Kenneth Beer MD. PA.: Laser Treatments: Intense Pulse Light Skin Rejuvenation

Intense Pulsed Light

What is IPL skin rejuvenation?

Skin rejuvenation treatment with the Ellipse or Palomar systems help you keep a younger and fresher look. The safe, visible light emitted from the flash lamp makes your face look younger by removing age spots and diffuse redness, and by improving your skin texture. Uneven pigmentation is also reduced.

What is intense pulsed light?

Simply put, it is a series of short flashes of very bright light. Short safe bursts of light emitted from a flashlamp. A built-in computer in the system allows for very precise control of the delivery of these bursts – both the amount of light and the duration of its delivery. This control allows the provider to change settings to perform a wide range of procedures across varying skin types. In our office we have two IPL devices to be able to cater to a more specific treatment plan for you depending on if you need to focus in more on your brown or red pigment issues.

The difference between laser and intense pulsed light

Treatments with laser and intense pulsed light both work in the same way, with each technology using wavelengths that are absorbed by the target. But while a laser uses light with one specific wavelength, intense pulsed light uses a broad range of wavelengths that allow for better control of procedures across a wide range of skin types.

Can I be treated?

As skin rejuvenation is based on light absorption by melanin and hemoglobin, treatments are most effective in patients with light skin who are not sun-tanned at the time of treatment. However, you don’t have to have light skin to be treated.

Does it hurt?

While tolerance of pain varies greatly from person to person, we do recommend that a topical anesthetic be applied 30-45 minutes prior so that you are comfortable during the treatment. Generally speaking, patients describe the treatment as a warming sensation similar to the feeling one has after a day on the beach.

Do I need to take special precautions before and after treatment?

In terms of safety, no special precautions are required. As mentioned earlier, treatments are more effective on lighter skin, so it is important to avoid tanning both before and during the treatment period ~ we require two weeks prior and post treatment. Otherwise, your tanned skin will absorb more light, which may lead to adverse effects. Generally, no post-treatment care is necessary, but people with sensitive skin may benefit from applying an ice pack to the target areas after treatment. Furthermore, it is recommended to use a sunblock which blocks UVA and UVB (minimum of SPF 30) for a few weeks following treatment.

What should I expect after treatment?

Pigmented lesions will darken slightly after treatment, and then fade away after about 10-14 days.

Vessels (visible veins) generally undergo immediate graying or blanching and the surrounding area may redden. The vessels then fade after about 10-14 days.

Most people experience some mild temporary redness and swelling, similar to a sunburn, in the treated area shortly after treatment. This does not interfere with normal activities and usually subsides within a day. In some cases, the redness may last longer, but will still be mild and temporary. Your treatment provider will explain other, less likely side effects to you.

How can I be sure IPL is safe and effective?

Clinical studies documenting Ellipse and Palomar’s safety and effectiveness have been completed, and the results of these studies are posted in respected medical journals. Please visit www.ellipse.org or www.palomarmedical.com to view these scientific papers. Call today to schedule a complimentary consult to evaluate if IPL is right for you at 561.655.9055.