IPL, or intense pulsed light, uses broad-spectrum light to target colour in the skin: the red of visible vessels and flushing, and the brown of sun-induced pigmentation. Sage Dermatology performs IPL at our clinic at Yonge and Wellesley in downtown Toronto.
What IPL treats
- Facial redness and flushing, including the background redness and visible vessels associated with rosacea.
- Sun damage, including freckling and brown patches on the face, neck, chest and hands.
- Broken capillaries around the nose and cheeks.
IPL is not a resurfacing treatment. It works on colour rather than texture, so it does little for lines, scarring or enlarged pores. Those respond to fractional laser or microneedling instead, and the two are often planned together.
Skin tone and suitability
IPL targets pigment, which means it carries real risk in tanned or naturally darker skin, where the light can affect surrounding skin as well as the intended target. We assess skin type before treating, and where IPL is not appropriate we will tell you and offer alternatives rather than proceeding at a lower setting and a poorer result. Recent sun exposure or a tan means postponing treatment.
What to expect
A session takes 20 to 30 minutes. Cool gel is applied and pulses of light feel like a brief snap against the skin. Afterwards the treated area is pink for several hours. Brown spots typically darken over the following days before flaking away, which surprises people who have not been warned. Redness improves gradually across sessions.
Most people need three to five sessions spaced about a month apart, then occasional maintenance, as IPL manages these conditions rather than curing them.
Cost and coverage
IPL is a cosmetic treatment and is not covered by OHIP, including when used for rosacea-related redness. The fee depends on the area treated and is confirmed at consultation. Receipts are provided for health spending accounts.
Booking
No referral is needed for a cosmetic consultation. Call 416.792.0159 or email info@sagedermatology.ca. Sage Dermatology is at 591 Yonge Street, steps from Wellesley station. Plan your visit.