IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), sometimes called a photofacial or photorejuvenation, is a non-invasive controlled light treatment. It uses specific wavelengths of light to treat unwanted visible changes in the skin caused from sun exposure such as hyperpigmentation and redness.
IPL works by delivering a pulse of light which gently and precisely heats up its selected target (chromophore) such as age spots or blood vessels. This controlled heat will then destruct pigment and vascular irregularities in the dermis, while bypassing the epidermis.
- Age Spots
- Rosacea
- Sun Damage
- Freckles
- Broken blood vessels/telangiectasia
- Redness/Flushing
- Redness from acne scars/surgical scars (post inflammatory erythema)
- Face
- Neck
- Chest
- Arms
- Hands
- Shoulders/Back
- Legs
Approximately 30 minutes. We ask that you not arrive with makeup on prior to your treatment. Your skin will be cleansed and you will be given protective eye shields to wear. A cool gel will be applied to your skin immediately before the treatment. After the treatment the gel will be removed and SPF will be applied.
A series of 3-6 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart is usually recommended for best results.
No, but IPL can be easily combined same day with other treatments such as laser hair removal or even microneedling.
Very mild. During the treatment we put a cool gel on the skin as well as use cooling devices such as a zimmer and/or contact cooling. Patients report a mild stinging sensation during the treatment.
1-7 days. You will have redness immediately post treatment that subsides usually within an hour in most cases. Dark spots will turn darker at first and start to have “peppery” or coffee ground appearance. They will gradually flake off within 3-7 days. Makeup can be worn to minimize redness/dark spots post procedure. With each subsequent treatment the downtime will become less and less.
You will start to see results as soon as 7 days, but maximum results will be achieved at 4 weeks.
Approximately one year, or longer. UV exposure plays a huge role in forming brown spots/broken capillaries, so post care treatment is essential for long lasting results. We recommend a daily moisturizer with SPF of 30-50 be worn every morning and reapplied every 2 hours while in direct sun. Direct sun exposure without sun protection will cause pigmentation to return rapidly.
- Avoid direct sun exposure for 4 weeks prior to treatment. That does not mean you cannot go outside; it just means you need to apply a daily moisturizer with SPF of 30-50 in the treatment area and reapply every 2 hours to avoid getting a tan in the treatment area. Having an active tan in the treatment area greatly increases your risk of complications.
- We also ask that you discontinue any retinoids 1-3 days prior to your treatment.
- If you are prone to fever blisters/cold sores we can prescribe an antiviral medication to prevent a possible flare post IPL.
- Avoid spray tanning 2 weeks before your treatment.
Post IPL, you want to use gentle skin care for 7 days and avoid any exfoliants such as retinol, AHA/BHA’s etc, as well as apply a daily moisturizer with SPF of 30-50.
IPL is unique in the fact that it does not affect the epidermis so there is no peeling and very minimal downtime.
Lighter skin tones with visible dark spots/redness.
- Actively tanned skin and some darker skin tones.
- If you have been on Accutane in the last 6 months.
- IPL is not recommended for patients that are pregnant.
- If you are on any photosensitizing medication such as tetracyclines please let your laser technician know.
- Suspicious lesions will need to be evaluated by our board-certified dermatologist before being treated.
- Cannot be performed over a tattoo.
- Gautier
- Gulfport
