IPL Photo-Rejuvenation

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is often used to treat skin conditions. Unlike a laser, this form of light treatment uses light of several different wavelengths (colors) to affect the skin in different ways. Different filters can be used to only use the wavelengths (color) needed to treat a certain condition. The light heats up different structures in the skin (i.e. blood in the blood vessels, pigment in the skin, or pigment in hair) to have a desired effect.

What does IPL Treat?:

• Redness and/or telangiectasia on the face or trunk
• Age spots (anywhere on the face or body)
• Unwanted hair (except gray/white hair)
• Facial rejuvenation (evening out pigment and/or reducing redness)
• Reducing the Appearance of Sun damage (mottled pigmentation and/or redness) on the neck and/or chest

This treatment has become extremely popular and costs are coming down.  Most commonly, facial rejuvenation is desired and IPL photo-rejuvenation reduced redness and/or brown spots on the face.

Does IPL really work?

Yes! There are many different machines available and they are similar, but different. In addition, there the settings must be manually set based on the condition being treated, the machine that is being used, the filter that is being used, and the patient's skin color. IPL treatments are not like buying a pair of shoes, you are paying for the expertise of the provider and his/her experience with the machine they have.

How many IPL treatments will need?

Usually several treatment sessions are needed (average of 3, but up to 6), which can take seconds to over thirty (30) minutes. There is usually some discomfort during treatment, which feels like a very warm instant heat under the skin. Brown spots usually darken a few days after treatment and then flake off within 2 weeks. Each treatment is 3 weeks apart, although can be longer if desired.