What is IPL?
IPL are initials for a treatment called Intense Pulsed Light, also known as a photofacial. The goal if an IPL treatment is to reverse some of the signs of aging, as well as to treat the results of sun-damage, such as age spots. An IPL treatment uses short bursts of high intensity light and requires little or no recovery time to rejuvenate the skin.
Am I a Good Candidate for an IPL Treatment?
If you have any of the following concerns, an IPL treatment may be right for you:
- Pigmented lesions
- Small blood vessels on the surface of the skin
- Freckles
- Rosacea
- Age Spots or hyperpigmentation
- Uneven Skin Texture
Prior to your IPL treatment, you will need to avoid tanning (either outside or in a tanning bed), as well as any medications that make your skin more sensitive to light, such as retinoids.
How is an IPL Treatment Performed?
After thoroughly cleansing the skin to remove surface dirt and oil, and covering the eye area, the chemical solution is applied to the skin and left in place for a specified period of time. You may feel warmth or even a stinging sensation. The solution is then washed off, the skin neutralized with a sterile solution and a cold compress applied.
Recovery from IPL
Immediately following an IPL treatment, you can expect mild redness and a feeling similar to that of a slight sunburn. Although this generally lasts only a few hours, it could last a day or two. Most IPL patients see skin improvement within a few days of an IPL treatment, with continued improvement over the course of two weeks.
As with other facial treatments, you should avoid using harsh facial cleansers, toners, astringents, rough washcloths and sun exposure following an IPL treatment. Dr. Gerut will advise you on how to clean the face during healing and what to avoid.
Some patients will need several IPL treatments to fully resolve their concerns. Dr. Gerut will advise you during your consultation about the number of treatments required to meet your goals for skin improvement.
Next Steps
If you have any an interest in skin rejuvenation, and wonder if an anti-aging treatment such as an IPL is right for you, please call our office at 516-295-2100 or contact us here to schedule your private consultation.
