Intense pulsed light (IPL) delivers scattered light energy. It targets and breaks down the brown and red pigments in the skin, effectively diminishing sun-spots and improving the appearance of rosacea. It can also help create smoother looking skin, evening out skin tone and texture by stimulating collagen production. Many patients see clearer and more radiant skin in just one treatment. It can treat the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, and legs. IPL is safe in skin types I-IV.

IPL is less expensive and has less downtime than laser treatments. However, for deeper wrinkles, fillers or an ablative laser like the fractional CO2 laser may be a better choice.

IPL can help improve the appearance of:

  • Sun spots
  • Broken capillaries
  • Rosacea
  • Fine wrinkles
  • Large pores
  • Acne
  • Acne scars
  • Skin texture
  • Dull skin

This low energy laser has a chill tip that provides pre and post cooling to the targeted area. You may feel a prickling, snapping, or stinging sensation. A topical anesthetic can be applied but generally this treatment is well tolerated, and numbing is not needed. Length of treatment depends on size and how many areas are being treated but generally it’s about 20 minutes per area.

Downtime for healing is minimal, making IPL an appealing choice. You can resume your normal activities and apply makeup after your treatment. Downtime is about 4 days but can take up to 1 week. 1-2 days after treatment you may see a coffee ground appearance of the skin. This is expected, as the pigment has been broken up by the light which is then eliminated by the body. You may experience some dryness, slight swelling or flaking of the skin.

Generally, 3-5 treatments are needed to see results spaced 2-4 weeks apart. Maintenance once every 6-12 months is generally enough. Following a healthy lifestyle including daily use of sunblock may delay the reappearance of these skin concerns.

It generally takes 3-5 sessions separated by 2-4 weeks to achieve desired results. You will continue to see improvement 3-6 months post treatment as collagen and elastin have regenerated.

If used on the wrong skin type or settings are too aggressive, blistering, burns, hypo or hyper pigmentation may occur.
IPL - Before/After - SculptME Med Spa

GENERAL CARE

  • Come to the office makeup free.
  • Stop exfoliating the skin for 1 week prior to treatment.
  • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior to treatment.

MEDICATIONS

  • If you have a history of labial herpes (cold sores) and are being treated around the mouth, we recommend starting Valacyclovir 24 hours before treatment and continuing until completion (14 days) to prevent reactivation of the virus.
  • Photosensitizing medications including Doxycycline and Minocycline should be discontinued 3 days prior to treatment.
  • Avoid retinoids and glycolic acid 1 week before treatment.
  • Depending on your skin type or if you suffer from pigmentation issues, a skin bleaching agent may be prescribed to prep the skin before your treatment. This reduces the risk of PIH or post inflammatory hyperpigmentation following treatment.
  • Accutane should be avoided for 12 months prior to treatment.

SUN EXPOSURE

  • Avoid sun exposure and direct sunlight for 2 weeks prior to treatment.
  • If you have been sunburned recently wait 4 weeks before undergoing this treatment as hypo or hyper pigmentation can occur.
  • Avoid self-tanners for 4 weeks before treatment.

DOWNTIME

  • Downtime is about 4-7 days.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise, hot tubs, saunas until fully healed.

MEDICATIONS

  • Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen and aspirin for 48 hours after treatment.
  • Avoid retinoids, glycolic acid, vitamin C, for 2 weeks after treatment and completion of healing.
  • Tylenol post treatment is ok to use.

GENERAL CARE

  • A gentle cleanser may be used. If you need a cleanser, we carry Alastin Gentle Cleanser.
  • The skin should be hydrated, and a moisturizer should be applied at least twice daily.
  • We highly recommend post procedure care with Alastin Skincare Regenerating Skin Nectar. It immediately sooths the skin and really helps reduce post procedure redness and discomfort. Also works with your treatment to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
  • Mineral based makeup can be applied 24 hours after treatment as long as skin is intact.
  • Do not pick the skin.
  • Have cool compresses ready or a hand-held fan on hand to help soothe the skin post treatment.
  • Avoid exfoliating treated areas for 2 weeks following treatment.

SUN EXPOSURE

  • Avoid sun exposure and direct sunlight for 2 weeks post treatment.
  • Use sunblock with minimum 30 SPF daily. Reapply several times during the day. If you need a good sunscreen, we carry Alastin Skincare SilkSHIELD Mineral Sunscreen.