IPL PHOTOFACIAL
WHAT IS AN IPL TREATMENT?
Intense pulse light treatment is a medical procedure that involves the treatment of certain skin conditions using the light of varying wavelengths.
The light penetrates the epidermis (top skin layer) down to the dermis (second skin layer) where the skin cell pigments absorb the light to elicit treatment of the skin condition it is targeted at.
HOW DOES AN IPL TREATMENT WORK?
Most IPL treatments target the melanin. A handheld flashgun is held across the skin delivering a spectrum of light, adjusted to a particular wavelength, down the skin layers.
The light spectrum travels until it hits the hair root where melanin concentration is high. As the hair root absorbs the light, the light energy is converted to heat energy, which heats it.
The hair root becomes disintegrated. This prevents the future growth of the targeted hair and makes the dark color on the skin to fade.
WHAT DOES IPL TREAT?
An IPL treatment is used for the treatment of a range of skin issues. They include:
- Keloid scars
- Stretch marks
- Scars
- Freckles
- Melasma
- Hyperpigmentation
- Rosacea
WHAT ARE OTHER USES OF AN IPL TREATMENT?
Other skin conditions IPL is used on are wrinkles, birthmark, visible blood vessels and veins, large skin pores, and uneven skin.
IS IPL SAFE?
Compared to laser treatment, intense pulse light treatment is safe to use. Unlike the laser treatment that focuses on just one wavelength of light at the skin, IPL treatment releases different light wavelengths.
This makes penetrable deep into the skin without causing any harm. This treatment does not involve a light spectrum that causes or increases skin cancer.
However, IPL treatment is not safe for pregnant women and those on blood thinners. We additionally discourage using this laser treatment on Fitzpatrick Skin Types 4-6 due to the risk of Hyper/Hypopigmentation.
IS AN IPL TREATMENT EFFECTIVE?
How effective IPL treatment depends on skin color. This procedure works better on light skin than on darker skin. Because the light spectrum targets melanin, this may cause skin discoloration for dark-skinned persons.
IS THERE DOWNTIME WITH AN IPL TREATMENT?
The treated area tends to appear red or pink immediately after the procedure. This may last for 4 to 8 hours. Patients may experience swelling in the treated areas or mild stinging sensations. Use a cool pack or moist soft cloth to ease the stinging sensation.
During recovery, people should avoid applying lotion or makeup on the treated area until the swelling has gone. People are also advised to moisturize the treated area for at least 3 months and keep up with scheduled maintenance treatments. Patients should not work out, swim, go into a sauna, tan, and much more after a treatment.
Pre treatment and post care instructions will be provided at your Consultation!
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
IPL treatments take between 15 and 60 minutes depending on the body area.
WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED WITH IPL?
At Eluma Laser and Aesthetics we offer services to treat the face, neck, chest, décolletage, and hands.
Contact Us Today To Find Out If You Are A Candidate For IPL Photofacials!