Laser Skin Rejuvenation

  • IPL skin rejuvenation is a noninvasive skin care procedure that uses high-powered pulses of light to improve the appearance of skin.
  • This procedure also treats common skin concerns such as wrinkles, dark spots, unsightly veins or broken capillaries.
  • IPL is also effective in treating sun damage and scarring, and the redness associated with rosacea. 
  • Laser resurfacing is a facial rejuvenation procedure that uses a laser to improve the skin’s appearance or treat minor facial flaws.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) skin rejuvenation is a type of light therapy used to treat these skin concerns. Unlike other light therapies, particularly those done with lasers, IPL causes minimal damage to the skin and recovery takes just a few days. This method of skin rejuvenation is safe, with minimal downtime.

What is the difference between IPL and laser skin resurfacing?

IPL skin rejuvenation and laser skin resurfacing are similar procedures in that they both improve skin through light treatments. Where they differ is in the type of light they use: IPL produces light in a broad range of wavelengths; laser resurfacing uses just one wavelength at a time.

This means IPL is less concentrated, making it less effective at treating serious skin irregularities such as scars. However, it also means that the recovery time for IPL is significantly shorter than for laser therapy.

    Laser resurfacing can be used to treat:

      • Fine Wrinkles
      • Age Spots
      • Uneven skin tone or texture
      • Sun-damaged skin
      • Mild to moderate acne scars
      • Improve smoothness and texture of skin

      Contraindications to laser skin rejuvenation

      • Have taken the acne medication isotretinoin (Claravis, Myorisan, Zenatane) during the previous year
      • Have an autoimmune disease or a weak immune system
      • Have a tendency to form scars
      • Have had radiation therapy to the face
      • Are prone to cold sores or have had a recent outbreak of cold sores or herpes virus
      • Have a darker skin tone
      • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

      Does It Work?

      Evidence shows that IPL skin rejuvenation is an effective way to improve the appearance of skin. It has been found to significantly improve photoaged skin, when used alone and in combination treatments.

      IPL has also been tested for its effects on hyaluronic acid and collagen levels in the skin; levels were found to have increased 48 hours after treatment, tightening and improving skin’s texture.

        Number of treatments required

        Although many patients report visible improvement after just one treatment, clinicians typically recommend 2–5 IPL sessions (spaced four weeks apart) for general skin rejuvenation. If treating severe skin damage or discoloration, as many as ten treatments may be needed. Then one treatment once a month to maintain.

        Melasma treatment

        IPL can also be used to treat melasma, a condition where dark patches appear on the face. While the exact cause of melasma is unknown, risk factors include sun exposure, pregnancy and genetics.

        IPL treats melasma in the same way it treats other cases of skin discoloration: by targeting the responsible pigment cells. IPL is particularly effective at treating melasma because it can penetrate the skin and is therefore able to reduce discoloration not only on the skin’s surface but also at lower levels. IPL can also be combined with topical treatments to further minimize dark spots caused by melasma.

        The Procedure

        Preparation for an IPL procedure usually starts four weeks in advance, following your first consultation. During this time, you should avoid excessive sun exposure (tanning) and regularly apply SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from UV radiation.

        Avoid taking aspirin or other anti-inflammatories that may increase the chances of bleeding, and stop using any skin care products that contain abrasive ingredients, such as retinol, that may increase skin sensitivity during treatment.

        One or two days prior to treatment, you’ll need to shave the treatment area.

        On the day of treatment, do not wear any cosmetics. At the clinic, you’ll be asked to put on a pair of protective glasses. Then, the practitioner will thoroughly clean the treatment area and apply a cooling gel.

        The procedure itself lasts 30 minutes and takes place lying down. The practitioner will move the IPL device across the treatment area as bursts of light are applied; you will feel a stinging sensation.

          Recovery and Aftercare

          Immediately following the procedure, the treatment area will feel hot and sensitive. This usually subsides within a few hours.

          Initial recovery from an IPL treatment can take up to two days. During this time, you should avoid direct sunlight or hot water, since it may damage the sensitive skin. Following this, you are  advised to wear SPF 30+ sunscreen for up to six weeks.

          Side Effects

          Common side effects of IPL include redness, swelling and discomfort – symptoms similar to sunburn. Other side effects include blistering, hair loss and unusually light or dark patches of skin. Approximately 10% of patients also experience bruising.

          All of these side effects are temporary and resolve within one week of treatment. 

          Check out these results!

          Laser Skin Rejuvenation For You

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