IPL

Intense pulsed light (IPL), also known as photofacial, is a non-ablative mixture of wavelengths of light which work beneath the skin’s surface to greatly reduce brown spots, discoloration, redness and broken blood vessels.  IPL will gradually give your skin a more homogeneous appearance.  Photorejuvenation with IPL can also help some to improve skin tone and texture, although this is not the first line of treatment for these concerns.  Generally, a series of three treatments are needed for the best results.            

This procedure can take up to 1 hour depending on the size of the treatment area. Both our board-certified dermatologists and licensed aesthetician collaborate using this device.

IPL treats:

  • Telangiectasias/broken capillaries (blood vessels)

  • Freckles

  • Age spots/brown spots/hyperpigmentation

  • Rosacea

  • Birthmarks

  • Port wine stains

  • Hemangiomas

  • Acne

What to expect:

  • Redness and swelling generally occur and feel like a mild sunburn. Flushing and bruising may also occur.

  • Freckles and hyperpigmented lesions will gradually turn darker and start to look dry in appearance.  These lesions will flake off in 7-10 days.  You should not pick or peel these due to increased risk of scarring, rather let the lesions flake off naturally. 

  • Vascular lesions will dissipate over 10-14 days. 

Contraindications:

  • Sun exposure for 2-4 weeks before and after treatment

  • Sunless tanners 2 weeks before treatment

  • Active fever blisters or open wounds in treatment area

  • Accutane within last 6 months

  • Permanent makeup/tattoo on area to be treated

  • Pregnancy

  • History of lupus

  • History of epilepsy