How Does IPL Work?

How does IPL work?

• The intense pulsed light emits wavelengths that are absorbed by vascular and pigmented lesions in multiple levels of the skin. When the broad band light is absorbed by melanin (brown spots) and oxy-hemoglobin (veins / red spots), the lesions are gently heated and destroyed.

Skin Rejuvenation:

•         Over time, natural skin aging and exposure to UV radiation from the sun make superficial blood vessels visible and cause the skin to produce pockets of irregular pigmentation. Our IPL uses interchangeable filters that selectively block out unwanted UV and blue radiation, safely delivering broadband light to target chromophores (melanin and hemoglobin) to treat conditions such as:

  • Facial telangiectasias
  • Flushing and redness
  • Rosacea
  • Poikiloderma (red neck)
  • Redness following laser skin resurfacing
  • Age spots and liver spots
  • Pigmented lesions (brown spots)
  • Scar coloration and general skin elasticity

  Light is applied to the treatment area using a 10x20mm sapphire wave  guide that can be fired every two seconds, allowing for treatment of large areas, such as whole faces, hands, necks and décolleté, shoulders and backs. Treating large areas not only addresses specific problem areas, but also results in an overall improvement in skin texture, tone, pore size and collateral collagen building.

  Treatments, which typically are provided in a series of sessions at two-week intervals, are painless. Patients can resume normal activities immediately. To maintain long-lasting improvement, follow-up care may include bi-annual maintenance sessions.

  
  

  What areas can be treated?

  • The Prolite II skin rejuvenation procedure can be performed on the face, neck, decollete (chest), hands, and shoulders.

  
  

  How long does the procedure take?

  • It depends on the area being treated. It typically takes 20 minutes to treat the entire face.

  
  

  
  

  Is it painful?

  • Anesthesia is not required for the IPL (intense pulsed light) treatment and is well tolerated. Some compare the sensation to a hot rubber band snap.

  
  

  
  

  Is it safe?

  • Complications are rare. In less than 1% of cases, skin lightning or darkening may occur. It is advisable to wear sun block when in the sun during the month following the IPL treatment.

  
  

  
  

  How many treatments are required?

  • It is recommended to have a series of 4 to 6 treatments in 2 to 4 week intervals. Single maintenance treatments every 6 months helps to retain optimal results.

  
  

  
  

  What results can I expect?

  • Visible signs of aging and sun damage will be significantly reduced. There is an overall improvement in skin texture and tone.

  
  

  Is it permanent?

  • Yes, but skin continues to age with time. A good skin regimen will help slow the appearance of aging skin and sun damage.

  
  

  Are there any side effects?

  • The vascular and pigmented lesions will be darker in appearance for 5 to 7 days.

  
  

  Can I still wear make-up?

  • Yes, you can apply make-up 24 hours after the IPL treatment.