IPL Photofacials
Palomar MediLux Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a quick fix procedure requiring virtually no downtime to rejuvenate the skin and restore a youthful glow. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) stimulates new collagen to form in the skin thereby reducing fine lines and minimizing pore size and acne scars, and increasing skins elasticity. Intense pulsed light also diminishes flushing or redness of the face associated with Rosacea, reduces brown spots, erases broken capillaries, and smooths roughly textured skin. Intense Pulsed Light (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. Intense Pulsed Light passes through the top layer of skin (epidermis) and penetrates to the deeper layer (dermis) where blood vessel, pigment cells, and collagen are found. Because the epidermis is unharmed, the severe redness and peeling associated with the traditional laser skin resurfacing is avoided.
Any skin can be treated with Intense Pulsed Light, including the skin on the face, neck, back, chest, hands, arms and legs. The actual procedure time varies depending on the size of the area treated. Intense Pulse Light therapy of the full face may take from 20 minutes, while treatment of the face, neck and chest may take as long as 45 minutes.
Tropical cream anesthesia can be applied one to one and a half hours prior to IPL treatment to reduce the stinging sensation. Abnormal blood vessels are typically not anesthetized due to constriction and blanching of the blood vessels, making visualization of the vessels difficult.
Intense Pulsed Light treatments of the freckles or brown spots usually require no downtime, and you can return to normal activities immediately. Over a 2 -3 week period any brown spots will darken and then flake off. IPL treatments of abnormal redness or vessels usually have a 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 Intense Pulsed Light 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. If you want to erase skin damage, improve your appearance, and look your best, please contact us for more information about Intense Pulsed Light Therapy or to schedule an appointment.
