|
Intense pulsed light
(IPL) therapy is a “quick-fix” procedure requiring virtually
no downtime to rejuvenate the skin and restore a youthful
glow. IPL stimulates new collagen to form in the skin
thereby reducing fine lines, minimizing pore size and
acne scars, and increasing skin elasticity. Intense
pulsed light also diminishes flushing or redness of
the face associated with Rosacea, reduces brown spots,
erases broken capillaries, and smoothes roughly textured
skin.
IPL therapy consists of a series
of 4 to 6 treatments, in which an intense flash of light
is emitted similar to the flash of a camera. IPL passes
through the top layer of skin (epiderrmis) and penetrates
to the deeper layer (dermis) where blood vessels, pigment
cells, and collagen are found. Because the epidermis
is unharmed, the severe redness and peeling associated
with traditional laser skin resurfacing is avoided.
Any skin can be treated with IPL
including skin on the face, neck, chest, back, hands,
arms, and legs. The actual procedure time varies depending
on the size of the area treated. IPL therapy of the
full face may take 20 minutes, while treatment of the
face, neck and chest may take as long as 45 minutes.
Topical cream anesthesia can be
applied one to one and a half hours prior to intense
pulsed light treatment to reduce any stinging sensation.
Abnormal blood vessels are typically not anesthetized
due to constriction and blanching of the blood vessels,
making visualization of the vessels difficult.
IPL treatments of freckles or brown
spots usually require no downtime, and you can return
to normal daily activities immediately. Over a 2 to
3 week period any brown spots or freckles will darken
and then flake off. IPL treatments of abnormal redness
or vessels usually have minimal downtime, as well, although
some patients experience purple discoloration as the
intense pulsed light ruptures the blood vessels. Camouflage
makeup can conceal any discoloration, and it usually
resolves in about a week.
After IPL therapy, it is especially
important to wear sunscreen and a hat to avoid sun exposure
and prevent discoloration or recurrence of sun damage,
brown spots, and lines.
Locate
A Skin Treatment Specialist
See Before and After
Photos of Intense Pulsed Light
Read Articles About Skin Rejuvenation
Shop for Skin Care Products
Finance Your Intense
Pulsed Light Procedure
|
