IPL

Intense Pulsed Light™ (IPL) skin treatments using the photorejuvenation process represent a breakthrough in age-defying skin care. This new technique treats skin damage non-invasively - there is no disruption of the skin's epidermal surface. IPL treatments address the effects of photoaging and sun damage with low risk of complications and no recovery time.

IPL is the gold standard for photorejuvenation. This FDA-cleared, patented technology provides dramatic results for a variety of benign conditions, including age spots, sun-induced freckles, symptoms of rosacea, birthmarks, unsightly veins, acne scarring and other blemishes - even unwanted hair.

Why choose IPL over other treatment options? Laser resurfacing and deep chemical peels often send patients into hiding, as they wait for redness and swelling to subside. Microdermabrasion addresses skin irregularities, but is not effective against all complexion problems including redness, flushing and broken capillaries. Face lifts and other surgical procedures are far too invasive for younger patients and "baby boomers" who simply want to revitalize their appearance without recovery downtime.

Typical Treatments

The Science of Light: IPL™ Helps Restore the Skin's Youthful Glow

There are an overwhelming number of options available to improve the skin's appearance, from creams and peels to microdermabrasion and laser treatments. Can any of these procedures provide significant improvement without interrupting daily routines?

IPL Skin Treatments using Photorejuvenation offers a solution that:

Addresses skin conditions that are most visible
Treats the entire face, not only small spots
Causes little discomfort
Offers an immediate return to routine activities
Provides gradual, natural-looking improvement
Produces long-lasting results

Photorejuvenation with IPL is the most versatile of all treatment options. IPL can treat numerous skin conditions at once. It is effective on red blemishes that originate from blood vessels, as well as brown pigment blemishes in the form of freckles, age spots and other sun damage. IPL also treats the neck, chest and hands, where sun damage is often most visible.

Getting Started

Practitioners determine an IPL treatment plan for each new patient, accounting for the number and severity of skin conditions being treated, as well as skin type. On average, four to six treatments are recommended, scheduled at three-week intervals. Each session usually lasts about 20 minutes, with patients returning to normal activity immediately afterwards, in fact, patients can often schedule their IPL treatments over their lunch hour. IPL treatments provide gradual, natural improvement with excellent long-term results.

What to Expect

Before treatment, a cold gel is usually applied to the areas to be treated and patients wear protective eyewear. During treatment, a physician or trained staff member gently applies the smooth, crystalline surface of the IPL handpiece to the skin. Light is delivered to the skin surface in precise pulses that are typically pain-free. Occasionally some signs of treatment, such as redness, can last for one or two hours. In most cases, the entire face is treated, but the therapy can also work well on the neck, chest and hands. Results from a full series of treatments usually last for a year or more.

IPL treats the damaged superficial layer of the skin, while delivering thermal energy to deeper tissue. Clinical studies support a positive effect on collagen production, which helps firm and tighten the skin. Some providers may refer to Photorejuvenation with IPL under other commercial names such as FotoFacial™, EpiFacial or others. Prospective patients should verify that they will be treated with IPL technology patented by Lumenis™.

FAQs

Why IPL™ and BOTOX®?

BOTOX has long been used for medical procedures, such as reducing muscle spasms. The cosmetic use of BOTOX skyrocketed following FDA clearance in 2002 for its use in treating glabellar lines (the wrinkles between the eyebrows). BOTOX pioneer Dr. Jean Carruthers describes the use of Botox with IPL as "complementary" because:

BOTOX gives outstanding results for lines and wrinkles.
IPL clears the "canvas of the face," smoothing away various brown and red conditions while improving general texture and skin tone.
While BOTOX's effects take time to appear, IPL effects begin quickly, giving patients near-term, tangible results.
BOTOX and IPL treatments can be performed during the same office visit to produce dramatic effects with minimal time investment.

How is IPL used to treat benign vascular lesions?

Aging, sun exposure and other factors can cause the appearance of broken capillaries and blood vessels on the face known as telangiectasias, which appear as spider veins. Sometimes broken capillaries can cause a diffused redness in the skin, called erythema, a source of social embarrassment for many people. Rosacea is a common skin condition that is characterized by diffused erythema. All of these conditions respond well to IPL.

For unsightly veins on the legs, both IPL and Nd:YAG laser technologies together are capable of addressing these lesions. During treatment, Intense Pulsed Light or laser light is absorbed by the bloodin these small veins, heating and destroying the vessels. Over time thedestroyed veins are reabsorbed and disappear. IPL or Nd:YAG laser systems can also be used to treat varicose veins, which are deeper,bluer veins.

What are IPL Skin Treatments using Photorejuvenation?

The term "Photorejuvenation" refers to the non-ablative, non-invasive treatment of red and brown pigment that leaves a smooth skin texture and even complexion, yielding a more youthful appearance.

IPL Skin Treatments are a safe, effective and popular way to improvethe signs of aging from the face, neck, chest, arms and hands. This in-office procedure is performed by a physician or trained medical staff member and typically requires four to six sessions of about 20 minutes each, performed at approximately three-week intervals.

What are the advantages of IPL Skin Treatments using Photorejuvenation?

In addition to effectively treating multiple symptoms and locationsin each session, the IPL procedure is gentle, non-invasive and safe, requiring no downtime. In fact, many people even schedule their sessions during their lunch breaks. Additionally, IPL treatments are customized to each individual's specific skin type and condition, providing the best possible results.

Who is a candidate for this procedure?

Any man or woman who shows the signs of aged and sun-damaged skin is a candidate for IPL Skin Treatments using Photorejuvenation. A brief consultation with an IPL specialist should provide all the information needed.

How are IPL Skin Treatments using Photorejuvenation performed?

Before treatment, a cold gel is usually applied to the area to be treated, and patients are given protective eyewear. During treatment, the smooth, crystalline surface of the IPL handpiece is gently applied to the skin, delivering precise pulses of light to the area being treated. IPL treatments are usually pain-free, but an anesthetic cream can be used if the light pulses are uncomfortable. Some patients compare the sensation to a light pinch or the snap of a rubber band. Treatment sessions usually last about 20 minutes, and a complete program usually includes four to six sessions.

After treatment, patients can immediately return to normal routines and activities. Occasionally evidence of treatment such as redness or blotchiness may last for an hour or two.

Why are multiple treatments necessary?

Several IPL treatments are required to provide gradual, natural-looking improvement with very low risk. Results usually last a year or more.

How much do IPL Skin Treatments using Photorejuvenation cost?

Costs vary depending on the portion of the body where the procedure is performed, the severity of the skin condition and other factors. Compared to other aesthetic procedures, IPL Skin Treatments are quite affordable. IPL is usually priced above microdermabrasion and some chemical peels, but less than laser resurfacing and cosmetic surgeries.IPL procedures are not usually covered by health insurance.

How can I find the right doctor for IPL Skin Treatments using Photorejuvenation?

Those interested in IPL should talk with a physician or someone already experienced in IPL Skin Treatments. Some providers may refer to the procedure under other brand names, such as FotoFacial, EpiFacial, Photoblush, WrinkleLight or EpiLight Skin Therapy. Verify that the treatment provider uses the patented and perfected Lumenis™ IPL technology.

Are these treatments FDA-cleared? Are they safe?

Lumenis IPL has been available and FDA-cleared since 1995.

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