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 Questions regarding IPL - Photorejuvenation
What is Photodamage or Photoaging?
Accumulated sun exposure has a negative effect on our skin over time. The visible signs of aging are reflected in irregular
pigmented or brown spots, red facial veins, wrinkled or loose skin, textural changes and enlarged pores.
What is Rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by redness on the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. The symptoms usually
begin after 30 years of age and flare ups become more frequent with time. Rosacea is more common in fair skinned
individuals who have a tendency to flush or blush easily.
Signs and symptoms:
Flushing – many individuals with rosacea have a history of frequent flushing or blushing. This facial redness may come and
go, and is often the earliest sign of the condition.
Persistent Redness – Persistent facial redness is the most common individual sign of rosacea and may resemble a blush or
sunburn that does not go away.
Bumps and Pimples – Small red solid bumps or pimples often develop. While these may resemble acne, blackheads are absent
and burning or stinging may occur.
Visible Blood Vessels – In many individuals with rosacea, small blood vessels become visible on the skin.
What is IPL?
Intensed Pulsed Light (IPL) technology is a treatment breakthrough that can correct a variety of benign skin conditions, such
as face and body skin imperfections, the signs of photoaging, birthmarks, unwanted hair, unsightly small veins and other
blemishes. It offers a safe and non-invasive solution that can be customized to your individual condition and skin type,
providing superior cosmetic results and satisfaction. The Lumenis One Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is the gold standard for
skin rejuvenation. The focus of IPL treatments improve texture, tone, color and offer some tightening of the skin with
improvement of fine wrinkles. Photorejuvenation treatments will not improve significant wrinkling of the skin. IPL skin
treatments have great appeal to individuals with active lifestyles who cannot take time off for healing which would be
required with surgery or other invasive treatments. The procedure requires no “downtime” and clients can resume most
activities immediately after treatment except for sun exposure.
Who can have it?
Males or females with broken capillaries, a flushed appearance, brown spots, enlarged pores, mild wrinkling, rosacea, port
wine stain birthmarks, freckles and hyperpigmentation are the most common indications for IPL treatment.
What is expected before the treatment?
A facial skin care program will be designed for you at the time of your consultation with the dermatologist. The program
should be started before you commence your treatment sessions and will continue following the procedure for ongoing
prevention and long term maintenance. Your face should be clean and free of all make up prior to each session. Avoid
tanning 1 month before and 1 month after your treatment as this will enhance blotchiness and alter your response to
treatment. Apply a sunscreen moisturizer with an SPF of 20 or greater each day and avoid direct sun exposure.
How is Photorejuvenation performed?
The Lumenis One Intense Pulse Light Technology provides a spectrum of different light wavelengths. The colours in the
IPL light are attracted to the browns, reds and deeper collagen tissue in the skin. The heat generated from the light targets
and vaporizes the browns, coagulates the reds and heats the collagen. The body’s healing mechanisms take over and
slough the browns, decrease the reds and thicken the collagen leaving you with a refreshed appearance. A cold gel is
applied to the area to be treated, and you will be given dark glasses to protect your eyes from the bright light. The smooth
cool surface of the IPL hand piece is gently applied to the skin. The sensation felt during the treatment will be similar to the
light snap of an elastic band against the skin. Using highly controlled flashes of IPL light, the high-tech procedure acts on
both the superficial and deeper skin layers while at the same time delivering beneficial thermal energy to deep tissue.
Healthy surrounding tissue is not affected by the IPL light. Treatment is generally administered in a series of 3-5 sessions,
at 3 week intervals, providing excellent long-term results, minimal adverse effects and high client satisfaction. Each
treatment takes about 20-30 minutes with more time allotted for multiple body areas. Tylenol may be taken to improve any
discomfort though ASA (Aspirin) containing medication should be avoided if possible as it may increase the risk of bruising
in the post treatment phase.
What is expected after treatment?
Treated areas generally appear flushed and fading typically occurs within a few hours. In most cases you can resume
regular activities immediately after the treatment. Facial areas will look and feel like you have been in the sun or wind for
24-48 hours after a session. Sometimes a client may develop minor bruising lasting approximately 5-10 days; blisters can
occur though are uncommon. In those that have sun induced pigmentation changes – the brown pigmented areas (i.e.freckles)
darken and may become slightly elevated and scaly. This darkness takes on a “dirty look” until it flakes off in 7-10 days.
Makeup may be applied immediately after the procedure though must be discontinued if irritating. In those rare circumstances
where scabs develop clients may use an antibiotic ointment like polysporin 2 – 3 times a day sparingly as a thin layer. Your
skin care regime that has been designed for you may be resumed as discussed 3 days after the procedure. It is especially
important to protect the treated areas from sun by applying your sunscreen every day and to avoid direct sun exposure. As
most signs of photoaging are related to sun exposure, long term sun protection is advised to prevent the development of
new photodamaged areas. As our skin naturally matures with time clients require maintenance treatments to eliminate any
newly developed pigmented spots that develop.
Who cannot have these sessions?
Some medications and medical conditions can interfere with treatments; your physician will review your history to assess
your suitability. It is not recommended during pregnancy/breastfeeding or if you have unrealistic expectations. These
sessions cannot be done on anyone with a tan (natural or applied tanning products). IPL photorejuvenation is not
recommended for those individuals with black skin. |
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