Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, often known as photorejuvenation or photofacial, is a non-surgical technique to improve the texture and color of your skin. It can undo some of the obvious signs of photoaging, which is caused by sun exposure. It may be most noticeable on your face, neck, hands, or chest.
IPL may be effective if you have red, brown, or splotchy skin because of a health condition.
How Does IPL Treatment Work?
A handheld device is passed over your skin, sending pulses of broad-spectrum light into the skin’s deep layers. There are no incisions or injections since the pulsing light reaches the skin on a molecular level. The light waves used in an IPL treatment target melanin and hemoglobin in the skin, releasing these hyperpigmentation spots, blemishes, and blotches. IPL light waves also gently heat the skin’s deeper layers. This promotes collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines, scars, and wrinkles. Unlike lasers, IPL produces multiple wavelengths of pulsating light. As a result, IPL can cure multiple skin issues at once.
What are the benefits of IPL?
IPL skin treatment has numerous key benefits: it is quick (sometimes just minutes, depending on the area), which is a huge plus. And there is no downtime, so you may return to work or whatever else you choose right away, with no one knowing where you have been. Another great benefit? IPL promotes collagen and elastin production, so expect gorgeous plumped-up skin. The results can be amazing, leaving you with clearer, more even-toned, and beautiful skin.
Who Should Get IPL Treatment?
It is most effective on pale or light brown skin. Consult your dermatologist if you want to reduce or eliminate:
- Acne
- Stretch marks
- Birthmarks
- Scars
- Liver or age spots
- Brown spots also called liver or age spots
- Broken blood vessels
- Dark spots from hormonal changes
- Fine wrinkles
- Freckles
- Discolored skin
- Redness from rosacea
- Unwanted hair
- Spider veins
During the Procedure
The IPL treatment is commonly performed using a handpiece that is applied to the skin. A water-based gel can be used to improve contact and penetration.
In some circumstances, a topical anesthetic cream is used to reduce discomfort.
A session covering the entire face could take 40 to 50 minutes while reducing signs of aging or other skin issues on the neck could take 45 to 80 minutes.
To effectively minimize the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other treatable skin conditions, four to seven sessions are required.
These sessions are typically held every two to three weeks.
What Happens After an IPL Treatment?
Right after the treatment, you may notice that the affected area remains pink or red for four to eight hours.
That portion may also sting for a few hours, likely four to six hours after the treatment is completed.
Swelling in the affected area may occur as a result of the treatment, but this normally calms within a few days.
A moisturizing lotion should be used twice daily on the affected areas to soothe them.
While there may be a fever-high excitement to see results, these improvements may not be visible for several weeks after the procedure.
Your dermatologist may advise you to apply a specially formulated recovery cream to your skin after treatment.
For the best results, as with any technologically advanced therapy, the skill of the IPL dermatologist is just as important as the equipment. This is why you should check the credentials and experience of any dermatologist you are considering hiring for a cosmetic procedure. Professionals utilize medical-grade equipment that amateurs cannot operate. Price is another factor to consider. If you find an unusually low price for IPL therapy, it is most likely that corners are being cut somewhere, either in the skills of the therapist or in the quality of the equipment.
What to Avoid Before Getting IPL Treatment
- Tanning in the sun, tanning beds, or tanning creams for four weeks
- No waxing, chemical peels, or collagen shots for two weeks
- Do not use perfume, makeup, deodorant, or any skin irritants before the session
- Do not take aspirin or other blood-thinning medications
Who can perform IPL?
Always schedule an appointment with a medically qualified practitioner for the safest, most effective IPL treatment. They will be able to provide you with the best advice and determine whether IPL is the ideal treatment for you. When performed by a medically certified practitioner, IPL is a safe, non-invasive treatment, but, in the hands of someone who is not trained, it can be dangerous.
AESTHETICS TREATMENT in Kearney, NE
Patients can see a medically qualified practitioner at Elite Health and Wellness in Kearney, NE.
Elite Health and Wellness are open and ready to serve you if you are looking for a non-surgical solution to revitalize your appearance and treat sun damage, wrinkles and fine lines, enlarged pores, scars, and more.
To schedule an appointment, please call (308) 455 1500.
