How Does IPL Therapy Work?

Intense Pulsed Light

The pigment in our skin naturally absorbs light energy, during the IPL session there is an immense amount of light energy being absorbed. This energy is converted to heat throughout all layers of the skin. The heat actually brings the unsightly lesions and dark spots to the surface where they are slowly exfoliated over the course of a week or so. If left untreated these spots will remain exactly where they are and only darken overtime.

If we are targeting vessels, the light energy helps coagulate those vessels making them less visible on the surface of your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of problem areas can IPL reduce the appearance of?

An intense pulsed light (IPL) photofacial uses light energy to treat unwanted signs of aging, such as:

Sun damage
Age Spots
Birthmarks
Freckles
Broken Blood Vessels
Varicose Veins
Rosacea

What happens during treatment?

During treatment, an MD Esthetics provider cleans your skin and applies a cooling gel to it to enhance anti-aging effects and minimize discomfort. Your provider will move the IPL technology over your skin so light can penetrate it. The procedure isn’t painful, but you might feel slight discomfort or the sensation of a rubber band snapping against your skin.

The length of time an IPL photofacial session lasts depends on the areas treated and the condition of your skin, but it usually takes between 20-60 minutes.

What happens after treatment?

After IPL treatment, your provider again cleans your skin and removes the gel. There’s no downtime, but your skin might temporarily look puffy or red. It’s important to protect skin from the sun for about a week and consistently use sunscreen after that.

Your provider might recommend a series of 3-5 treatments spaced about one month apart to achieve optimal results, and annual maintenance treatments after that. You might notice the most desirable results several months after your series of treatments.

Am I a good candidate for an IPL photofacial?

After a thorough consultation and skin exam, a provider at MD Esthetics lets you know if you’re a good candidate for an IPL photofacial. The technology might not work well on uneven areas and isn’t recommended for people with melasma, raised scars, or darker skin tones. Your provider might suggest you postpone treatment if you’re taking certain medications.

When you’re ready for evenly-toned, younger-looking skin, schedule a consultation at MD Esthetics to learn more about IPL photofacials or book an appointment online today.