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IPL / skin rejuvenation

Also known as intense pulsed light or photo facial

A clear complexion is something many people want, but even with the most meticulous skincare regimen, blemish-free skin can be difficult to achieve. Photorejuvenation, which uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology, can help reduce the appearance of some of the most common skin woes, including brown spots, melasma, broken capillaries and sun damage. This minimally invasive skin procedure can also treat signs of aging such as wrinkles or age spots. There’s very little recovery time and few side effects, making it a popular skin treatment.

When to Consider IPL / Photorejuvenation

  • If you want to improve the look of your skin without undergoing a full surgical procedure

  • If you have redness, brown spots or scarring on your skin

  • If you would like to reduce pore size, fine wrinkles and improve skin texture

Pros

  • Little to no downtime

  • Relatively long-lasting improvements in skin quality and texture can be achieved

  • Can be performed anywhere on the body

Cons

  • Several treatments may be required before full effects are seen

  • Not as effective for tanned or darker skin

  • Must stay out of the sun after each treatment

These are the top three pros and cons to weigh when considering IPL / photorejuvenation. If you want to focus on what is unique to you, please consult with your April before booking an appointment.

Are you a good candidate for a IPL / photorejuvenation?

IPL / Photorejuvenation is used to treat the following conditions:

  • Rosacea

  • Hyperpigmentation (brown spots)

  • Age and sun spots

  • Wrinkles

  • Skin texture problems

  • Acne scarring

  • Large pores

  • Melasma

  • Excessive flushing

  • Freckles

  • Age and sun spots

  • Broken capillaries

  • Spider veins

  • Stretch marks

If you are in good general health, have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you are most likely a good candidate for this procedure.

Detailed Procedural Info

How is a ipl / photorejuvenation procedure performed?

Photorejuvenation uses a unique technique known as pulsed light therapy to treat skin blemishes. Essentially, this technology shines bright, intense light on various parts of the skin. You will wear protective eyewear, and your esthetician will use a piece of equipment called an IPL device, which includes an apparatus with a glass surface. This apparatus is pressed to the problematic areas of the body, emitting a light that heats up collagen beneath the skin, encouraging the body to produce more of this beneficial protein. Enhanced collagen production can fill in fine lines or wrinkles on the face as well as some shallow acne scars. IPL technology also reduces flushing and discoloration on the skin.

Your esthetician may also recommend complementary treatments to help you achieve your goal. Sometimes the use of microdermabrasion or a chemical peel in conjunction with photorejuvenation will provide the best result.

IPL emits a broad range of light waves and can diffuse redness, capillaries, brown spots, discoloration and remove hair.

What does IPL or photorejuvenation feel like?

Photorejuvenation may cause mild discomfort. Many patients liken the feeling to a rubber band being snapped against the skin. 

Selecting an esthetician

Select an esthetician you can trust

It's important to choose your Service Provider based on:

  • Education, training, and certification

  • Experience with photorejuvenation

  • Your comfort level with him or her

Make sure the person has one or more of the following: an Esthetics Certificate, LPN or RN, and an IPL Certificate

Your initial consultation appointment

Your initial consultation is free and confidential because of the in-depth nature of the discussion. You will have the opportunity to discuss your skin/hair removal goals. Your Esthetician will examine your skin and discuss what issues may be improved by photorejuvenation. Your Esthetician will also design a treatment plan specifically for your skin issues, which will include an estimated number of treatments to achieve maximum results and home care products. Understanding your goals and medical conditions, both alternative and additional treatments may be considered (see related procedures.)

You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your complete medical history. This will include information about:

  • Your goals of therapy

  • Past and present medical conditions

  • Allergies and current medications

  • Previous surgeries

Your treatment plan

Based on your goals, physical characteristics, and the service providers training and experience, they will share recommendations and information with you, including:

  • An approach to your treatment, including the type of procedure or combination of procedures

  • The outcomes that you can anticipate

  • Your financial investment in the procedure

  • Associated risks and complications

  • What you need to prepare for your treatment

  • What you can expect to experience after treatment

  • Before-and-after photos of cases similar to yours and answer any questions

Questions to ask your esthetician

It is important for you to take an active role in your treatment, so please use this list of questions as a starting point for your initial consultation.

  • Am I a good candidate for IPL/photorejuvenation?

  • Are the results I am seeking reasonable and realistic?

  • Do you have before-and-after photos I can look at for the procedure I am undergoing?

  • Will I have any scarring?

  • What will be the costs associated with my treatment?

  • What will you expect of me to get the best results?

  • What kind of recovery period can I expect, and when can I resume normal activities?

  • What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?

  • How are complications handled?

  • What are my options if the cosmetic outcome of my treatment does not meet the goals we agreed on?

Pre & Post Care

Pre IPL Instructions:

  • Cease any excessive sun exposure for 4-8 weeks prior to treatment

  • No tanning products for 2 weeks prior to treatment

  • Notify staff of any medications you are currently taking to determine if they are photosensitive

  • Refrain from taking certain antibiotics and topical creams such as retinoids (Retin-A) that affect skin sensitivity

  • If you are living with the herpes virus, you may ask your doctor to take antiviral medication to reduce the chance of an outbreak on the day of the procedure.

The morning before your photorejuvenation procedure, you should not apply any makeup or skincare products. Your face will need to be thoroughly cleansed before the treatment can begin, but this may be done at the office before treatment.

Post IPL instructions:

  • No perfumed lotions, or makeup for 24 hours after treatment

  • No hot baths, steam rooms or swimming pools for 24 hours after treatment

  • Use a minimum SPF45 sunblock for protection in treated areas, apply liberally and often

Immediately after the procedure

Immediately following the procedure, you may feel as though you have a sunburn on the treatment area, though this feeling will subside within twenty-four hours. Typically, patients experience no side effects within one to two days of the procedure. Though it's unlikely, some scabs or blisters may appear after a photorejuvenation treatment, apply Polysporin Black to the areas and do not pick. You may be advised to avoid hot water and prolonged sun exposure for up to two days following your procedure. Any other instructions your Esthetician provides should be followed for maximum results with minimal side effects.

Recovery time frame after IPL / photorejuvenation

Though most physical side-effects will subside within forty-eight hours, patients may find that the blemishes on their skin darken for a period of up to two weeks. This is because the skin needs to shed for the results to be visible. Eventually skin blemishes will fade to a lighter appearance than before the treatment.
Your esthetician will also provide detailed instructions about the normal symptoms you will experience and any potential signs of complications. It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals.

How Long Will the Results Last?

The length of your photorejuvenation results will depend largely on the types of blemishes you are treating, as well as how large of an area or how many areas you wish to improve. For basic IPL treatments, most patients will need to undergo two to six procedures spaced four weeks apart.

Photorejuvenation can often significantly reduce pigmentation issues such as brown spots, flushing, or spider veins for a long period of time. However, the procedure does not stop the skin from aging, so it's possible that new wrinkles or blemishes will appear over time. For this reason, some patients choose to undergo pulsed light therapy multiple times over a period of several years.

Maintain a relationship with your esthetician

For safety, as well as the most beautiful and healthy outcome, it's important to return to your service providers office for follow-up evaluation at prescribed times and whenever you notice any changes in your skin. Do not hesitate to contact your service provider when you have any questions or concerns.

Associated Costs

The cost of IPL or photorejuvenation varies from place to place and from one geographic area to another. 

Because photorejuvenation is usually considered cosmetic, insurance does not cover these costs. However, occasionally, if the photorejuvenation is being performed to treat certain skin conditions or improve certain types of scars, insurance coverage may be available.

Choose your service provider based on quality, training, and experience—not cost.