Everybody has a different opinion and preference for maintaining beautiful skin. Some people would prefer staying without blemishes while others don’t really mind as much. Regardless of what your views are as far as perfect skin is concerned, many people are embracing the benefits of IPL treatment. IPL is an abbreviation for Intense Pulsed Light and has become a highly sought-after service at Garza Plastic Surgery in Nashville, TN and elsewhere.
Most likely, you are wondering what this treatment involves, or what its benefits might be. Of course, during a consultation with our team, you can learn more about IPL treatment, and we can help you determine whether it is your preferred approach to skin rejuvenation.
What is IPL?
IPL therapy or intense pulsed light (photofacial), is a way to improve the color and texture of your skin without surgery. Using light energy, the skin is heated, ridding your skin of the unwanted cells. Unlike lasers, IPL devices emit more than one wavelength of pulsed light, treating a variety of skin conditions at once. IPL has also been known to help with reddening, browning, or splotchy skin.
What does IPL help fix?
- Acne
- Freckles
- Birthmarks
- Stretch marks
- Scars
- Large pores
- Unwanted hair
- Broken blood vessels
- Spiders veins
- Brown spots, also called liver or age spots
- Erythema (reddening)
- Dark spots caused by hormonal changes
- Dull skin
- Small wrinkles
Top Benefits of IPL Treatment
There are several benefits of IPL treatment you can expect after undergoing the procedure.
IPL is a Non-Invasive Treatment
One of the top benefits of IPL treatment is its mode of delivery. It is neither invasive nor is it surgical. The implication is that you do not need any real recovery time to note a significant difference after undergoing the procedure. After treatment, you can return directly about your day!
IPL Combats Acne
Acne can be a nuisance, especially if you do not address it appropriately. Most people have challenges addressing their acne problems. However, IPL treatment can help to control acne and combat any complications that result from acne such as inflammation and redness. It eliminates large pores on your skin, reducing acne’s appearance.
IPL is Ideal for Repairing Small Blood Vessels
IPL treatment helps in the repair of small blood vessels as well. It clears the skin in the area where such vessels are visible or have caused irregular pigmentation. It also helps in eradicating sunspots on the skin.
IPL Helps Improve the Texture of the Skin
IPL stimulates the growth of collagen. It does this through the simulation of minor dermal injuries, especially when used to treat slightly deep layers of the skin. Such simulation helps in improving the texture of the skin. As a bonus, IPL can help removed hair in the treated areas.
How many treatments does IPL take?
IPL usually takes 4-6 treatments scheduled 4 weeks apart. Your skin cells need roughly 4 weeks to be ready for another treatment. Each treatment can last from 30-60 minutes depending on the size of the treated area.
What is the treatment like?
After the patient’s face is cleaned and dried, the patient will wear eye protection during the procedure. A wearable device is inserted through the target area, emitting intense pulses of light to penetrate layers of the skin. Most patients describe a rapid prickling sensation during treatment, with minimal discomfort. No injections or incisions are required, giving patients benefits with no downtime.
How about after the treatment?
Immediately after IPL treatment, the treated areas will be slightly pink or red and swollen. These effects will start to wear off after 24 hours. You may notice discoloration and sunspots becoming slightly darker or more noticeable, and other blotches may begin to emerge. This is a good sign that the treatment is working. These pimples will eventually come off as the skin begins to heal from the inside out.
Are the results of IPL permanent?
Most patients see results within two weeks of their treatment, but like most skin treatments the results are not always permanent. There is one permanent benefit to IPL, which is hair removal. Other benefits are more likely to be permanent such as fixing broken blood vessels and spider veins. The other skin benefits to IPL can last for 6 months or more.
Is IPL worth the money?
If you are wanting to save time and a headache on healthy skin results, IPL is a great choice. A few quick appointments over several months and no extra creams and ointments can save you both the confusion and the daily stress of your skin routine. IPL prices can vary depending on the amount of treatments, size of the area and more. Since IPL is a cosmetic surgery, insurance usually does not cover any costs.
If you are getting IPL treatment, don’t…
- Sunbathe, use a tanning bed, or apply a tanning lotion for 4 weeks before going
- Depilation, or chemical exfoliation or collagen injection in the 2 weeks before
- Spray perfume, makeup, deodorant or any other skin irritant
- Taking aspirin or another medicine that can make you bleed more
- Taking any medicine that makes you sensitive to the sun; for example, the antibiotic doxycycline.
Alternative Treatments similar to IPL
These options can also treat skin spots, fine lines, and redness.
- Microdermabrasion: This uses tiny crystals to gently polish the top layer of skin, called the epidermis.
- Chemical shell: This is similar to microdermabrasion except that it uses chemical solutions applied to your face.
- Laser resurfacing: This removes the damaged outer layer of the skin to promote the growth of collagen and new skin cells. Lasers use only a single wavelength of light in a focused beam. IPL, on the other hand, uses pulses or flashes of various types of light to treat a variety of skin conditions.
- BBL or Broadband Light Therapy: BBL uses similar technology as IPL but is made to target deeper levels of the skin than IPL, thus needing cooling capabilities or more settings. BBL is usually used for more damaged skin or darker spots.
Talk to a Specialist
The skin is a sensitive element of your body that requires much care. Therefore, speak with the experts at Garza Plastic Surgery in Nashville, TN to learn more about IPL treatment and other ways to add to your skin care routine. Contact us today to book your appointment.
