IPL PhotoRejuvenation FAQ

What is Intense Pulsed Light?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology is a treatment breakthrough that can correct a variety of benign skin conditions, such as facial skin imperfections, the signs of photo-aging, birthmarks, unwanted hair, unsightly small veins, and other blemishes.  It offers a safe, non-invasive solution that can be tailored to your individual condition and skin type, providing superior cosmetic results and outstanding satisfaction, through a process called photorejuvenation. 

How does IPL work? 

At SKINMD we utilize the Palomar Handpieces to deliver the Intense Pulsed Light.  The Palomar system filters light from different parts of the light spectrum.  Each band of the spectrum has a wavelength that is ideal for different treatments, such as sun spot removal, vessel clearance, and hair removal.  The handpieces emit pulses of light into the skin.  The light is absorbed by the pigment in sunspots, hair, the blood in visible vessels, and is converted to heat.  The heat destroys the cells that create the pigment, are responsible for hair growth, and shrinks the vessels.   

What Body Areas Can Be Treated Using Intense Pulsed Light? 

Any area can be treated, except directly around the eyes.  The face, neck, chest, arms, back and legs can all be treated.   

What is involved in PhotoRejuvenation treatments? 

A mild amount of discomfort can be expected during the procedure.  Individuals with more sensitivity may prefer to use a topical anesthetic cream that is applied 30-60 minutes prior to treatment.  There is typically no discomfort after PhotoRejuvenation treatments. Immediately following a treatment, the skin may appear more red and flushed and the brown spots generally appear slightly darker.  Over the next several days, the brown spots darken and then subsequently fade over the next several days.

What Should I Expect after a Treatment Utilizing Intense Pulsed Light?

Immediately after treatments, you can expect a mild sunburn-like sensation, possibly accompanied by some minor swelling.  This usually lasts 2-24 hours, and can be soothed with cold gel or ice packs.

• Sun Spots/Sun Damage:  The sun spots will darken after the treatment and be naturally shed from the skin within 1-2 weeks.
• Rosacea:  Skin tone will be more normal, with less pronounced redness within a week after treatment.
• Spider Veins:  Vessels may disappear immediately after treatment or they may first appear darker then fully or partially fade within 10-14 days

How many treatments will I need?

Depending on the number of conditions you are treating, the severity of the individual problem, and the desired results a series of four to six treatment sessions may be recommended.  Most times you can return to work the same day and resume all regular activities.  By dividing the Intense Pulsed Light program into several treatments, the procedure provides gradual improvement with low risk - and, it preserves "no down time".    

What results can I expect? 

You can expect to see a gradual decrease in overall redness, flushing and dilated capillaries. People with visible aging from the sun can expect to see their skin become smoother with a decrease in fine wrinkles, reduction in pore size and fading of sunspots.  Many patients with rosacea see improvement in breakouts and are able to decrease or discontinue their medications.

When will I see results? 

After your first treatment, your skin will feel smoother and will have more even tone.  Improvement is gradual and will continue to be more visible after each treatment.  Many individuals experience dramatic results only after 1-2 treatments; however, 4-6 treatments are performed for optimal results.  Some patients will benefit from additional treatments depending on the specific condition being treated and desired results.