Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
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, 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. IPL passes through
the top layer of skin (epidermis) and penetrates to the deeper layer
(dermis) where blood vessels, pigment cells and collagen are found.
The epidermis is unharmed with IPL and severe redness and peeling
associated with traditional laser skin resurfacing is completely avoided.
Topical anesthetic cream can be applied one hour 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 require no downtime, and
you can return to normal daily activities immediately. Over 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 a week.
