IPL PhotoRejuvenation :: Facial Treatment

PhotoRejuvenation and Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

PhotoRejuvenation (also referred to as Photofacial and Fotofacial) uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology to correct skin discolorations and sun damaged skin almost anywhere on your body. PhotoRejuvenation treats a wide variety of skin irregularities including:

• BROWN discolorations or pigment changes like freckles, sunspots, and age spots,
• RED discolorations like spider veins, facial or neck redness/ruddiness, broken capillaries, flushing, and raised cherry red spots (hemangiomas)
• ROSACEA
• Pore Size, Skin Tone and Texture, Fine lines and Wrinkles, Acne and Acne Scars are improved

Levulan® may be used with PhotoRejuvenation for even faster, more dramatic results.

After PhotoRejuvenation your skin color, tone and texture will be much more even and you will look healthier, brighter, and younger.

How does PhotoRejuvenation with IPL work?

IPL emits a broad band of light which will treat a variety of skin imperfections at the same time. It is non-invasive and non-ablative so the skin surface remains intact. The pulsed light is preferentially absorbed by the melanin in brown spots, and by oxyhemglobin present with redness and vessels. In the tissue the light is converted to heat and the target is destroyed (selective photothermolysis). It specifically targets the problem areas without damaging the surrounding healthy tissues. IPL is extremely effective and safe. In fact, it is the gold standard for photofacial treatments.

IPL doesn’t only correct the brown and red discolorations that are visible on the surface. It also treats damage below the skin surface. At EMBODY Medical Spa you have access to the most advanced technology and treatments. Utilizing a VISIA® computerized skin analysis system you can actually see the brown spots, areas of red discoloration, and the UV damage that is currently below the surface but will become visible if left untreated. Furthermore, both visible and invisible sun damage predisposes skin cells to pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions.

What are the treatments like?

The duration of the treatment session depends on the size of the area to be treated but typically lasts ~30-60 minutes. People’s perception of the experience varies. Some clients are simply aware of the light pulses while others experience a pinch or a light snap similar to that of a rubber band. Most people have IPL treatments without topical anesthesia.

The treated area may feel warm during the procedure. Our Palomar Starlux 500 IPL has state of the art contact cooling technology. We can further maximize your comfort with chilled air from a Zimmer Cryo 6 cooler. The skin may appear slightly reddened for a few hours after the procedure.

You will be able to resume your regular activities immediately following an IPL treatment.

Is IPL PhotoRejuventation right for me?

Most people can enjoy the benefits of IPL PhotoRejuvenation. IPL also provides an excellent alternative for people who have had problems tolerating other forms of rejuvenation such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing, etc. If you are unsure whether or not you have sun damaged skin, come in to EMBODY Medical Spa for a consultation and a computerized skin analysis with VISIA®. This remarkable new technology allows us to determine the degree of damage beneath the skin surface. The analysis is completely pain free and only takes a few minutes. The VISIA® also provides an analysis of several other aspects of your skin’s condition.
You will need to avoid excessive sun exposure, tanning beds, and sunless tanning lotions for ~6 weeks prior to starting your IPL treatments. The light energy can be diffusely absorbed by tan skin and darker skin which contain more melanin, thus increasing the chance of side-effects.

If you have a history of cold sores, a dose of an anti-viral medication (e.g. Valtrex) before and after the procedure is recommended to prevent an outbreak.

How many treatment sessions will I need?

The number of treatments needed depends on the severity of the condition being treated as well as your goals. The desired results are usually obtained with 2-5 treatments. During your consultation, Dr. Mayo will help you tailor your treatment schedule to your goals and needs.

Following an IPL treatment, dark spots often get darker. Within several days these areas of sun damaged skin usually reach the surface and flake off. Then the fresh and normal skin color will re-emerge.

For several weeks following an IPL treatment we recommend you avoid excessive sun exposure or sun tanning. And of course you should always wear a high quality sun block when outdoors to protect your rejuvenated skin!

For further information on IPL PhotoRejuvenation or any of the other services at EMBODY Medical Spa, please call us or request a consultation online by clicking here.

Medical Spa Special	Featured Treatment
Visia Complexion Analysis is this month's featured special. A full VISIA® skin analysis, interpretation, and digital photographs, are available for $75. However, the price of your first procedure will then be reduced by $75. View Details•••	Radiesse® is a dermal filler which delivers longer lasting results. It is used to eradicate wrinkles, lines, and folds, as well as volumize, restore, or augment cheek and chin structure. Radiesse® also stimulates new collagen. View Details•••