IPL Photorejuvenation

What is it?

IPL Photorejuvenation is a safe non-invasive procedure used to reduce the appearance of some common conditions that cause skin discoloration. Brown spots, redness, age spots, broken blood vessels, and rosacea are some examples of skin changes that can be treated with IPL.

The IPL Photorejuvenation device uses multiple wavelengths of light to treat these sun-induced changes on the face. It may also be used on the hands, chest and neck.

IPL can’t stop the aging process, but it can help minimize the effects of Father Time!

How should I prepare for my treatment?

Most important – the area being treated should not be tan on the day of your treatment.

You will be instructed to apply an anesthetic 30-60 minutes prior to the procedure.

The physician will discuss your current medication regimen. There may be some adjustments or omissions on the day of treatment.

And that leads to another important question….

Is it painful?

The sensation experienced during the procedure has been compared to the sting of snapping a small rubber band against the skin. The anesthetic should help lessen this.

What happens during the procedure?

The treatment area will be cleaned.

A cool gel is applied to the area being treated.

Dark glasses will be supplied to wear during the procedure to protect the eyes from the light.

The IPL hand piece is gently applied to the skin and the light pulses will begin.

The procedure can take anywhere from 30 – 90 minutes depending on the area being treated.

How will I care for the area after the treatment?

Patients may experience a few hours or up to a few days of redness and possible pinpoint bruising. It is very important to protect the treated skin from the sun, using sunscreen daily.  You should use sensitive skin cleanser and moisturizer for about a week and then you can return to your normal skin care routine. Also, you should be able to apply makeup to your skin right away if desired. Some brown spots may appear darker for a few days immediately following the procedure and then they should peel off.

How many treatments will it take?

IPL is tailored for each individual’s skin. This means the number of treatments vary.  Typically, 3-6 treatments, one month apart are necessary.

Also, most patients will require a maintenance treatment once or twice per year after the initial series of treatments are complete.