What is IPL?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a cosmetic skin treatment. People may use it to reduce the signs of aging, pigmentation, vasculature, reduce acne, or remove unwanted hair. An IPL treatment uses the power of broadband light to deliver pulses of intense light to penetrate the layers of the skin. Most patients describe experiencing a fast, pinching sensation during treatment, with minimal discomfort. There is no need for injections or incisions, giving patients the bonus of no downtime required.

What is unique about IPL?

Unlike lasers, an IPL device sends out more than one wavelength of pulsating light. It can treat a range of skin conditions at the same time. After IPL, you may look younger because your skin tone is more even. While laser therapy uses a set wavelength depending on the procedure, intense pulsed light therapy uses multiple different wavelengths of light released in pulses. You can think of it as a strobe light passing along the skin. IPL isn’t a focused beam like a laser. It instead is dispersed beams of light that work together. As the light penetrates down to the second layer of skin, it allows the cells to absorb its energy, heat up, and eventually destroy the pigmentation within the cell. This is how age spots, other discoloring blemishes, moles, birthmarks, and rosacea are diminished.

Spectrum IPL FAQ

- What are some indications for IPL?

Skin tone, wrinkles, photoaging, skin rejuvenation, photo-facials, sun damaged skin, uneven pigmentation, scars, spider veins, vascular lesions, rosacea, acne, and hair reduction. -

How does it work?

IPL works on the same principles as laser in that light energy is absorbed by targeted cells (chromophores) with color in the skin. The light energy is converted to heat energy, which causes damage to the specific target area. IPL systems are different to lasers in that they deliver many wavelengths (or colors) in each pulse of light instead of just one wavelength. This technology use filters to refine the energy output for the treatment of certain areas. This enhances penetration without using excessive energy levels and enables targeting of specific chromophores (skin components that absorb light). The light heats cells in the skin and breaks them down. The body then removes the damaged tissue naturally.

-- Does it help anti-aging / stimulate collagen?

IPL will stimulate collagen growth by treating a deeper layer of skin, while improving texture, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

How does it feel?

During the procedure, people may feel a pinching sensation. Some individuals have described this as a feeling similar to an elastic band being “snapped” on the skin. Sensation is moderate and very tolerable.

How long does a treatment take?

Average treatment takes approximately 30-45 minutes.

Prices starting at $175

pre/post treatment Faq's

What to Expect Post-Treatment

Temperature Sensitivity: Your skin may be sensitive to temperature for several days.
Darkening of Spots: Brown spots and freckles may appear darker while healing.
Results Timeline: Full results can take 4-6 weeks to appear, with 2-3 treatments often required for optimal results.
Downtime: Sessions are designed for no downtime, but cheeks and under-eye areas might be slightly puffy.
- Use cold compresses (5 minutes on, 10 minutes off) to ease redness and swelling.
- Sleep with your head elevated on the first night to reduce swelling.

Redness: Expect redness around the treated area for a few hours to days.
Darkening and Fading: Freckles and age spots may darken for 3-7 days before starting to fade.
Skin Flaking: Skin flaking can occur for up to 10 days.
Minor Bruising: Bruising may last up to two weeks or less.

What to Avoid After IPL

Hot Showers: No hot showers for 48 hours.
Medications and Alcohol: Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, and heavy exertion for 2 days.
Topical Products: Avoid harsh topical products like retinols and glycolic acid for one week.
Sun Exposure: Avoid direct sunlight on the treated area and use SPF 30+ sunscreen for 4-6 weeks.
Swimming: No swimming for one week, especially in chlorinated pools.
Exercise: No strenuous exercise for 48 hours. Light exercise can resume after 2 days.
Hot Tubs: No hot tubs or Jacuzzis for 48 hours.
Excessive Perspiration: Avoid activities causing excessive sweating for 24 hours.
Skin Picking: Do not pick at or remove any loosening or peeling skin.

Pre-Treatment Guidelines

Before Your Appointment

Self-Tanner: Avoid applying self-tanner for 2 weeks prior.
Alcohol: Avoid alcohol for 2 days prior.
Hair Removal: No electrolysis, facial waxing, or depilatories for 14 days before and after treatment.
Sun Exposure: Avoid significant sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 4 weeks prior.
Medications: Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen for one week prior. Inform your doctor if you are on blood thinners or regularly take aspirin or ibuprofen.
Accutane: Inform your doctor if you have taken Accutane (oral acne medication) in the past year.

Day of Appointment

Skin Preparation: Arrive without creams or makeup on the treatment area if possible. Otherwise, arrive 10 minutes early to clean the skin using available cleansing products.
Appointment Duration: Allow approximately 45 minutes for your appointment, depending on the treatment area size.
Photos: Pre-treatment photos will be taken.
Eye Protection: You will be given eye shields or glasses to wear to protect your eyes during treatment.

Post-Treatment Care

Cleansers and Moisturizers: Use mild cleansers and moisturizers on the treated area.
Medications and Alcohol: Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, alcohol, heavy exertion, and activities that may cause flushing for 2 days after treatment.
Topical Products: Avoid harsh topical products such as retinols and glycolic acid for one week.
Sun Exposure: Avoid direct sunlight on the treated area and use a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with SPF 30 or greater for 4-6 weeks.
Social Downtime: Anticipate some social downtime following your treatment.

Downtime and Healing

Time Off: Generally, no time off is needed. Healing varies but typically takes less than a week, often just a few hours to days.
Immediate Aftercare: You may notice minor redness and swelling similar to a sunburn. Use ice packs or a cool washcloth as needed.
Freckles and Dark Spots: If treating freckles and dark spots, expect dryness and flaking. These spots may darken before sloughing off within a few days.
Makeup: Makeup can be applied immediately after treatment if desired.
Exercise and Activities: Avoid heavy exertion and activities that cause flushing for three days post-treatment.

Results and Duration

Pigment: Full results from a single treatment take 4-6 weeks to appear, with dark spots fading and sloughing off within a week. Completing a series of treatments (about one month apart) will show maximum results in 2-3 months after the last treatment.
Veins: Results for veins begin to appear right after treatment and improve over the next few days to weeks as veins collapse and are reabsorbed by the body. Symptoms associated with spider veins are usually relieved immediately.

Treatment Frequency

Number of Treatments: For optimal IPL results, it is generally recommended to receive 3-4 treatments scheduled four weeks apart, depending on the treatment indication.

Potential Side Effects

Common Side Effects: Redness, swelling, light bruising, itching, peeling, and scabbing are mild complications that may occur after IPL treatment.