Orange
County IPL ALA Foto Facial treatments: photorejuvenation,
skin, rosacea, acne, Age spots, melasma, pigmentation
 Photo
ageing: During the course of our lives our skin is subject
to photo ageing, which is caused by exposure to the sun. The aging of
the skin becomes visible through different benign changes in the skin
tissue. Such changes rarely occur singly, but rather in different combination:
changes in pigmentation, enlargement of the skin pores, flabby skin, wrinkles
and skin folds, enlargement of small veins, sun spots, age spots etc..
The IPL laser also treats other skin imperfections such as birth marks
or unwanted hair.
IPL Photorejuvenation
Intense Pulsed Light, also known as IPL, Photorejuvenation or Photofacial,
is a non-invasive treatment that is used to help correct skin damage without
disrupting the skin’s surface. IPL can be used safely and effectively
to treat a wide variety of concerns, many of which are caused by sun damage.
This includes broken capillaries, blotchy skin discolouration, age or
“liver” spots, freckles, flushing and rosacea. The face as
well as other areas of the body such as the hands, chest, arms or shoulders
may be effectively treated. Intense Pulsed Light treatments are tailored
to individual conditions and skin types, and may be helpful in achieving
smoother, youthful, vital and less blemished skin.
ALA photorejuvination
The ALA treatments can be combined with our regular Photorejuvenation
treatments using IPL, which targets redness and brown spots, as well as
stimulates formation of more collagen in the skin. There is normally no
downtime for IPL treatments without Levulan. However, one can enhance
and “boost” IPL photorejuvenation results by adding Levulan
to the treatment process. This is termed an activated Fotofacial, or photodynamic
skin rejuvenation when PDT is added to regular IPL photorejuvenation.
One treatment is equivalent to 3 regular fotofacial treatment.
1. What conditions can be treated?
IPL is a fast, convenient and virtually painless solution for treating
sun damage and more. Both men and women of all ages may benefit, especially
those with brown blemishes or redness. The results are often dramatic.
Some of the conditions that may be treated with IPL photorejuvenation
include:
- sun damaged skin
- brown discolouration, age or liver spots and freckles
- redness, flushing and broken capillaries
- rosacea
- enlarged pores
- dull complexion
- mild fine wrinkling and scarring
After a series of treatments, the skin often appears smoother, more uniformly
pigmented and revitalized. Additionally, some patients report a decrease
in pore size and very fine wrinkles after multiple treatment sessions.
2. What areas can be treated with IPL?
The face, chest, neck, upper back, forearms and hands are the most commonly
treated areas.
3. Who is NOT a good candidate for IPL?
Individuals with a tan or with very dark skin are often not the best candidates
for IPL. Patients taking Accutane should defer treatment until 6 months
or longer after completion of Accutane therapy. Pregnant women should
not undergo IPL treatment. IPL photorejuvenation is not effective for
treatment of deeper wrinkles and prominent skin sagging. These are best
treated with other techniques. This will be discussed with you during
your consultation.
4. How does IPL Photorejuvenation work?
IPL device delivers controlled intense pulses of broad spectrum light
to the skin. These wavelengths are customized by to suit the needs of
your individual skin type. The light emitted targets brown and red colours
as well as deeper collagen tissue within the skin. By so doing, IPL diminishes
brown pigmentation and redness while stimulating the formation of collagen
in the skin. The end result is smoother, more uniformly pigmented and
revitalized skin.
5. How is IPL performed?
A cold gel is applied to the area to be treated. Then, the surface of
the IPL hand piece is applied to the skin and very brief pulses of intense
light are emitted. A series of pulses is done until the entire area desired
is treated.
6. How long does an IPL session take?
Generally, a full face takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete.
Larger areas require a longer time, while smaller areas, such as the hands,
require less time.
7. What does IPL feel like?
Patients often describe a slight stinging sensation, like the snapping
of a rubber band, in the treated areas. Most individuals find this to
be minimally uncomfortable. Although seldom required, an anaesthetic cream,
such as BLT or EMLA, may be used if so desired.
8. How many IPL treatments will I need?
Depending on the nature of the condition, and the severity of the problem,
a series of 5 or 6 treatments is usually recommended. This allows for
gradual improvement with very low risk to the skin, and little downtime.
Although partial results may be seen sooner, performing a full series
of 5-6 treatments will help to maximize improvement in skin colour, texture
and pore size. Treatments are usually spaced 3 weeks apart, and can take
anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area
to be treated.
9. Where does Microdermabrasion fit in?
Microdermabrasion is a wonderful adjunct that is often used in conjunction
with IPL therapy. Between IPL treatment sessions, we recommend microdermabrasion
to improve surface irregularities in the skin and to promote clearing
of skin discolouration.
10. What will I look like immediately after IPL
treatment?
IPL treatments are designed to provide little down time. Your face may
appear red or flushed, something which usually fades within a few hours.
Individuals with prominent pigmentation may notice that brown areas become
temporarily darker after IPL treatment. This darkness takes on a “dirty
look” until it flakes off in 7-10 days. Makeup may be applied immediately
after your treatment so you can return to work immediately. By performing
microdermabrasion between IPL sessions, recovery may be enhanced and results
may be improved.
Rarely, some individuals develop “purpura” or bruising. Although
uncommon, this sometimes occurs in individuals with a very prominent red
component. This is painless and typically fades in about 5-10 days. Any
bruising may be covered with makeup.
Individuals with prominent brown or red colour may develop slight temporary
swelling for a few days, especially if being treated around the eyes.
11. How do I care for my skin after the treatment?
Following treatment, ice may be applied to the treated area if desired.
Medications containing ASA or anti-inflammatories (Aspirin, Motrin, Advil,
Ibuprofen, etc.) should be avoided for a couple of days before and after
IPL treatment. Strenuous exercise and contact sports should be avoided
for a few days, and alcohol intake should be limited. This will help to
reduce the risk of trauma and bruising. Sun tanning and tanning beds should
be avoided for 1 month before and after each IPL session. A broad spectrum
sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should be used on daily basis.
12. Are there any side effects?
IPL is a remarkably safe procedure which has been refined over a period
of several years. There are rarely any permanent problems. Occasionally
some skin lightening (hypopigmentation) or darkening (hyperpigmentation)
can occur. Normal skin color generally returns within 3 months, although
one may rarely see permanent color change. Scarring may occur in less
than 1% of cases.
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