What is it?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), commonly known as a “Photofacial,” is a non-invasive solution designed to enhance skin tone by addressing issues like hyperpigmentation, including age spots, sun spots, and freckles, as well as vascular lesions like rosacea and telangiectasia.
The advanced IPL system delivers precisely controlled light energy to targeted areas of the skin. Upon absorption, this energy generates heat, effectively eliminating melanin—the black to brown pigment responsible for skin hyperpigmentation. In the case of vascular lesions, IPL ensures uniform heating across the entire blood vessel diameter, causing it to contract. Over time, the body's immune cells naturally eliminate the damaged blood vessel, resulting in smoother, rejuvenated skin with an improved overall appearance.
IPL can safely be used on type 1 (ivory skin), type 2 (fair skin), type 3 (fair to beige), and type 4 (light brown) skin to achieve their desired cosmetic goals.
Unlike purely aesthetic centers, we specialize in treating eye-related conditions like ocular rosacea and demodex. Using the minimally invasive Cynosure Icon Max G, we
efficiently address root causes with minimal or no downtime.
How does it work?
This treatment involves applying pulsed light to the skin to reduce imperfections and address specific skin conditions. The light wavelength targets damaged skin areas, allowing your body to naturally remove them through its exfoliation process.
What does treatment look like?
Once it has been established that you are a good candidate for IPL treatment we book you an appointment with our onsite medical specialist. Treatments last about 30 minutes depending on the skin or eye area(s) being treated. Discomfort is minimal. After the session is over, you can expect some minor redness or swelling. The redness and swelling should fade eventually, and aside from needing to protect yourself from the sun, you can return to your normal activities.
What are the results?
You’ll notice an improved skin texture and a refined clearer complexion. Although patients usually notice visible improvements after one treatment, a series of 3-6 treatments is typically recommended to achieve optimal results.
Immediately after the procedure, you may notice darkening of the treated skin. This is normal, and the outer layers of your skin will soon exfoliate to reveal younger-looking,
smoother skin. As your skin produces new elastin and collagen, you may notice a gradual reduction in fine lines. Over several months, you may notice firmer skin.
How to prepare for IPL treatment
● Discontinue Accutane 6-12 months prior to your procedure.
● No Active Tan. Avoid unprotected sun exposure, tanning beds or lights, and sunless tanning creams or sprays for at least 4 weeks prior to your procedure. SPF 45 should be used daily.
● Day of your procedure: Shave any dense hair in the treatment areas the night before the day of treatment. Remove all makeup on the day of treatment.
IPL aftercare
● Apply wrapped ice or gel packs to the treatment area for 10-15 minutes every hour for the next 4 hours. Never apply ice directly to the skin.
● Until redness resolves, avoid applying cosmetics. Soothing creams and moisturizers can be used immediately.
● Apply a broad-spectrum SPF of 45 or greater to maximize your results. Avoid tanning or unprotected sun exposure to prevent new pigmented or vascular lesions.
● Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, exercise or other activities that increase body temperature and perspiration for the next 24-48 hours.
● An over-the-counter analgesic such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, taken according to manufacturer’s recommendation, may be taken to reduce discomfort if these medications are not contraindicated for you by your medical provider.
● DO NOT pick, remove, or pull at any darkened lesions on the skin as this can lead to hyperpigmentation, injury, infection, and scarring.
