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class="education">IPL Photorejuvination

How Does IPL Work?

IPL is an abbreviation for Intense Pulsed Light. It is a non-laser precision light generator that transmits an extremely bright pulse of white light through a hand piece with a smooth, flat glass surface that is held against the skin. The machine generates multiple wavelengths of light in pulses designed to break up small surface blood vessels, dissipate brown hyperpigmentation and reach deep down in the skin to stimulate the collagen- producing cells without damaging the outer layer.

What is the treatment like?

The procedure requires "no downtime," so patients need not interrupt their daily routine. The treatment lasts 20-60 minutes, depending on the areas treated. Before the procedure the practitioner will apply a thin layer of clear gel to the areas to be treated. This gel is cool and soothing, and assists in the efficacy of the treatment. During the treatment the practitioner moves the hand piece slowly over the treatment site on the skin. The light is administered in short pulses.

Is IPL Safe?

IPL Photofacial is FDA approved. There is no evidence of increased risk for skin cancer nor skin aging from this procedure.

What results should be expected?

Patients may experience one or a combination of the following results:

• Gradual "evening out" of skin tone
• A gradual decrease in redness or brown hyperpigmentation
• Smoother skin with a decrease in fine lines and/or a reduction in pore size depending on the skin condition.
• Possible removal of darker-colored (brown, black) body hair in treatment areas (chin, upper lip, cheeks). Eyebrows and eyelashes will not be affected as they are not treated by the laser. Hair reduction may be permanent. Hair with lighter pigment (grey, blond) will not be affected.
• An increase in noticeable results with more treatments. Although some patients experience their desired results in just 1-2 sessions, most patients require a series of 5 treatments.

Who benefits from IPL Treatments?

• IPL is ideal for many skin types.
• People bothered by flushing, rosacea, uneven pigmentation, sun liver or age spots, freckles, sun damage, small surface veins, superficial acne scars and fine lines.
• Generally, IPL treatment achieves desirable effects on the face, neck, chest and the back of hands. However, IPL may be used on most parts of the body, depending on the needs of the patient and the recommendation of the physician.
• Although not the primary purpose of the procedure, IPL can sometimes remove darker-pigmented (brown or black) body hair. Hair is only removed from the area where the laser passes over. The eyebrows and eyelashes are not touched by the laser, and therefore will not be affected. However, if the patient is receiving treatment to the face, hair on the upper lip, cheeks or chin may be permanently reduced and or removed. Hair with lighter pigment (i.e., blind or grey) cannot be "seen" by the laser, and will remain unaffected.

What can the patient expect after the treatment?

When the practitioner is finished, the gel will be wiped off and the patient can apply makeup as desired and return to their normal activities. Patients are strongly advised to wear sunblock, so that they do not "undo" any of the fading of the red and brown pigmentation. Patients may notice a "coffee grounds" effect on the treated areas in a few days. The "coffee grounds" may look like small, brown specks on the skin. This is the breaking up of discolored pigments of the skin in the treated areas and will get reabsorbed by the body within a few days. Do not scrub at these "coffee grounds" but continue skin care as usual. If they do not disappear within a few days or the patient notices anything unusual with the treated areas, he or she should call their practitioner for more assistance.

Is there anything to avoid while undergoing IPL?

Patients who are very tan should check with the doctor before using IPL. If you plan to get a lot of sun exposure (i.e., skiing, vacationing at the beach, etc.) please check with the practitioner about what you should do to protect your skin. Of course, you should be wearing sunblock everyday so that your skin is protected from further hyperpigmentation or sun damage. If you have a change in your medical condition, become pregnant or start a new medication, you should inform your IPL practitioner.

Remember, for most patients it required many years to build up the unwanted discoloration that IPL eliminates, so it may take more than one or two sessions for it to fade away with treatment.

< Read Pre and Post Operative Instructions for IPL Treatment.

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