Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photo-Rejuvenation
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photo-rejuvenation is a safe and patient friendly treatment for facial brown spots, age spots, broken blood vessels, and rosacea. It can be used on the neck, chest, arms, and hands as well. It is non-invasive and well tolerated.
What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?
IPL devices use multiple wavelengths of light to treat sun-induced changes on the face, including brown pigmentation, age spots and broken blood vessels. IPL is also used to treat the facial changes of rosacea, including redness and broken blood vessels. IPL may be used for these changes on the hands, neck and chest as well. It is safe, non-invasive and is tailored to the individual patient’s skin.
Is IPL painful?
When the pulses of light are applied to the skin, patients feel some stinging, similar in sensation to the snapping of a small rubber band against the skin.
We therefore have our patients apply an anesthetic cream to the area at home or in the office 30-60 minutes prior to the procedure.
How is IPL performed?
The treatment area is cleansed. A cool gel is applied to the area being treated. Dark glasses are worn to protect the patient’s eyes from the light.
With the patient in a comfortable, relaxed position, the IPL handpiece is gently applied to the skin and light pulses are applied. Treatments usually take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on which area is being treated.
How many treatments will I need?
In general, patients have a series of three to six intense pulsed light photo-rejuvenation treatments, approximately one month apart.
How will I look after each treatment?
Most patients experience a few days of redness and possible pinpoint bruising after the IPL procedure. Some brown spots may appear darker for a few days, then peel off. You can apply makeup immediately after IPL treatment if necessary.
What is my skincare before and after IPL treatment?
It is imperative that the area being treated is not tan the day of the procedure. Other areas on the body can be tan but not the treatment site. Afterwards, it is important to protect your skin from the sun using a sunscreen daily. You should use a sensitive skin cleanser and moisturizer for about a week, then you can resume you normal skin care routine.
How long does the improvement in the skin last?
We like to say, you ‘turn the clock back’ with this type of procedure, but the clock keeps ticking! Most people complete a series monthly treatments and then return for a maintenance treatment once or twice a year.