Intense Pulsed
Light
What Is an IPL Treatment?
Intense Pulsed Light face treatment, which is sometimes referred to as a photofacial or photorejuvenation, is a way to restore evenness to your skin’s texture by stimulating collagen and heating up cells that have acquired a dark pigmentation over time.
The device emits a broad spectrum of wavelengths that are attracted to the brown and red areas of your skin. When the cells in these areas heat up, they diminish and are absorbed back into your body, giving you a more evenly colored complexion.
This is similar to a laser treatment with one key difference. Most lasers only emit one wavelength and are used for a single purpose, such as removing tattoo ink. IPL devices use a spectrum that can address multiple signs of aging at the same time.
This is helpful for people who want to achieve a generally youthful appearance because aging usually shows itself in several different ways such as facial redness and sun spots.
Remember: Hydrate the skin after treatment to achieve the best outcome. Our aesthetician will be happy to discuss the best regimen post treatment.
Pre-treatment instructions
- Avoid deep tanning (tanning bed, tanning creams) 4 weeks before, and 4 weeks after the treatment. If you must go in the sun, use a sunscreen SPF 30 or higher with a mineral component (zinc/titanium). Sun exposure can lead to pigmentary changes.
- If you are tan or have a darker skin type, we can utilize different peels that can assist you in your skin renewal needs. We will provide a complementary skin care consultation on the same day as your procedure.
- Avoid any irritating skin products 7 days prior to treatment.
- It is recommended that you arrive with a clean face free of makeup if possible.
- It is best that you refrain from tweezing or waxing (1 week prior).
- Do NOT use accutane (6 months prior) or retinol prior to treatment (hold retinol for 7 days). No recent peels or aggressive facial treatments close to the treatment.
- DO NOT wear make-up, deodorant, perfumes or powder on the areas to be treated.
- If you have a history of herpes (cold sore), please inform our office so that we can prescribe suppressive therapy prior to your treatment. PLEASE INFORM OUR OFFICE IF YOU HAVE A HISTORY OF COLD SORES.
Treatment Information
Post-treatment instructions
- Immediately after treatment, there may be redness and bumps at the treatment site. It is normal for the treated area to feel like sunburn. Keep the area cool and hydrated. Moisturizing ointment or Aquaphor is recommended post-treatment. Avoid hot showers. Hold retinol products for 5-7 days after the treatment.
- Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of dark or light spots. Use sunscreen SPF 30 or greater at all times throughout the course of treatment.
- Anywhere from 7-14 days after the treatment, shedding of the skin may occur. Do not pick, pull or rub these areas to avoid inadvertent complications. You may notice pigment raising up to the surface. Due to the treatment, the pigment will likely lift and shed a few weeks after the procedure.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IPL is a unique treatment option that can be used to treat a wide variety of cosmetic concerns including:
- Uneven skin pigmentation
- Vascular birthmarks
- Facial redness
- Freckles
- Age spots
- Broken capillaries
- Rosacea
- Sun damage
- Redness
- Swelling
- Light bruising
- Itching
- Peeling
- Scabbing
