Intense Pulsed-Light Treatment (IPL)
Peninsula Vascular Center is a private practice center specializing exclusively in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with vascular disease. We serve the mid-Peninsula, including Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Atherton, Santa Clara and San Mateo County, California.
Intense pulsed light treatment, sometimes called Broadband pulsed light treatment (BBL), provides a safe, non-invasive, surface solution for clearing superficial veins, particularly smaller, reddish veins on the face, neck and chest as well as the legs, ankles and abdomen. We can typically complete sessions in under an hour and patients can resume work and normal activities immediately. Peninsula Vascular Center frequently utilizes IPL in conjunction with sclerotherapy for the cosmetic treatment of small veins, or as the final step in an overall varicose vein treatment plan.
Other skin applications for IPL treatment include redness and rosacea, sun spots and other causes of discoloration, hair removal, scar reduction after surgery and removal of facial veins and other vascular abnormalities. To learn more about these and other aesthetic procedures available at Peninsula Vascular Center, see our Aesthetic Services.
How It Works
A cooled handpiece delivers pulsed energy to the skin, targeting affected areas. The energy applied is absorbed by blood components, creating enough heat to quickly coagulate and seal unwanted vessels. We usually recommend a series of two to four sessions at monthly intervals.
Pulsed light treatments are ideal for lighter skin type patients presenting with spider veins. We usually recommend that darker skin type patients consider sclerotherapy for spider vein treatment.
What You Can Expect
Pulsed light treatments are very well tolerated, as a built in cooling mechanism will keep the skin comfortable by "neutralizing" most of the heat generated within the abnormal veins during treatment. Patients may feel a warm, tingling sensation as the light energy penetrates the vessels. Many patients note immediate improvement in the appearance of their spider veins and can expect more clearing as they continue their treatment regimen. It is common for veins to slightly darken in color immediately following treatment and then gradually lighten as the body reabsorbs them.
Patients may experience short-term mild redness in the treated area. This can be covered with cosmetics if desired. We recommend patients avoid sun exposure immediately prior to and after treatment, as this will increase sensitivity in the treated area.