At True Blue Aesthetics, a very common complaint for our patients from the Edmond and Oklahoma City areas is uneven skin pigmentation. Dark spots on the skin may be a result of aging, sun damage, or conditions like rosacea and melasma. Fortunately, we can treat a wide range of complexion concerns including discoloration, visible blood vessels, and unwanted facial hair with IPL photofacial.
What is IPL Photofacial?
IPL, or intense pulsed light therapy, is a photorejuvenation laser treatment that uses light energy to improve common signs of aging, discoloration, and other complexion concerns. During IPL therapy, light energy is applied to pigmented areas of the skin, which absorb more light wavelengths than lighter areas. The IPL device laser breaks up melanin in pigmented lesions, pigmented cells, and hair follicles, leaving lighter areas nearby
Trusted Source
Current trends in intense pulsed light
Goldberg DJ
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unharmed.
Benefits of Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
IPL is one of our most frequently-requested treatments because of the many benefits it offers our patients. Benefits of intense pulsed light therapy include:
- Non-invasive treatment
- No downtime
- Reduce areas of hyperpigmentation, such as sunspots, sun damage, age spots, and brown spots
- Diminish the appearance of freckles
- Lighten the appearance of skin conditions like rosacea and melasma
- Reduce the appearance of visible blood vessels and spider veins
- Treat acne
- Increase collagen production
- Reveal a more even skin tone
- Safe and effective for most skin types
Preparing for IPL Therapy
As with any of the cosmetic procedures we offer at True Blue Aesthetics, the first step in preparing for your IPL photofacial is to have a private consultation with our aesthetic nurse, Brooke Baima. Here, you will have time to discuss your complexion concerns and goals, then you and Brooke will decide together whether IPL therapy is right for you. Leading up to your intense pulsed light therapy session, you may be asked to be especially vigilant in applying a broad spectrum sunscreen.
The IPL Photofacial Procedure
The laser light energy used during an IPL photofacial is non-ablative, which means that it does not break the surface of the skin. Before your treatment, your skin will be cleansed and a topical cooling gel will be applied to the treatment area to ensure your comfort. You’ll recline in a comfortable treatment chair and wear dark glasses while the IPL handpiece is applied directly to the agreed-upon treatment areas. As wavelengths of light energy break up pigmented cells on your skin, you may feel some tingling, but intense pulsed light therapy will not be painful. One treatment session lasts for between 30 and 60 minutes.
Recovery After IPL
One of the reasons that IPL photofacials are so popular is that patients don’t require any downtime after treatment. Any redness and/or mild swelling at the treatment areas is easily resolved with a cold compress. Within a few days following your IPL therapy session, you may notice that the treated area appears darker than normal or has developed scabs. This will peel away, quickly revealing more even and youthful
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Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Aging Skin
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
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skin.
IPL Results
Considerable research has shown that intense pulsed light photorejuvenation is a highly effective therapy for treating skin discoloration. Results documented following IPL treatment include:
- Significant Trusted Source
Skin rejuvenation using intense pulsed light: a randomized controlled split-face trial with blinded response evaluation
Hedelund L, Due E, Bjerring P, Wulf HC, Haedersdal M
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improvement
in skin texture
- Skin discoloration (dyschromia) is improved by Trusted Source
Photorejuvenation: using intense pulsed light technology in a cosmetic surgery practice
Kulick MI
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40% to 60%
- Rosacea and facial flushing are improved by Trusted Source
Photorejuvenation: using intense pulsed light technology in a cosmetic surgery practice
Kulick MI
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50% to 75%
Stellar M22 – IPL and Laser Skin Resurfacing
Frequently Asked Questions About IPL
How much does IPL cost?
The cost of intense pulsed light therapy differs from patient to patient, and is dependent on factors such as the size of the treatment area and the number of laser treatments necessary to achieve a patient’s goals. During your private IPL consultation, you will be given a detailed breakdown of the cost of your personalized treatment plan.
Who is a candidate for IPL photofacial?
While intense pulsed light treatment is most effective on patients with light to olive skin tones, the majority of our patients can benefit from photorejuvenation to reduce the appearance of rosacea, melasma, and other types of skin discoloration.
How long do IPL results last?
Over time, factors like age and sun exposure can cause the appearance of new dark spots. We encourage our patients to use strong sun protection and engage in a good skincare routine after IPL, as this will extend the longevity of their photofacial results.
Does IPL have side effects?
While IPL is considered to be a safe and non-invasive treatment for skin rejuvenation, there are always some risks associated with cosmetic procedures. Risk and complications of intense pulsed light therapy are rare, especially when performed by a highly experienced practitioner. Side effects of IPL may include:
- Blistering
- Scabbing
- Infection
- Pain
Contact True Blue Aesthetics
If you live in the Edmond or Oklahoma City area and are frustrated by the appearance of dark spots or skin discoloration, an IPL photofacial may be ideal for you. To learn more or to schedule your personal consultation, please contact us.
1Goldberg DJ. Current trends in intense pulsed light. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(6):45-53. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3390232/. Accessed August 19, 2022.
2 American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Aging Skin. Available: https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/laser-light-therapy/intense-pulsed-light-therapy-for-aging-skin. Accessed August 19, 2022.
3 Hedelund L, Due E, Bjerring P, Wulf HC, Haedersdal M. Skin rejuvenation using intense pulsed light: a randomized controlled split-face trial with blinded response evaluation. Arch Dermatol. 2006 Aug;142(8):985-90. doi: 10.1001/archderm.142.8.985. PMID: 16924047. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16924047/. Accessed August 19, 2022.
4 Kulick MI. Photorejuvenation: using intense pulsed light technology in a cosmetic surgery practice. Aesthet Surg J. 2001 May;21(3):255-8. doi: 10.1067/maj.2001.116243. PMID: 19331901. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19331901/. Accessed August 19, 2022.
5 Kulick MI. Photorejuvenation: using intense pulsed light technology in a cosmetic surgery practice. Aesthet Surg J. 2001 May;21(3):255-8. doi: 10.1067/maj.2001.116243. PMID: 19331901. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19331901/. Accessed August 19, 2022.
The Providers at True Blue Aesthetics have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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