Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Dr. Gaskell is pleased to offer cosmetic Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). IPL is an innovative skin treatment. It uses multiple laser wavelengths to reduce and even get rid of extra pigmentation, small broken blood vessels, and wrinkles. It also improves facial toning. It is most often done on the face and neck, but the chest, hands, arms, and legs can be treated as well.
What are the benefits of IPL?
IPL is ideal for eliminating a variety of cosmetic problems including:
Small broken blood vessels
Wrinkles
Rosacea
Age Spots/Sun Spots
Large Pores
Freckles
Pigmentation Variances
Spider Veins
Flushing
How does IPL work?*
Laser light is absorbed by pigmented areas. There, the light is changed to heat. This causes the pigment to break up. For small broken vessels and spider veins, the laser light is absorbed by the pigment in the blood. This shrinks the unwanted vein. For wrinkles and skin toning, the laser promotes collagen growth. This makes the skin more supple. Before your treatment we will look at your skin condition and choose the best treatment for you.
When will you see results with IPL?
The effects add up over time. After the first session, you will see progress in the look of small broken vessels, small facial veins and some pigmented areas. These results will be visible within a few days. Other progress, such as toning and getting rid of wrinkles, will be subtler. These may take one to three months to see. Friends may say that you look more rested. With each new treatment, more subtle changes will accrue until you get the improvement you desire. The Inmode system would rarely require more than two treatments. Most often it is a one treatment IPL!
How often can you have IPL done?
We used to advise a single treatment to treat most conditions. Rarely a second IPL will be indicated. These should be spaced two to four weeks apart. Sometimes more treatments may be needed for certain people or conditions. Regular maintenance treatments may be prescribed for optimal, lasting results.
What can you expect immediately post-treatment of IPL?
Right after the session you may have some redness. You may also have swelling and/or a slight darkening of the pigmented areas. The redness and swelling usually go away in one to three days. However, darkened pigmentation may persist. You may develop a stripping pattern on the treated area which will peel. It may peel lightly for up to one week. Makeup can be used on the area right away if needed.
Hair growth may be impaired in the treated area, though this is not the aim of this treatment. It is very important to use a moisturizer with SPF30 sun block. Avoid sun exposure on a daily basis to prevent more sun damage.
How long does IPL take?
This treatment with IPL takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
