Indicated For:
Skin Discoloration, Pigmentation Issues
Hyperpigmentation from sun spots, freckles, age or liver spots
Redness from rosacea, broken capillaries, generalized redness
Uneven skin tone, dull or ruddy complexion
How it Works:
IPL is a broad-spectrum light therapy that works by delivering a specific wavelength of light energy to target brown and red skin blemishes. The IPL energy is attracted to the pigment-producing cells, targeting and destroying them because they can’t handle the energetic attention. The treatment improves skin tone by reducing the brown and red skin imperfections within the treatment area. The result? Fresh, healthy, evenly-toned skin.
What to Expect After Treatment:
Your skin to be slightly pink/sunburned red for a few hours after your treatment.
If treating hyperpigmentation/dark spots, the spots may get darker as they rise to the surface. If any scabbing/coffee ground texture of the spots occurs, allow them to flake off naturally within 1-2 weeks. You may use cool compress to ease the treated area if needed. Make up can be applied to cover any redness if needed.
Prior to Your Treatment:
- Avoid direct prolonged sun exposure, self tanner, and tanning beds for at least 4 weeks before your treatment.
- Please notify your provider if you have been tanning recently and your skin has darkened
- Avoid using any retinol, bleaching creams, harsh exfoliant products 2 weeks before & least 1 week after IPL treatment.
- Inform your provider if you have taken Accutane (acne medication) or light sensitizing (photosensitizing) medications in the past year.
- Have ice packs available post treatment. Optional, but can help with any post-treatment discomfort such as sun-burned sensation.
Day of Treatment:
- If possible, arrive without creams or make up on the treatment area. Otherwise please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to properly have your skin cleansed. Cleansing products are available for your convenience.
- Pre-treatment photos will be taken.
- You will be given eye shields to cover your eyes – you will see a bright flash of light during IPL treatment – hence the name Intense Pulsed Light!
Post Treatment Instructions:
- You may use sun-screen and makeup immediately post treatment.
- For 3-5 days post treatment (or as long as your skin is pink), the skin should be treated lightly. Please refrain from using any harsh creams (glycolics, Benzyl Peroxide, or Retin A). Tepid water only.
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 2 weeks after treatment. Doing so can increase risk of hyper/hypo-pigmentation, burns, and scarring.
- Use of a sunblock of 50 spf or greater is mandatory. Remember, you are here to resolve sun damage! Also, treated areas can be more sensitive and prone to sun damage during the healing phase. Damaged/treated skin should alway be protected as it is more sensitive and susceptible to sun damage during the healing period.
- If crusted areas appear after treatment, they should be kept soft with a lubricating cream such as Aquaphor or Vaseline. The darkened areas are scheduled to fall off in 1-2 weeks. The face usually resolves faster than the neck or chest. In the rare possibility that any open areas should occur, Bacitracin may be used, 3 times a day. If crusting occurs, avoid picking at it.
- In the case of any itching causing discomfort, you may apply 1% hydrocortisone cream to the treated area every 12 hours for the first 48 hours after treatment if needed. Occasionally swelling can occur the 24-48 hours following treatment.
- It is recommended to keep the treated area moisturized using gentle products such as: Aloe Vera gel or any light moisturizer (e.g.) Cetaphil/Cerave.
- Chemical Peels or microdermabrasion may be done 2 weeks after treatment, only if all areas of sloughing have resolved.
- History of Fever Blisters/Cold Sores: A person who has already had cold sores can experience an outbreak in response to sunlight and trauma. The IPL light can (rarely) trigger one of these outbreaks in someone who has already had cold sores. If you have a history of cold sores, please let us know. We will give you a prescription for an antiviral medication.
Results
- As with all non-invasive cosmetic laser services, you will need a series of treatments to achieve optimal results. Each visit, you will see more and more pigmentation disappear, revealing more even toned skin.
- IPL Photofacials have a scientifically supported and proven protocol of 3-5 treatments.
- Chest and neck discoloration require at least five treatments.
