A lot of us feel self-conscious about the appearance of our skin, especially if we have blemishes, scars and discoloration. Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment is a non-invasive therapy that is designed to do away with the blemishes by utilizing light waves with varying frequencies.

Who are the ideal candidates for this treatment?

Intense pulsed light treatment is ideal for people who are looking to reduce the appearance of blemishes and scars, including acne scars, port wine stains, rosacea, age spots, and sun damage. The treatment involves using pulse lights to emit a range of wavelengths to your skin.

The pulses are targeted at areas of your skin that have a different color to the surrounding tissue to even out the tone of your skin. Unlike chemical peels, which are used for the same purpose, this procedure is non-invasive and you can resume your daily activities almost immediately afterwards.

What does the procedure entail?

Your surgeon will cleanse your skin before beginning the treatment. Once your skin is clean and dry, your surgeon will move a handheld device over your skin. This device emits pulse lights that target your skin’s melanin pigments. The pigments absorb the light and disperse it around, which helps to stimulate the production of collagen.

The treated skin looks and feels rejuvenated afterwards. You might feel a minor sting as the light touches your skin. If you are concerned about any potential discomfort, talk to your surgeon to find out if an anesthetic cream will help.

The procedure takes 30 minutes, and sometimes even longer depending on the area that is being treated. Unlike hair removal, a treatment that requires about eight sessions for it to be successful, an IPL treatment can be completed in three or four sessions.

Aftercare

Once the treatment is over, you will be able to leave the hospital immediately. You might experience some swelling and soreness for a day or two afterwards. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help you with the discomfort.

You won’t have to take time off work and you can resume your day-to-day activities right away. Some patients might experience irritation and redness after the treatment, but it will wear off in a couple of days. Most people find that their skin feels and looks refreshed after the treatment.

Potential complications

Since the procedure is non-invasive, there are almost no associated complications. In certain rare cases, blistering has been reported, although most people are completely unaffected. Your surgeon will examine your skin and let you know of the possible complications and risks involved.

Can it be combined with other treatments?

If you want to combine IPL therapy with other cosmetic enhancements that are designed to give you tighter and youthful skin, it is possible. Microdermabrasion, Botox, and other fillers can enhance your results considerably. Your surgeon will discuss your options with you.

To experience the best results, make sure that your surgeon is board certified and has considerable experience performing this procedure on patients. Also ensure that the clinical environment is hygienic, sterile and free of any contaminants.

Contact Our Office

Don’t wait any longer to finally obtain the skin you have always dreamed of having. Contact the Plastic Surgery Center to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced board-certified surgeons and begin your journey to better-looking skin today!