Rumours have surfaced that there's a new Botox in town. Intense Pulse Light Treatment (IPL) is being said to be the alternative to Botox, but our experts warn against these claims.
'There is no way that IPL can ever be regarded as an alternative to Botox,' says plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr Des Fernandes. And Cape Town-based dermatologist, Dr Ean Smit, agrees. 'IPL is a good system, but it is abused and punted for things it cannot do.'
Botox is a toxin that only has short-term effects, explains somatologist and laser therapist, Nina-Justine von Wielligh. IPL's results usually last for a year or even longer, she says.
WHAT DOES IPL DO?
IPL is a non-invasive process that has the capacity to treat multiple conditions and improve the appearance of the skin, explains von Wielligh.
Whether you want to remove blemishes, rejuvenate your skin or improve elasticity, Smit believes IPL can be a very beneficial treatment. IPL doesn't come near the skin's muscles like Botox does, he says, which means it shouldn't be used to reduce wrinkles. It merely stimulates collagen output, which can then help to reduce any of those unwanted marks, he explains.
While Botox injections paralyse certain muscles and prevent you from frowning or making deep creases when you smile, IPL makes the skin look smoother and tighter by promoting more collagen production, says Fernandes. 'This is why it's become known as the photo-facial. It makes definite changes and should be considered as an alternative to some soft laser treatments, and not Botox,' he adds.
This treatment is useful if you have very sun-damaged skin, including sun-induced freckles, says Fernandes.
Von Wielligh agrees and adds that IPL can address photo-ageing, broken capillaries, hyperpigmentation, scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone causes by excessive melanin production.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED?
'IPL rejuvenates skin by painlessly using white light to penetrate into the skin's dermis,' explains von Wielligh.
The treatment is done in four to six sessions over a three-week period and they last approximately 20 minutes, she says. Multiple sessions allow for a gradual, natural-looking improvement with very low discomfort or risk, she adds. 'The treatments are usually pain-free, but an anaesthetic cream can be used if necessary.' There are no side effects, minus a bit of redness or blotchiness for the first few hours, she adds.
AN ALTERNATIVE
Broadband Light Photorejuvenation (BBL) is a more powerful version of IPL, says laser technician Cherie Fraser from The Melrose Aesthetic Centre in Johannesburg. Fraser has found that many of her patients' skins look older than they should due to large amounts of sun exposure. 'Sun exposure leaves the skin with brown spots, patches and uneven skin tone,' says Fraser. Like IPL, BBL is a quick and simple procedure that can be done in 30 minutes.
Her tip: When deciding to go for laser treatment of any kind, make sure you know about the quality of the laser being used and the experience of the technician who will perform the procedure. 'This will play a huge role in the final results.'
If you would like to find out more about IPL, visit
Nina's Dermal Institute. For further details regarding BBL, visit
The Melrose Aesthetic Centre.