Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
When to consider intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy
LOCATED IN BEACHWOOD | SERVING CLEVELAND AND NORTHEAST OHIO
Intense pulsed light (IPL) or broadband light uses light technology to improve the color and texture of your skin without surgery. It can undo some visible damage caused by sun exposure, called photoaging. You may notice photoaging on your face, neck, hands, or chest. IPL may help if you have red, brown, or splotchy skin.
How It Helps
IPL, or photofacial, uses light energy to simultaneously send out wavelengths of pulsating light to treat various skin conditions. The light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the targeted pigments or imperfections, causing the skin to heat up and triggering the body’s natural healing response. After IPL, you may look younger because your skin tone is more even. IPL photo facials may be used for:
Redness: After one to three treatments, light therapy can eliminate 50%-75% of broken blood vessels for most people. IPL may be an excellent alternative to laser therapy for those struggling with rosacea.
Sun damage: You may see up to a 70% reduction in brown spots and redness caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Hair removal: You’ll benefit most from IPL if you have light skin and dark hair. It may not be suitable if you have dark skin or blond hair.
BEFORE
What to Expect Before Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
Do not tan in the sun, in a tanning bed, or use tanning creams for four weeks before IPL treatment. Refrain from chemical peels and waxing two weeks before IPL. Do not wear perfume, makeup, deodorant, or skin irritants before the procedure. Do not take aspirin or medications that could thin your blood and cause more bruising. Do not take medicines that sensitize you to the sun, such as doxycycline.
DURING
What to expect during Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
On the day of the treatment, Double-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Diana Ponsky or our nurse practitioner, Olivia Marino, will give you numbing cream to put on for 10-15 minutes before the procedure. Then, protective glasses will be placed on your eyes. The gel will be placed on your clean skin, and the IPL device will be placed on your skin. The device delivers intense pulses of light to the treatment areas. You may feel uncomfortable, like a rubber band snapping on your skin. The session will last about 20-30 minutes.
AFTER
What to expect after Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
You will feel like you have a sunburn for 4-6 hours after you’ve finished the treatment. Use aloe vera, ice packs, or a cool washcloth for relief. Your skin may be red or bruised for a day or two. Some brown spots may temporarily look darker but should peel off within a few weeks. Do not use makeup if your skin is sensitive. Use adequate moisturizers and sunscreen (30 SPF) daily, even if not sunny outside. Most people need between 3-7 sessions to see the desired results. IPL sessions should be scheduled 2-4 weeks apart.
