IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

What are IPL treatments, and what can they do?

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and represents a form of light therapy which is used for a multitude of aesthetic treatments. When compared to the laser, it is general safer and with fewer side effects. The light is sent through various filters so as to create wavelengths of light which are specific for the pigment of the target tissue. It can be used for numerous applications that include:

• Photo rejuvenation (a tightening of skin of the face, a “lunchtime lift”)
• Improved appearance of sun damaged skin
• Removal of actinic keratosis (sun spots)
• Acne treatment
• Rosacea treatment
• Enlarged blood vessel eradication

 

What is meant by Photofacial or Photo Rejuvenation?

Photofacials or Photo rejuvenation refers to IPL treatments aimed at stimulating the collagen and elastin in the skin. This leads to skin that is thicker, tighter, and more youthful. The process requires about 15-30 minutes per treatment, and usually 4-6 treatments are needed. The process also results in removal of sunspots, and resolves most enlarged blood vessels.

 

Does the treatment hurt? What is the downtime?

IPL treatments feel most like a small rubber band that is snapped on the skin. It is universally fairly well tolerated. After the treatment, the skin might feel hot, like a sunburn for minutes to hours. It is customary for most clients to continue their daily activities without interruption. Restricting strenuous activity and sunlight for the next few days is recommended. There is no skin peeling or oozing. The spots which are affected by the IPL will turn darker and gradually flake off. Make up can be used immediately afterwards.

 

How long do the results last?

It is typical for the results to last for a year or longer. It really depends on your sun exposure and how bad your sun damage was before treatment. Also, if you are on a good skin care regime, the results can be prolonged. Having a yearly 1 or 2 photofacials as a touchup is commonly done. Intermittent chemical peels will also prolong results.

 

How is this used for Rosacea?

By adjusting the settings, the small vessels in the skin which cause rosacea can be targeted. This will lead to less redness, less flushing, and improved skin appearance. Rosacea is not curable, so the results will not be permanent. One can expect about a year of improvement. Usually 4 treatments are needed spaced one week apart.

 

Tell me more about how IPL works for acne?

Using the acne hand piece, treatments are performed 1-2 times per week for a total of 8 treatments. The IPL works by killing the acne bacteria and by targeting the oil glands so they produce less oil. Clients who want more aggressive treatments can add Levulan to their IPL treatments. Marked improvement or resolution of acne can be expected in about 85% of clients. This is a great form of therapy which avoids the side effects of Accutane or antibiotics.

 

I’ve heard about Levulan or ALA, what is this used for?

Levulan or alpha aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a photosensitizing agent that enhances several of the procedures when used in combination with IPL. This is also known as “Photodynamic Therapy”. Typically this treatment is used for clients requesting more aggressive photo rejuvenation therapy or ones that have severe sun damage with multiple sunspots and precancerous areas (actinic keratosis). It is also used for acne clients, and will give 9-12 months of dramatically decreased acne. The levulon is brushed onto the skin about 45 minutes prior to starting the procedure after having a microdermabrasion. Light from the IPL activates the ALA leading to the equivalent to 2 or 3 treatments at one sitting. After using ALA, very strict sun avoidance is required to prevent further activation of the ALA for the next 36 hours. This procedure will have some swelling, peeling, and scabbing usually. One or 2 are usually required for complete resolution of the problem. There is a success rate of 78% of complete eradication of precancerous lesions with one or two treatments.

 

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Dr. Steve Weiner is a board certified Facial Plastic/Head and Neck Surgeon.  His services include BOTOX cosmetic, Restylane, Juvederm, Perlane, Juvederm Ultraplus, Radiesse, and Artefill injections.  He also performs laser resurfacing with the new Fraxel re:pair (Repair) Laser, 1540 Fractional Laser, IPL for photofacial, Laser Hair Removal, Laser for Spider veins, and IPL for acne and precancers.  He services: Destin, Panama City, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, Watercolor, Watersound, Crestview, Niceville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Nashville, and Sandestin.