IPL

IPL

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) photorejuvenation is a new method to rejuvenate and improve the overall appearance of the skin for a more even skin tone and radiant complexion. IPL provides gradual improvement over 2 to 4 treatments, spaced at 3 to 4 week intervals with very low risk, little discomfort and no downtime. IPL treatments are safe and effective for application on the face, neck, chest and hands.

The IPL photorejuvenation system treats a wide range of skin conditions, including:

  • Photoaging or sun-related skin damage
  • Freckling, brown age spots, skin blotchiness and irregular pigmentation
  • Broken capillaries, telangiectasias (small dilated superficial blood vessels)
  • Redness and flushing of the face, neck and/or chest
  • Rosacea; many people with rosacea see an improvement in facial redness, skin sensitivity, number and duration of rosacea “breakouts”
  • Melasma
  • As an adjunctive procedure to laser resurfacing, chemical peeling, microdermabrasion, Botox®, Dysport®, fillers and other non-ablative treatments.

PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

  • Do not take isotretinoin (Accutane) for one month before your treatment. Do not take Oracea, Doxycycline or topical retinoids (Renova, Retin-A, Atralin, Refissa, Ziana, Tazorac, Differin) for one week prior to treatment.
  • If you are tanned please reschedule your appointment.
  • Do not apply make-up or lotions on the day of your treatment, or be prepared to remove them at our office.
  • If you have a history of cold sores (herpes simplex virus, HSV, herpes labialis), take your prescribed medication (e.g., Valtrex, Famvir, Zovirax) as prescribed.
  • Inform us before each treatment session if you
    • take any new medications
    • developed allergies to new medications
    • have beauty marks that you do not want treated
  • Inform us immediately if the area being treated feels “too hot”.

POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

For a few hours after treatment, you may experience redness, slight swelling and a “sunburned” feeling. Pigmented areas may appear darker. Superficial pigmented lesions darken, dry, and slough off in 7 to 10 days.

To achieve the best results and minimize the risk of complications:

  • Apply non-comedogenic moisturizer at least 2 times a day or as often as needed when your skin feels dry.
  • If you plan to be outdoors, driving, or in close proximity to windows, apply sunscreen with SPF of 30 and higher. Avoid prolonged sun exposure between 10 AM and 3 PM.
  • Use a gentle soapless cleanser like CeraVe, Cetaphil until healing is complete. Avoid scrubbing or using a washcloth.
  • DO NOT PICK OR PEEL OR SCRATCH the treated area as permanent scarring may result.
  • Do not undergo any other treatments in the same area for at least 14 days after the IPL treatment.
  • You may apply cosmetics a day after IPL treatment unless a blister or a superficial ulcer develops. If a blister, a superficial ulceration or a scab develops, apply an antibiotic ointment Bactroban until the blister dries or new skin forms. Do not pick the blister or a scab because a scar may form.
  • Restart topical retinoids 7 days after the IPL treatment.
  • Ice packs, cool compresses can help to reduce post-procedural discomfort and swelling.
  • To limit post-peel swelling, sleep on your back with your head elevated on a few pillows for the first few nights after the treatment.

Forms:

IPL consent form PDF

Pre-Treatment Form PDF

Post-treatment Form PDF

Call our office 646-759-8449 if any problems, questions, or concerns arise.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About IPL
What is an IPL photorejuvenation treatment like?

Each treatment takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes. A minimal amount of discomfort can be expected. A thin layer of emollient is applied to the treated area. The chilled hand piece that remains in contact with the skin during the procedure provides added comfort. There is generally no discomfort after treatment. Immediately following treatment, the skin may appear red and flushed, and small dilated blood vessels and capillaries may appear more visible. Brown spots generally appear slightly darker. All of these changes gradually fade over a period of hours to a few days.

How soon will I see results?

Within hours of the first treatment, the skin will often feel smoother and have a more even tone. These improvements are gradual and will be more visible after each treatment. Two to six treatments are recommended for optimal results.