what is (IPL)?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology is a treatment breakthrough that can correct a variety of benign skin imperfections that occur as a result of aging and sun exposure. This includes the signs of photo-aging, such as the small red or purple veins that occur on the face, neck and other sun exposed areas such as the chest. These red and purple discolorations often occur along with brown pigment changes, such as sun spots or freckles.
At Inovia we utilize the Palomar Star LUX 500 laser system to deliver the Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). The Palomar system filters light from different parts of the light spectrum. Each band of the spectrum has a wavelength that is ideal for different treatments, such as hair reduction, sun spot removal and vessel clearance.
PhotoRejuvenation is a gentle light-based treatment for redness, brown spots, and fine wrinkles that occur with sun damage. This no-downtime procedure is appropriate for the face (often called the PhotoFacial) but also for the chest, neck and hands - anywhere that sun damage shows. PhotoRejunenation is a non-ablative, non-invasive procedure; in other words, the surface of the skin is not damaged or removed. This quick outpatient procedure can correct pigmentation irregularities (both red and brown) and encourage new collagen growth to smooth out existing facial wrinkles.
What are the benefits of IPL?
- Improves rosacea, broken blood vessels, red and blue facial veins
- Reduces facial wrinkles and fine lines
- Treats sun damage, including age spots and brown pigmentation
- No recovery time, return to activities immediately
- Safe for face, chest, neck and hands - anywhere sun damage shows
How does IPL work?
At Inovia we utilize the Palomar Star LUX 500 laser to deliver the Intense Pulsed Light treatments. The Palomar system filters light from different parts of the light spectrum and releases precisely controlled strong pulses of filtered light. Each band of the spectrum has a wavelength that is ideal for different treatments, such as sun spot removal and vessel clearance for spider veins. The light is absorbed by the pigment in sun spots and the blood in spider veins, and converted to heat. The heat dissolves the cells that create the pigment and shrinks the spider veins.
Following treatment the vessels quickly clear and are re-absorbed by the body, leaving little or no trace of the original lesion.
How will the treament be performed?
You will be asked to put on goggles to protect your eyes. A layer of chilled gel is applied to the area to guide the light into the skin. The area will also be cooled to increase comfort during treatment. The light guide is placed on the skin and a short pulse of light is released. The applicator is then moved to the neighboring area of skin and the process is repeated until the entire area is treated. The chilled gel is removed and the area moisturized.
How many IPL treatments will I need?
Your treatment program will be assessed at your initial consultation. A series of treatments can effectively improve facial redness, brown pigmentation and flushing in fair-skinned individuals. Typically 1 - 6 treatments are done three weeks apart. The procedure is nearly painless so it can be done without the need for anesthesia or after simply applying a topical numbing cream to the skin.
How much down time will I need after each treatment?
In contrast to other treatments, PhotoRejuvenation is non-ablative, so the treatment does not remove any skin and there is no downtime for healing; simply apply makeup and go back to work. You may experience redness and mild swelling.
What sort of results can I anticipate?
You will see gradual improvement from each session resulting in a dramatic improvement by the end of your treatment program. Results are long lasting, and a maintenance program of one treatment every 90 days is suggested.