Everything You Should Know Before Getting an Intense Pulsed Light/IPL Photofacial

It seems counterintuitive to think that one of the most effective ways of combating sun damage to your skin is to treat the affected areas with bright light pulses. Yet that is precisely what an IPL – Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)– treatment is all about. IPL works by sending bright flashes of light (It’s a light treatment, not a laser treatment) from a handheld emitter onto the skin’s surface. Discover more about the intense pulsed light technology to decide if the cosmetic procedure suits you.

How IPL Works

The intense pulses of light from the IPL device penetrate the skin, targeting excessive pigmentation that causes dark spots and liver or age spots. These areas of hyperpigmentation appear darker on the skin’s surface due to an accumulation of melanin. IPL disrupts these pigment clusters, facilitating their absorption into the bloodstream for removal. Moreover, the light pulses also affect the area’s red blood cells (hemoglobin), leading to their increased removal. This process accelerates the elimination of damaged melanin, resulting in a more even skin tone over time.

Versatility of IPL Photofacial Treatment

Of course, sun damage and skin discoloration are not the only skin conditions or skin concerns that are treated. Individuals with conditions such as spider veins, rosacea, freckles, uneven skin pigmentation, uneven skin texture, and even fine lines have successfully qualified for IPL therapy. With the exception of the eyes and surrounding areas, all parts of the body are suitable for IPL treatments.

The Light Therapy Treatment Process and Considerations

Treatment sessions are relatively short and simple procedures that generally take between 20 minutes and an hour to complete. The time your procedure takes mostly depends on how much of an area is being dealt with. A single session only starts the process, so it is usual to see three to six visits performed at approximately four-week intervals. When preparing for the treatment, patients should avoid tanning the area and avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and prescription blood thinners.

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy Side Effects and Results

Some mild side effects may emerge after treatment. Since IPL is a high-intensity burst of light, it is unsurprising that a patient may experience some of the same effects of a mild sunburn. They may notice a degree of temporary redness, swelling, and discomfort. All of these are to be expected in most cases. Significant IPL results are rarely seen immediately. The effects become more noticeable with each IPL treatment done regularly in the same area over time.

IPL Treatment Maintenance

It is also important to note that IPL is not a permanent cure. Results fade over time, and additional maintenance visits will be required. You will want to avoid sun exposure after treatment. Most patients are delighted with the results they achieve with IPL.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in receiving more information about IPL or scheduling an initial consultation at J. Sweat Plastic Surgery in Sacramento, CA, please fill out our online contact form or call us today.