Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

No matter what it’s called – Photorejuvenation, Fotofacial or Intense Pulsed Light laser – the IPL device emits a range of light waves that are then tuned and targeted at hemoglobin – the red blood cells in the blood vessels, or melanin – the brown pigment in freckles and age spots. The light beam passes through the skin and is absorbed by either hemoglobin or melanin resulting in damage to the vessel wall or fragmenting of melanin pigment. These tiny vessels and the melanin pigment are then absorbed by the body, rendering them less visible.

When done properly, almost always consists of a series of 3-5 treatments, every four to six weeks. The benefits of photorejuvenation treatments are achieved with little discomfort and minimal risk.

Intense Light Therapy for Sun Damage, Rosacea and Age Spots
Treatment time: 30-60 minutes • Recommended: 3-5 treatments • Frequency: 4-6 weeks • Downtime: Minimal

What is the IPL laser Used For?
Lightening and removing sun spots, age spots, and brown blotches on the face, neck, chest, hands and other areas of the body. IPL can also reduce the redness of and lightens rosacea. Rosacea is dilated blood vessels and “broken” blood vessels on the face, neck, and chest.

How Many Treatments to I Need?
Best results consist of a full series of 3-5 treatment spaced four weeks apart. Some improvement will be seen with each treatment, but it’s common for your response to be slightly different to each treatment. The more sun damage or redness you have, the more likely you are to need a full five treatments. Some cases of severe redness or brown spots require more than five treatments. Expect to see gradual clearing over time.

What Do IPL Treatments Feel Like?
There may be mild discomfort during the treatment, but most patients tolerate very easily. You might feel a slight “zing” during the treatment. As your skin begins to clear, the treatments usually become even more comfortable. We do offer topical numbing cream if preferred to make the treatment more comfortable.

How Long Does it Take?
Treatments usually take 30-90 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.

What Should I Expect?
A cool gel is then placed on the skin being treated followed by goggles to cover your eyes from the bright light. The cool glass surface of the handpiece is gently applied to your skin and pulses of light flash. You may feel a very slight sting, like the snapping of a small rubber band. The treatment is quick and is generally very tolerable.

When Will I See Results?
You feel tightening immediately, however, results will improve dramatically over the next few months as new collagen is formed. It is normal for spots to become darker post-treatment. These spots will either lighten or flake off completely within two weeks. Do not pick or peel flaking, instead, let it heal naturally.

Is There Any Downtime?
There is little to no downtime, however, you should expect to stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after the treatment. You may have redness, typical to a sunburn, for 24-48 hours and darkening of freckles/sun spots. These spots will lighten or flake off within the next couple weeks. Makeup can be worn immediately post-treatment.