IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

Appropriate candidates for IPL include patients with:

The most common areas treated with IPL for photorejuvenation are the face, neck, chest and hands. IPL is also useful for removing unwanted hair from the face, legs, arms, underarms, bikini line, back and other areas. People with darker complexions, tanned skin, spray tans, or recently tanned skin are generally not good candidates for IPL treatment.

In general, it is not advisable to schedule IPL photofacials during the summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day, due to potential complications related to sun exposure.

Dr. Ellen Turner works to choose the most appropriate procedure for each patient, based on a thorough consultation. To see if you are a candidate for laser hair removal, book an appointment online or call the office to make an appointment at (214) 373-7546.

Photorejuvenation treatments with IPL typically take 20 to 30 minutes, which is why it is often referred to as a “lunchtime” procedure. Patients generally go back to work or resume their other normal activities immediately following the procedure. During the procedure, the technician will provide appropriate eye protection, and it will also be necessary to protect the outer layers of your skin with a cold gel or special cooling device. This will help the light penetrate the skin. Next, the technician will give a pulse of light to the treatment area and watch the area for several minutes to make sure appropriate settings were used and to check for any adverse reactions. To most people, the treatment feels like a rubber-band snapping against the skin.

Pinkness and mild discomfort like a sunburn sensation after the treatment may occur for a few hours. Areas treated may be prone to hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin). Avoidance of the sun and wearing sunscreen daily are advised. Because all individuals are different, we generally begin treatment at a more conservative level then progressively increase the treatment levels over time. This will minimize any unwanted side effects and provide the optimal treatment protocol for each individual.

In a groundbreaking study on IPL from Stanford University (Chang AS, Bitter PH, Qu K, et al. J Invest Derm. 2013:133;394–402.), it was demonstrated that IPL treatments can restore the gene expression pattern of aged human skin to resemble young skin. More than 1,000 gene expressions became “rejuvenated” to be more like youthful skin, resulting in improvements in fine wrinkles and pigmentation. In a follow-up study (Bitter, P, Pozner, J. Cosmetic Derm. 2013, 34-40), a blinded panel of physician evaluators determined IPL treated patients appeared 9 years younger than their actual age. The results indicated that “Patients who maintain a regular regimen of IPL treatments annually can reduce and delay the long term signs of skin aging in a way that looks very natural.”

If you are planning to undergo IPL hair removal, you should limit plucking and/or waxing for six weeks before treatment. IPL targets the roots of the hair, which are temporarily removed by waxing or plucking. You should also avoid tanning (real or artificial) for six weeks before and after treatment. Darkened skin from tanning makes hair removal less effective and makes complications after treatment more likely.

Just before the procedure, the hair in the treatment area will be trimmed to a few millimeters above the skin surface. The equipment will be adjusted according to the color, thickness and location of your hair being treated, as well as your skin color. The technician will also provide appropriate eye protection, and it will be necessary to protect the outer layers of your skin with a cold gel or special cooling device. This will help the light penetrate the skin. Next, the technician will give a pulse of light to the treatment area and observe the results to be sure appropriate settings were used and to check for any adverse reactions.

When the hair removal procedure is completed, you may be given ice packs, anti-inflammatory creams or lotions, or cold water to ease any discomfort. You may schedule your next treatment four to six weeks later. The skin may be pink for a few hours, but there is generally no downtime after the procedures.

Following IPL photorejuvenation, after one or two treatments, your skin will have more even tone as well as a smoother look and feel. Sunspots will start to fade, and pores can become less apparent. Fine lines and wrinkles may soften over time. These improvements continue with each treatment. Patients with acne and acne rosacea will see a reduction in facial redness as a result of each treatment.

For hair removal, you’ll typically see a significant reduction of hair in the treated area after three to eight treatments. Laser hair removal results in permanent hair reduction in the treated area.

To many people, IPL feels like a rubber band snapping against their skin. Particular areas of the body can be more sensitive, such as upper lip, underarms, and bikini area. Pain tolerance for each patient can vary. Topical anesthetic creams, cold compresses, or forced cold air can reduce discomfort.

A IPL consultation is available from a medical esthetician trained to evaluate your skin rejuvenation needs and/or hair growth. Costs will vary depending on treatment details. Schedule your consultation online or call (214) 373-7546 today. You can also learn about CareCredit, which provides outside financing that allows for monthly payments.