Which Skin Conditions Are Treated With IPL Therapy?

Whether you have suffered from a chronic skin condition your entire life or you have only just begun to experience skin woes, chances are IPL therapy can help. Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a highly effective treatment for a variety of skin complaints that can produce stunning and long-lasting results for both men and women. The expertly trained aestheticians at Body+Beauty Lab in Philadelphia, PA, are proud to offer IPL photofacial therapy to patients looking to improve their skin and refresh their look.

Am I a good candidate for IPL therapy?

The best way to determine if IPL treatment may be beneficial for you is to consult with one of our knowledgeable team members. During an initial appointment, he or she will carefully assess your skin, discuss your history, listen to your goals, answer your questions, explain the procedure, and put together a treatment plan that best fits your needs. Your provider may also be able to recommend alternative and/or complementary procedures that can help to further enhance your final results. Patients may not be eligible for IPL treatments if they have or have had skin cancer, are overly sensitive to light, use certain medications or topical agents including products containing Retin-A, or if they are pregnant. Your trained aesthetician at Body+Beauty Lab will determine whether you are a good candidate for IPL.

What skin conditions can be treated using intense pulsed light?

With the ability to address a wide variety of concerns, it is not surprising that IPL therapy, sometimes referred to as photorejuvenation or a photofacial, is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after skin treatments in Philadelphia, PA. IPL is particularly popular for the treatment of rosacea and sun damage.

To understand why IPL is so effective at treating these conditions, it is important to first understand how the therapy actually works. Using an intense light energy, IPL targets pigmentation and other unwanted cells within your skin. Because it employs multiple wavelengths of pulsating light, unlike a laser that uses a more intense and targeted beam of an individual wavelength, IPL is able to treat many different skin conditions simultaneously. Some of the most common issues that can be treated and corrected through the use of intense pulsed light include:

• Rosacea

• Redness/flushed appearance

• Sun damage/sun spots

• Hyperpigmentation

• Liver/age sports

• Birthmarks

• Freckles

• Acne and acne scarring

• Spider veins

• Melasma

• Broken blood vessels

If you have any of these conditions or cosmetic nuisances, talk to the friendly team at Body+Beauty Lab in Philadelphia, PA, today about how an IPL photofacial may benefit you.

What can I expect during the procedure?

IPL therapy is a noninvasive procedure that is done in one of our comfortable private treatment rooms at Body+Beauty Lab by a qualified and trained technician. You will wear special glasses to protect your eyes during the procedure, which usually lasts about 30 minutes depending on the areas being treated. Though most patients tolerate the treatment relatively well, there is a slight discomfort associated with the light pulses, sometimes likened to the snapping of a rubber band against the skin.

At the conclusion of the treatment session, your skin may appear red and irritated, typically looking and feeling like you have a sunburn in the area. These symptoms generally resolve within a few days to a week, and patients can use ice packs and Tylenol for relief if needed. You should expect your skin to flake within the first week, and it is important to let the process occur naturally, so avoid picking or peeling your skin. It is imperative that patients wear sunscreen and avoid the sun for at least a month after treatment and keep the skin moisturized. It is also recommended to refrain from exercise, hot showers or baths, and certain medications and topical agents for a period of time. Your pre-treatment consultation is a good time to talk to your aesthetician about any concerns you may have regarding IPL therapy, the specifics of the procedure, and the healing period.

When will I see results?

As with most skin treatments, the time it takes results to be visible varies from patient to patient. Patients who undergo multiple treatments consistently over a period of time typically achieve the best results. Depending on the condition being treated and the severity of the symptoms, patients can expect to have between 3 – 6 treatment sessions at one-month intervals. About 30 days after your last treatment, you should begin to realize your final results with a dramatic improvement in the treated condition.

How do I get started?

The first step toward finding out more about the skin conditions treated by IPL and if it is right for you is to be evaluated by one of the aestheticians at our convenient Body+Beauty Lab office in Philadelphia, PA. Call our office to schedule your consultation today, and let us help you improve your skin, boost your confidence, and enhance your life!