5 Essential Facts About Pulses in Beauty Treatments You Shouldn’t Miss

When it comes to advanced aesthetic treatments, “pulses” or “passes” refer to targeted bursts of energy that is key to delivering effective and lasting results. From pulse laser treatments to intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, these pulses are essential in improving skin texture, tone, and elasticity. But how exactly do they work?

Why Are Pulses Important in Aesthetic Treatments?

Pulses are controlled bursts of energy delivered through aesthetic devices during a treatment. These can take the form of light pulses (such as intense pulsed light or IPL), radiofrequency (RF) energy, or ultrasound waves, depending on the treatment. Doctors calibrate the number of and intensity of pulses to safely target skin concerns like wrinkles, pigmentation, skin laxity, and acne scars while preserving healthy tissue.

1. More Pulses Don’t Always Mean Better Results

More pulses don’t always mean better results. It’s a common myth that higher pulse counts automatically improve outcomes but too many pulses can actually irritate the skin or cause burns, hyperpigmentation, and longer downtime. At Belo, our expert doctors carefully adjust each patient’s pulse dose to ensure maximum results without side effects.

2. The Standard Pulse Count is Backed by Science

Pulse-based treatments follow research-backed protocols to ensure safety, efficacy, and consistency. Ignoring these guidelines—whether by requesting extra pulses or reducing them—can compromise the final outcome. Trusting your doctor ensures your skin receives the precise amount of energy required for rejuvenation, firming, or resurfacing.

3. Under-Treating Won’t Deliver Long-Lasting Results

Too few pulses can be just as problematic as too many. Under-treatment often leads to results that fade quickly or worse, no visible improvement at all. “Giving too little or too much can result in minimal or even harmful outcomes,” explains Dr. JP Jalandoni, Associate Physician at Belo Greenbelt. A doctor’s consultation ensures you get the right dose for long-lasting, visible results.

4. Different Treatments Require Different Pulse Counts

Each non-invasive aesthetic procedure has its own recommended pulse count and energy settings. Some examples include:

• Laser Hair Removal. The pulse count depends on hair thickness, skin tone, and treatment area.
• Fractional CO2 Laser & Picosure. – Controlled pulses help in precise skin rejuvenation, promoting collagen synthesis and texture improvement.
• Skin Tightening Treatments (Thermage FLX, Swift Lift, Ulthera, Vertical Axis Lift, SofWave, etc.).  Too few pulses may fail to stimulate fibroblast activity, while too many can cause thermal injury. The depth and intensity of pulses matter, ensuring optimal lifting and firming effects.

5. Your Skin Type and Condition Influence Pulse Selection

Skin type matters when it comes to pulse-based treatments.

• Darker skin tones require adjusted pulse settings to minimize the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Thin, sensitive skin needs controlled pulse energy levels to avoid overexposure and irritation.
• Patients with deep acne scars may require higher-energy pulses to trigger tissue remodeling.

Let The Pulse Count Work For YOU!

In non-surgical skin treatments, the right pulse count can make or break your results. Whether you’re considering RF tightening, IPL, or laser resurfacing, proper pulse calibration ensures safety, faster recovery, and longer-lasting improvements.

Ready to discover what’s right for your skin? Book a consultation with a Belo expert and take the first step toward your glow-up.