the meibomian glands. This is important because blocked meibomian glands can lead to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which is the leading cause of dry eye. MGD is the cause of nearly 80% of dry eye cases. 

When the meibomian gland becomes blocked, the glands don’t produce enough oil for the tears, which causes the eyes to dry out. IPL stimulates and restores healthy gland function and can offer long-term treatment of chronic dry eye disease.

MGD & DRY EYE

Dry eye disease occurs when there is a long-term lack of moisture in the eye. If you suffer from MGD, your tears cannot produce the quality of tears needed to keep your eyes healthy, comfortable, and seeing well. 

This leads to evaporative dry eye, which is the most common form of dry eye. When your meibomian glands are blocked, it results in a lack of the lipid or mucous layer in your tears. Without these layers, your tears evaporate too quickly, causing dry eye disease. 

DRY EYE SYMPTOMS

Dry eye symptoms include: 

  • Burning, aching or itchy eyes
  • Fatigued eyes
  • Eye redness
  • Eye dryness 
  • Photophobia (light sensitivity)
  • Feeling like something is in your eye 
  • Blurred vision
  • Mucus in or around the eyes
  • Difficulty with vision, especially at night
  • Abnormally watery eyes
  • Discomfort when wearing contact lenses

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, book an appointment with your eye doctor to find relief today!

HOW IS IPL DIFFERENT? 

There are many treatment options available to treat dry eye. These include:

  • Artificial tears
  • Hot or cold compresses
  • Eyelid scrubs 

Unfortunately, these treatments focus on temporarily relieving symptoms instead of treating the root cause of the patient’s dry eye. 

IPL dry eye therapy targets the root cause of evaporative dry eye, leaving you with more minor symptoms for a longer amount of time.

Although results differ for everyone, studies have shown that 93% of patients are satisfied with the outcome of IPL dry eye treatment and what it has done for their dry eye symptoms. 

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN IPL TREATMENT

The IPL Process

The typical IPL process is as follows:

  • First, your eye doctor will place protective shields over the eyes
  • Your doctor will spread a thin layer of cooling gel underneath the eyes
  • A small device is then used to deliver pulses of light to the area around the eyelids, which help release debris from the meibomian glands
  • After the IPL light treatment is complete, your eye doctor may manually express oil from the glands
Young women receiving IPL treatment near forehead area

How Long Does IPL Last?

One session of IPL takes about 10 – 15 minutes. You can expect to require at least 3 treatment sessions, but your eye doctor may recommend more depending on the severity of your dry eye disease. 

You should experience relief within a few minutes of your first session, and results can last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, depending on your eyes. 

Your optometrist will most likely recommend maintenance sessions throughout your life to maintain long-term results. 

SIDE EFFECTS OF IPL TREATMENT

Like any other treatment, there are potential side effects associated with IPL. The side effects are generally mild and temporary, but you should contact your optometrist if symptoms last longer than a week or are severe. 

You may experience the following side effects after receiving the IPL treatment.

  • Discomfort and redness
  • A tingling sensation
  • Eye discharge
  • Swollen eyes

THE TAKEAWAY 

Dry eyes may not be permanently curable, but the right treatment can offer long-term relief from dry eye symptoms. 

If you have tried dry eye therapies in the past, but nothing has seemed to work, it might be time to consider a more advanced treatment like IPL dry eye therapy.

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