If you’re looking for a quick treatment to target aging skin or unwanted hair, IPL might be the perfect choice for you! This form of light therapy improves uneven skin tone and skin imperfections to brighten and rejuvenate your appearance!
IPL or intense pulsed light therapy uses scattered light pulses in varying wavelengths to target vascular and pigmented lesions on the surface of the skin while penetrating deep into the dermal layers of the skin. Pigmented cells in the skin absorb this light energy and convert it into heat which damages and eliminates the pigmented lesions.
Most patients compare the sensation of the pulsing light to a rubber band snapping, but the treatment is not considered painful. You will be given eye protection and a cool gel is applied to the skin to keep you comfortable and prevent the surrounding skin from being damaged. Treatment only takes 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.
IPL is used to treat many different skin conditions, including:
Most men and women who want to improve the appearance of their sun-damaged skin can benefit from IPL light therapy. However, patients who have darker skin tones or a history of keloid scarring may not be candidates. Your provider can determine whether you are a candidate at your consultation and help you decide the best course of treatment customized to your needs.
After your IPL treatment, mild redness and swelling may occur but these side effects will quickly fade within a couple of days. No downtime is required, and you can return to your normal activities immediately. However, you should avoid sun exposure since your skin will be sensitive and the targeted spots of pigmentation could be permanently darkened.
For the best results, a minimum of 3 treatments is recommended and some people receive up to 12 treatments scheduled 4-8 weeks apart. You will see an improvement in the quality of your skin and a more even skin tone within 3-6 months. To maintain your rejuvenated skin and prevent new pigmented lesions, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day and be cautious about how much time you spend in the sun.
To learn more about intense pulsed light treatment and other laser treatments, schedule a consultation at West Sound Dermatology. Call our office or fill out an online contact form
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