Laser IPL

Few treatments address as many different skin concerns as intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, including many forms of hyperpigmentation. This is one of many advanced treatments available from Nicole Casavant, PA-C, at South Lake Medical Spa in Clermont, Florida. If you’re ready to learn more, booking a consultation is as easy as a phone call or a few moments online.  

What is IPL?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a light-based treatment that prompts changes in the deeper layers of your skin. While laser treatments use concentrated beams of one wavelength of light, IPL treatments use the light of many wavelengths and scatter that light across the treatment area. 

This approach is strong enough to create impressive results but won’t damage the surface of your skin the way more invasive treatments can. Because IPL platforms treat a larger skin area during each pulse, overall treatment time is faster than other options. 

What kinds of skin issues can IPL treat?

One of the reasons IPL is such a popular treatment option is the chance to address more than one skin condition with the same treatment. This makes IPL a great value compared to having multiple treatments to correct several issues. 

Some of the skin issues IPL treatments can address include:

• Sun damage
• Rosacea
• Acne scarring
• Varicose veins
• Broken blood vessels
• Freckles
• Age spots

IPL works because the pigment in your skin absorbs the scattered light, creating heat deep within your skin. Any skin issue that involves pigmentation is a great fit for IPL therapy. 

What happens during IPL treatments?

It’s essential to avoid sun exposure, waxing, chemical peels, or products with Vitamin A or retinol for a couple of weeks before your treatments. On the day of your visit, your practitioner cleanses the treatment area and applies a cooling gel to your skin.

As your practitioner moves the treatment wand across your skin, the machine creates pulses of light. Protective eyewear blocks most of the light, but you might be able to see some faint flashing. 

As the light enters your skin, you may feel a sensation similar to the snap of a rubber band. There is no significant pain, however, and most people easily tolerate IPL treatments. 

After your visit, it’s important to continue avoiding sun exposure. It is also best to refrain from submerging in or exposing your skin to hot water for a couple of days. 

Most people benefit from several IPL treatments to achieve the desired results. Your practitioner can discuss the timeline or treatments during your initial visit, which you can book online or by phone today.