Overview
Intense Pulsed Light™ (IPL) skin treatments using the photorejuvenation process represent a breakthrough in age-defying skin care. This new technique treats skin damage non-invasively — there is no disruption of the skin’s epidermal surface. IPL treatments address the effects of photoaging and sun damage with low risk of complications and no recovery time.
IPL is the gold standard for photorejuvenation. This FDA-cleared, patented technology provides dramatic results for a variety of benign conditions, including:
- Age spots
- Sun-induced freckles
- Symptoms of rosacea or birthmarks
- Unsightly veins
- Acne scarring
- Blemishes
IPL Skin treatments using photorejuvenation offers a solution that:
- Addresses skin conditions that are most visible
- Treats the entire face, not only small spots
- Causes little discomfort
- Offers an immediate return to routine activities
- Provides gradual, natural-looking improvement
- Produces long-lasting results
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IPL FAQs
Q. What is Intense Pulsed Light?
A. This incredible new therapy was pioneered by Dr. Patrick Bitter Jr. and is based on emitting high intensity pulses of light (not lasers) to penetrate the skin and rid you of various complaints. There are different machines for different levels or types of penetration. It is also knows as IPL Photorejuvenation. For instance, PhotoDerm™ as the PhotoDerm VL (vascular lesions) {VascuLight/MultiLight}, PhotoDerm PL (pigmented lesions) or PhotoDerm HR (hair removal).
Q. When can Intense Pulsed Light be performed?
A. You will meet with the doctor and he or she will determine if you are a candidate to receive treatment. He or she will discuss your health, examine your skin and prior scars, ask you questions regarding your family history (answer them honestly and disclose all information) and explain to you what can and essentially what cannot be successfully treated. He or she will also advise you on approximately how many treatments and pulses per treatment that will be needed to achieve your desired goal.
After your test patch/spot treatment you will wait and watch the test area for any negative reactions such as blistering, hyper- or hypo-pigmentations, rashes, persistent redness, etc. and report them to your technician/doctor. If all is well you may schedule an appointment and you will be instructed on what and what not to do for the next two weeks before your first treatment. For instance if you are taking certain supplements or medications you will have to discontinue them until a few days after treatment or until instructed otherwise. You will also be instructed not to tan as hypo-pigmentation (patches of skin lighter in pigment than your normal.
Q. How is Intense Pulsed Light performed?
A. Your doctor will ascertain your comfort and if desired a topical anesthetic may be applied. After the treatment area is numb, a cold, soothing gel will be applied and a glass prism (pyramid) will then be placed over the gel and treatment area. An intense flash of light, or pulse, is flashed through the prism where it is directed at the treatment area to rid you of your complaints. This initial treatment may not be as aggressive as your following treatments so as not to possibly damage the skin and to determine your skin’s tolerance for further intensive treatment. Treatments are usually performed every 3-4 weeks.
Q. What should I expect after my Intense Pulsed Light treatment?
A. Since there is no real downtime you may resume your normal activities after a Pulsed Light treatment. However you must protect your treatment area from UV light, be it natural sunlight or tanning beds. You may be slightly pink or red directly after your treatment as well as have mild swelling. This should subside in a few days and if not you should inform your doctor/technician.
Q. Does Intense Pulsed Light hurt?
A. Although all pain thresholds are different — you may feel anything from a sensation of warmth to a sting as if a rubberband has been snapped against your skin. Some patients may wish to use an EMLA cream beforehand.
Q. When will I be able to see the results?
A. After one or two treatments you should see results depending upon the complaint — However, some problems may take several to see any results. Only a consultation with a qualified physician can determine this factor.
Q. What are the risks of Intense Pulsed Light?
A. Although rare, blistering or slight bleeding is possible as is hypo- or hyper-pigmentation (lightened or darkened areas of skin). If pigmentation problems occur, it may be anywhere from 3 to 12 months before normal skin tome returns. This is especially so with hypo-pigmentation (lack of color). Be aware that some patients may experience permanent skin pigmentation changes. Scarring is possible although it too is a rare occurrence.
Q. Are the results permanent?
A. Depending upon your habits (sun exposure, skin care, use of sublock, medication use, etc), hyper-pigmentations may be fully eradicated. Collagen replacement due to the thermal wound response is subject to natural aging as the rest of your collagen. The longevity is complaint-specific and only a qualified physician can determine this factor.
IPL Before and Afters
