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IPL Treatment

Healthy, youthful skin has specific characteristics, including an even color with no hyperpigmentation or sunspots and no red blotches or distended capillaries. Youthful skin is firm and plump with volume and gorgeous contours. It’s not saggy, loose, or wrinkled but has a smooth texture that beautifully reflects light and emits a radiant glow.  

When we are young, our skin naturally has all these qualities, and we tend to take them for granted and assume they will always exist. Unfortunately, the natural aging process, environmental stressors, and a variety of other factors can cause skin to lose its healthy characteristics over time. When over-the-counter skin care treatments no longer offer the results you want, it’s time to invest in professional, medical-grade skin care treatments to help heal and reverse some of the visible signs of aging. Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments are one worthy option to consider. 

What is IPL Laser Treatment?

IPL is a non-invasive skin treatment that uses high-intensity pulses of light to improve a variety of skin conditions and concerns. It is sometimes referred to as photofacial therapy or photorejuvenation. IPL treatment is commonly used for cosmetic and dermatological purposes and can help with issues such as sun damage, age spots/brown spots, other types of hyperpigmentation, rosacea, spider veins, acne, and uneven skin tone. 

The way IPL works is by delivering intense pulses of light to the skin using a wide spectrum of wavelengths. The light energy is absorbed by specific target components in the skin, such as melanin, which is responsible for pigmentation, and hemoglobin, which is found in blood vessels. The absorbed IPL energy then converts into heat that damages the targeted cells. Over time, the body’s natural processes remove the damaged cells, leading to a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and other skin issues. 

At The Rejuva Center, we use the Stellar M22 IPL Laser by Lumenis, which is known for its ability to deliver a safe, effective, and noninvasive treatment for clients dealing with a variety of skin concerns. Our trained practitioners are intimately familiar with this machine and its capabilities, allowing them to customize the Stellar M22 IPL experience to each client in order to provide the most effective treatment at lower fluences. Additionally, the device comes equipped with features that keep the treatment comfortable, allowing our clients to enjoy a great post-treatment glow. 

How to Prepare for Your IPL Laser Treatment  

Preparing for an IPL laser treatment is necessary to ensure that you get the best results from the procedure and minimize the risk of complications. During your initial consultation, one of our expert staff will go over your medical history to ensure that IPL treatment and the Stellar M22 IPL Laser system are right for you. 

In addition, consider these general guidelines when preparing for an IPL laser treatment: 

  • Avoid all possible sun exposure and self-tanners for two weeks before treatment. We cannot treat sunburned or tanned skin safely. This includes people with fresh tans from tanning beds or self-tanners.  
  • Do not use any antibiotics or light-sensitive medications for two weeks before your treatment.  
  • Ensure your skin is clean and free of makeup, lotions, and skincare products on the day of the treatment. To be safe, your provider will clean the treatment area again before the procedure. 
  • Stop the use of all retinoids and similar skincare products one week prior to treatment.  
  • Skip the use of perfumes, deodorants, or any other products that could irritate the skin in the treatment area on the day of your appointment. 
  • Increase your intake of water five days before your treatment. The more hydrated the skin, the better the results will be.  
  • Plan for some redness and mild swelling immediately after the procedure, as these side effects may occur, depending on the intensity of the IPL treatment and your skin’s response. Be prepared to minimize sun exposure and apply soothing products to your skin, as recommended by your provider. 

    • What to Expect at Your IPL Laser Treatment Session

    During an IPL laser treatment session at The Rejuva Center, you can expect a carefully controlled procedure aimed at addressing specific skin concerns. First, we will help you get comfortable in one of our spa-like treatment rooms. Our staff will prep your skin prior to your session, and although the procedure is virtually painless, they may also apply a topical anesthetic to ensure your comfort. 

    This preparation may include cleansing your skin and applying a thin layer of cooling gel. During your IPL treatment, the device is placed directly on your skin, and the pulses of light are applied in a controlled and systematic manner. You may feel a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against your skin, along with a warm or tingling feeling.  

    IPL can target specific concerns like sunspots, freckles, redness, or unwanted hair. Your provider will adjust the settings of the IPL device to match your skin type and concerns. It is also important to note that your provider may perform multiple passes over the treatment area to ensure comprehensive coverage, depending on your treatment plan.  

    What to Expect After Your IPL Laser Treatment Session  

    After the IPL treatment is complete, your provider will clean your skin again and possibly apply a soothing product or moisturizer to help calm any post-treatment redness and discomfort. Once you leave The Rejuva Center, it is important to remember that the most important aspect of post-treatment care is to avoid sun exposure for at least one week following your treatment and to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher every day after that. 

    You may experience mild redness and swelling immediately after the procedure, and these symptoms can last for a few hours or up to a few days. These reactions are generally normal and expected and should subside as your skin heals. In addition, make sure you are aware of the following condition-specific post-treatment steps: 

  • If you are treating red spots, refrain from alcohol, spicy foods, and exercise for three days post-treatment.  
  • Continue to hydrate for five days after your treatment.  
  • Any brown spots treated will darken and present a “coffee grid” appearance. This will naturally flake off completely two weeks after the procedure.  

    • Finally, regardless of which skin conditions your IPL laser treatment aims to address, you should take some basic after-care steps to ensure your comfort and proper healing. These steps include:  

    • Apply hydrocortisone cream no more than 3 to 4 times daily to alleviate any itching or redness that can occur.  
    • If scabs appear, keep them soft and hydrated by applying Hydra Balm throughout the day.  
    • Do not wear makeup for 24 hours following treatment.  
    • Avoid hot water, baths, massage, harsh scrubbing, or irritating skincare products following your treatment until the skin is healed. You may resume your normal at-home skincare routine within two days following treatment. 

    IPL Laser Results

    The results of IPL laser treatment can vary depending on the individual, the specific skin concerns being addressed, the intensity of the treatment, and the number of sessions. However, when properly applied and with good after care, IPL is known to provide a range of benefits and improvements to the skin, including: 

    • Reduction of sun damage 
    • Evening of skin tone 
    • Diminishment of redness 
    • Improvement of skin texture 
    • Minimization of acne and acne scars 

    Depending on your specific concerns, you may need multiple IPL sessions to achieve your desired results. Your provider will discuss the recommended treatment schedule with you. 

    If you are interested in working with the experts at The Rejuva Center, visit our website or call to schedule a consultation. 

    Schedule Your Consultation

    Call us today at 518-786-7004

    If you are looking for the most advanced and effective skin rejuvenation treatment available, look no further than a laser IPL treatment. This treatment is performed with precision and care for each patient and delivers beautifully balanced, healthy looking skin. To schedule a consultation, call The Rejuva Center at Williams today at 518-786-7004.

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