IPL or Photo Rejuvenation

Many studies suggest that more than wrinkles, brown spots and uneven pigmentation make you look older, faster.

IPL is safe and effective in treating all areas for unwanted pigmentation; face, neck, chest, hands and legs are most common. Depending upon individual conditions, a patient may require a single treatment, or they may require a series of IPL treatments for optimal results.

IPL treatment, is effective, affordable, and rewarding. There is minimal downtime.

What is the cost of IPL treatment?

IPL treatments average $350 per session; prices vary depending upon single or package treatment purchases or if additional areas are to be treated. Pricing and areas to be treated will be discussed during your initial visit and consultation, so that there are no questions as to cost before beginning treatment.

How much time is involved? For treatment?... and downtime?

The treatment takes about 30 minutes for the full face. Treatment times may be longer or shorter when treating multiple areas or smaller areas, and treatments are scheduled 2-3 weeks apart when doing a series of treatments on the same area.

Downtime for IPL patients can be insignificant. Female patients may easily camouflage the darker pigmented areas with makeup during the few days that the body works to rid itself of the pigment altogether. Some swelling in delicate areas around the eyes may transpire initially after treatment, but will quickly subside. A patient can have this treatment over lunch and go back to work, however you may appear more flushed, and feel a sensation of a mild sunburn. Male patients will not likely where makeup afterward, so they should anticipate some darkening of brown pigment, and flushing or accentuated areas where rosacea is pronounced in the few days following treatment.

IPL (intense pulsed light) treats a variety of skin conditions:

  • Sun damage
  • Age spots/sun-induced freckles
  • Broken capillaries/telangiectasias
  • Irregular pigmentation
  • Rosacea
  • Fine lines

Click the image to enlarge

How does IPL work?

Areas of the skin that carry excess pigmentation absorb the light energy during treatment and become damaged. Those areas will darken initially, so you’ll be able to see just what the light energy attracted. The body’s natural healing process takes effect to eradicate (get rid of) the discoloration.

How Do I Know How Many Treatments to Purchase?

The first treatment of IPL will provide impressive improvement and results for all patients. During your first visit and consultation, we will provide recommendations and feedback as to what number of treatments may be required to meet your personal expectations. Commonly, a patient will purchase one treatment, realize the significant improvement resulting in that treatment, and pursue add’l treatments.

Who should consider IPL treatment or photo rejuvenation?

Those with fair skin who exhibit one or more of the conditions listed above. It is advised to be sure that your tan is faded and that you have not applied a self-tanner to the area to be treated at the time of your procedure.

What are the risks or possible side effects of IPL?

Short-term side effects such as hyperpigmentation,( intensified pigment) hypopigmentation (lack of pigment), swelling, and blisters have occurred in research studies with IPL. In effort to help prevent these occurrences, we take all possible safety precautions and monitor patients closely during treatment.

Are there different types of IPL?

There are different IPL devices on the market. The IPL system used in our office is the Lumenis One laser platform.

How is IPL different from Vbeam or Pulsed Dye Laser?

Vbeam (Pulsed Dye Laser) is specific to reds and is commonly used in conjunction with the IPL treatment at Skin Speaks to more effectively treat both brown and red skin imperfections. IPL is broad-spectrum light and draws pigment up from the skin. The initial reaction for browns is to darken, and the reds will appear more flushed.

How is IPL different from Fraxel?

Fraxel is a more intense treatment, effective in treating melasma, actinic keratosis, and is safe for all skin types.  Fraxel is most effective and appealing to patients with acne scarring, fine lines, and surface concerns, however our new Fraxel Dual is partnering with our IPL for a treatment we call "Beauty with Benefits".  Again, we may choose to do both treatments on a patient with multiple concerns, but figuratively speaking, IPL is like an eraser for color, creating a clean canvas, and Fraxel improves canvas texture. Determining the right treatment selection of combination treatment will be included in the consultation.


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Patient below treated with IPL, one treatment