Intense pulsed light (IPL) technology that is a great place to start for small facial veins, redness of the face, and for sun-damage discoloration. It has minimal to no downtime, and the device we use at Springs Aesthetics has two hand pieces for different skin types and both have a cooling head making the treatments quite comfortable.
IPL is like an intense bright flash. It is not a laser, and delivers light energy in the 500-1200 nm range, which is the same absorption spectrum as melanin (the skin pigment).
Photo rejuvenation with IPL is very popular ranking fourth in the top five nonsurgical procedures performed by member ASAPS plastic surgeons.
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IPLs have come a long way from their early beginnings, evolving to become much stronger and more effective.
IPLs can treat skin lesions with red and brown components.
And the most common things we treat with it are signs of chronic sun damage on the face, neck, hands, chest, hands and arms.
IPL can also be used to treat a variety of vascular conditions, from facial telangiectasia and poikiloderma of Civatte, to superficial hemangiomas and port wine stains, as well as rosacea, acne and red scars. Although active acne and scars may better be served with facial resurfacing with radio-frequency type treatments (e.g., Fractora).
IPL treatment for skin rejuvenation can do more than diminish or remove vascular and pigmented areas, it can also improve skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles, according to Dr. Burroughs. However, treatment of melasma with IPL can be risky and is generally not advised. Like lasers IPL light results in selective photothermolysis.
Ultrasound gel is applied to the skin as an optical and thermal coupler; then, apply the device’s light topically through a rectangular light guide or crystal.
Darker pigmentation and skin Fitzpatrick of III or greater require extreme caution or no IPL at all to avoid unwanted skin discoloration.
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is especially likely to occur if the skin is tanned prior to or after the treatment, and in darker skin types though with our two hand pieces this risk is minimized.
To help prevent discoloration and uncomfortable burning, the Lumecca IPL device has a built-in cooling mechanism on the part of the tip that comes in contact with the skin.
It is best to do a test area on an inconspicuous part of the skin to be sure the skin reacts appropriately.
Hydroquinone-based bleaching cream with or without Kojic acid prior to IPL treatment can be ideal in darker pigment types, as it decreases production of melanin and reduces the chance for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Patients should avoid tanning the skin in the two weeks before or after the treatment. Darker ethnic skin types require extreme caution.
IPL treatments have been very popular at Springs Aesthetics, and are a good combination treatment with skin resurfacing (Fractora) as well as other facial rejuvenative procedures like wrinkle blockers or fillers. Our Lumecca machine delivers results with a series of monthly spaced treatments that other older devices required as many as 5-6. Other uses for IPL include dry eye treatments to help the oil glands of the eyelids to work better and lessen the tear film evaporation.