Intense Pulse Light (IPL)
What is Intense Pulsed Light?
As many of us age, we start to notice pigmented blemishes on our skin. Age spots are flat, pigmented spots on the skin and are also called Solar Lentigines, “liver spots”, or sunspots. Age spots are the result of excess production of melanin. You are most likely to develop age spots on the areas of your skin that receive the most sun exposure, including your face, shoulders, forearms, and backs of your hands.
While cosmetic lasers can take care of these blemishes, intense pulsed light treatments also work well, are faster and are less expensive. At Forefront Dermatology, formerly Asarch Dermatology we offer Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) which delivers energy to target and destroy vascular and pigmented lesions.
Consider Intense Pulsed Light to:
- Minimize pigmented lesions associated with acne
- Fade age spots, spider veins, facial vessels, and other benign skin blemishes
- Treat rosacea
- Lessen sun damage
What is Intense Pulsed Light?
Pulsed light devices deliver energy to target and destroy vascular and pigmented lesions associated with acne, spider veins, facial vessels, rosacea, sun damage, age spots, and other benign skin blemishes. During the treatment, light energy is delivered to the skin through a series of pulses. Using the principle of selective photothermolysis, these treatments target different chromophores in the skin, which selectively absorb the laser or light energy as heat and produce the desired response.
IPL Skin Treatment
Acne and Rosacea IPL Treatment
Acne IPL treatments with Palomar®technology target and destroy the skin bacteria responsible for acne to help prevent future breakouts from occurring on faces, chests and backs. To treat acne scars, we use pulses of laser light to coagulate scar tissue and trigger healthy new tissue to form in clients’ skin. Healing time is minimal, infection risk is eliminated and clients feel little to no pain.
Facial Blood Vessels IPL Treatment
The broken blood vessels that occur so frequently on the face, especially the nose and cheeks, can now be cleared using intense pulsed light. This advanced IPL allows the removal of these vessels without bruising or crusting at the treatment sites. There is a transient pinkness that develops in the treated area that may last 1- 1 ½ hours. Make-up can be immediately applied after the treatment if desired. Usually, 2 to 3 treatment sessions are needed depending on the number of blood vessels present.
Sun Damage IPL Treatment
The unsightly flat brown spots that occur frequently in sun-exposed areas, e.g. the face and hands, can be removed using the Intense Pulse Light treatments. After treatment, the skin in the areas treated will become dark and peel off in 7-10 days.
Age Spots IPL Treatment
Usually, 2 to 4 treatments are needed to achieve the desired results. Adequate sunscreens are necessary at all times and the use of a skin lightening agent is also beneficial. Stretch marks are the result of collagen loss in the second, deeper layer of the skin and often appear first on the skin surface as reddish or purple lines. These lines usually fade gradually to a lighter, silver or white color. They are most likely to appear in places where a higher concentration of fat is stored, such as the abdomen, breasts, back, thighs, hips, and buttocks.
Stretch Marks IPL Treatment
IPL uses a specific wavelength of light to fade the reddish discoloration of stretch marks and also help to stimulate collagen to plump the skin. A series of IPL treatments can improve the appearance of pink or red stretch marks. IPL does not work for stretch marks that have faded with age to silver or white.
Read Why People Are Choosing The Forefront Dermatology, formerly Asarch Dermatology
“I have been going to Asarch for a couple of years now. They have a beautiful clinic and their staff is incredibly kind, and their providers are experts who are very helpful.”– Jillian Lambrechtsen
How Does IPL Work?
IPL uses short blasts of a high-intensity light to penetrate just below the skin’s surface, damaging either the melanin that makes up brown “age spots” or the blood vessels that create broken capillaries. Your skin then repairs the damage, leaving you with a more even skin tone.
Number Of Intense Pulse Light Treatments Needed
The number of treatments required depends on:
- individual skin tone and tolerance
- extent of acne, pigmented or vascular lesions
- the severity of sun damage
Typically a minimum of three treatments are performed at monthly intervals for optimal results. You may require follow up depending on your individual skin condition.
What Should I Expect After Treatment?
Minimal recovery and downtime are required with Intense Pulsed Light. Your face may be mildly red for several hours after the procedure but will then subside. Pigmented areas on your skin will become darker initially, and then flake off in one to two weeks.
You will need to avoid the sun as much as possible before and after the treatment. Sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 should be utilized daily, especially after treatment.
Candidacy for IPL Laser Treatment
The ideal candidate for IPL is someone with light skin who has sun damage, broken capillaries, and some lack of firmness. IPL is commonly called a photo facial and is not the same as a laser treatment.
Ellipse IPL Treatments
The most complete versatile skin solution on the market. Handcrafted in Scandinavia and featuring 15 FDA-Cleared treatments, the Nordlys Hybrid Experience is the choice of the world’s most progressive and proven physicians.
- Treats Skin Types I-VI
- Fastest patient throughput
- Patented Dual-Mode Filtration
- Low fluence required
- Fewer shots per treatment
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION
Forefront Dermatology, formerly Asarch Dermatology proudly serves patients in Englewood, Castle Rock, Lakewood, and surrounding areas. Call 303-761-7797 to schedule your visit to an office near you.
