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IPL Photorejuvenation
Intense Pulsed Light, also known as IPL, Photorejuvenation or Photofacial, is a non-invasive treatment that is used to help correct skin damage without disrupting the skin’s surface. IPL can be used safely and effectively to treat a wide variety of concerns, many of which are caused by sun damage. This includes broken capillaries, blotchy skin discolouration, age or “liver” spots, freckles, flushing and rosacea. The face as well as other areas of the body such as the hands, chest, arms or shoulders may be effectively treated. Intense Pulsed Light treatments are tailored to individual conditions and skin types, and may be helpful in achieving smoother, youthful, vital and less blemished skin.
- What conditions can be treated?
- What areas can be treated with IPL?
- Who is NOT a good candidate for IPL?
- How does IPL Photorejuvenation work?
- Why choose VascuLight Elite IPL?
- How is IPL performed?
- How long does an IPL session take?
- What does IPL feel like?
- How many IPL treatments will I need?
- Where does Microdermabrasion fit in?
- What will I look like immediately after IPL treatment?
- How do I care for my skin after the treatment?
- Are there any side effects?
- Why choose Bertucci MedSpa for IPL treatment?
- How much does IPL photorejuvenation cost?
1. What conditions can be treated?
IPL is a fast, convenient and virtually painless solution for treating sun damage and more. Both men and women of all ages may benefit, especially those with brown blemishes or redness. The results are often dramatic. Some of the conditions that may be treated with IPL photorejuvenation include:
- sun damaged skin
- brown discolouration, age or liver spots and freckles
- redness, flushing and broken capillaries
- rosacea
- enlarged pores
- dull complexion
- mild fine wrinkling and scarring
After a series of treatments, the skin often appears smoother, more uniformly pigmented and revitalized. Additionally, some patients report a decrease in pore size and very fine wrinkles after multiple treatment sessions.
2. What areas can be treated with IPL?
The face, chest, neck, upper back, forearms and hands are the most commonly treated areas.
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3. Who is NOT a good candidate for IPL?
Individuals with a tan or with very dark skin are often not the best candidates for IPL. Patients taking Accutane should defer treatment until 6 months or longer after completion of Accutane therapy. Pregnant women should not undergo IPL treatment. IPL photorejuvenation is not effective for treatment of deeper wrinkles and prominent skin sagging. These are best treated with other techniques. This will be discussed with you during your consultation.
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4. How does IPL Photorejuvenation work?
Our Vasculight Elite IPL device delivers controlled intense pulses of broad spectrum light to the skin. These wavelengths are customized by our staff to suit the needs of your individual skin type. The light emitted targets brown and red colours as well as deeper collagen tissue within the skin. By so doing, IPL diminishes brown pigmentation and redness while stimulating the formation of collagen in the skin. The end result is smoother, more uniformly pigmented and revitalized skin.
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5. Why choose VascuLight Elite IPL?
The VascuLight Elite is a state-of-the-art device used to significantly improve many of the signs of aging and sun damage. Not all IPL devices are created equal – many IPL devices on the market are underpowered and less versatile, making them less effective than the VascuLight Elite. The VascuLight Elite is able to deliver high energies to the desired skin targets, ensuring maximal effectiveness. Additionally, the VascuLight Elite allows fine tuning of treatment parameters, allowing treatments tailored to your individual skin type.
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6. How is IPL performed?
A cold gel is applied to the area to be treated. Then, the surface of the IPL hand piece is applied to the skin and very brief pulses of intense light are emitted. A series of pulses is done until the entire area desired is treated.
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7. How long does an IPL session take?
Generally, a full face takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete. Larger areas require a longer time, while smaller areas, such as the hands, require less time.
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8. What does IPL feel like?
Patients often describe a slight stinging sensation, like the snapping of a rubber band, in the treated areas. Most individuals find this to be minimally uncomfortable. Although seldom required, an anaesthetic cream, such as Maxilene or EMLA, may be used if so desired.
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9. How many IPL treatments will I need?
Depending on the nature of the condition, and the severity of the problem, a series of 5 or 6 treatments is usually recommended. This allows for gradual improvement with very low risk to the skin, and little downtime. Although partial results may be seen sooner, performing a full series of 5-6 treatments will help to maximize improvement in skin colour, texture and pore size. Treatments are usually spaced 3 weeks apart, and can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area to be treated.
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10. Where does Microdermabrasion fit in?
Microdermabrasion is a wonderful adjunct that is often used in conjunction with IPL therapy. Between IPL treatment sessions, we recommend microdermabrasion to improve surface irregularities in the skin and to promote clearing of skin discolouration.
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11. What will I look like immediately after IPL treatment?
IPL treatments are designed to provide little down time. Your face may appear red or flushed, something which usually fades within a few hours. Individuals with prominent pigmentation may notice that brown areas become temporarily darker after IPL treatment. This darkness takes on a “dirty look” until it flakes off in 7-10 days. Makeup may be applied immediately after your treatment so you can return to work immediately. By performing microdermabrasion between IPL sessions, recovery may be enhanced and results may be improved.
Rarely, some individuals develop “purpura” or bruising. Although uncommon, this sometimes occurs in individuals with a very prominent red component. This is painless and typically fades in about 5-10 days. Any bruising may be covered with makeup.
Individuals with prominent brown or red colour may develop slight temporary swelling for a few days, especially if being treated around the eyes.
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12. How do I care for my skin after the treatment?
Following treatment, ice may be applied to the treated area if desired. Medications containing ASA or anti-inflammatories (Aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen, etc.) should be avoided for a couple of days before and after IPL treatment. Strenuous exercise and contact sports should be avoided for a few days, and alcohol intake should be limited. This will help to reduce the risk of trauma and bruising. Sun tanning and tanning beds should be avoided for 1 month before and after each IPL session. A broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should be used on daily basis.
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13. Are there any side effects?
IPL is a remarkably safe procedure which has been refined over a period of several years. There are rarely any permanent problems. Occasionally some skin lightening (hypopigmentation) or darkening (hyperpigmentation) can occur. Normal skin colour generally returns within 3 months, although one may rarely see permanent colour change. Scarring may occur in less than 1% of cases.
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14. Why choose Bertucci MedSpa for IPL treatment?
At Bertucci MedSpa, all treatments are done under the supervision of Dr. Vince Bertucci, a Board-certified Dermatologist. As a specialist of the skin, Dr. Bertucci has spent many years training to better understand the complexities of the skin. The ultimate benefit is that our patients achieve results in a safe and effective clinical setting under the direction of a Board-certified expert. This may mean, for example, providing you with a prescription product immediately after IPL treatment to minimize complications, if the clinical situation warrants it.
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15. How much does IPL photorejuvenation cost?
The cost depends on the area to be treated and on the number of treatments desired. A series of 5-6 treatment sessions is recommended in order to achieve optimal results, but this may vary from one individual to another. During your consultation, we will help to determine what is best for you. Generally, the price ranges from $300 and up per treatment session. IPL photorejuvenation treatments performed in a doctor’s office may be a tax-deductible medical expense, similar to dental and cosmetic surgery expenses, so make sure to keep your receipts.
Please call our office at 905/ 850 4415 if you have any questions and to arrange your prompt, confidential consultation, or to schedule your treatment.
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