IPL

IPL Q & A

What is IPL?

IPL is a unique laser treatment that uses multiple wavelengths. Most lasers send out one wavelength, limiting their use to a specific skin problem.

During your IPL treatment, your provider can filter the wavelengths. They can choose the correct wavelength for one concern, then change it and treat another problem. As a result, you can have several cosmetic problems treated during one session.

What cosmetic problems does IPL treat? 

IPL treatments are called photofacials or photorejuvenation because they target sun damage and discolored skin. You can have your face, neck, shoulders, chest, and hands treated with IPL, eliminating problems like:

• Age spots (sun spots)
• Freckles
• Spider veins
• Rosacea
• Melasma
• Acne
• Enlarged pores
• Redness from broken capillaries
• Precancerous brown spots (actinic keratoses)

Your IPL photofacial also softens fine lines and wrinkles.

How does IPL work on discolored skin?

Pigments absorb different wavelengths of light. For example, brown spots absorb one wavelength, while the reddish-blue pigments in spider veins take in a different wavelength.

As a pigmented lesion absorbs the laser beam, its energy heats the pigment just enough to break it into small pieces. Your body eliminates all the pieces, permanently removing the discoloration. The surrounding skin remains unharmed because it doesn’t absorb the light.

How does IPL soften wrinkles?

Specific wavelengths penetrate deeper into your skin, where the heat triggers the production of proteins like collagen and elastin that strengthen and restore your skin.

As old, dead skin cells shed, they’re replaced with new skin fortified by the boost in collagen and elastin. This tighter, firmer skin reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What happens after an IPL treatment?

After an IPL treatment, your face can look slightly flushed for a short time. You can return to work after your treatment unless you’d rather wait for the redness to disappear.

IPL treatments don’t produce immediate results. For example, brown spots typically crust over and take a week or two to heal and disappear.

It also takes time for your body to produce collagen and for skin cells to die and be replaced by new ones. You won’t see tighter skin or fewer fine lines for several months.

You can rejuvenate your complexion with IPL. Call Dr. Malouf Dermatology or book an appointment online today to learn more.