IPL

What is IPL?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a photorejuvenation treatment offered in-office at Progressive Care for Women. A noninvasive skin therapy, IPL works by penetrating your skin’s underlying layers with heat energy. This increases the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, reducing wrinkles and smoothing its appearance with little pain and minimal downtime.

What does IPL treat?

Sun exposure, aging, and environmental factors take a toll on your complexion. IPL addresses skin issues such as:

• Brown spots
• Redness
• Age spots
• Broken blood vessels
• Enlarged pores

IPL also is commonly performed to treat the effects of rosacea, including redness and broken blood vessels.

What happens during the IPL procedure?

When you arrive at Progressive Care for Women, you sit in a comfortable, relaxed position in an exam room. Your provider cleans your face and removes any makeup, and a cooling gel is applied to the treatment area. You wear dark glasses to protect your eyes from the light during your treatment.

Your doctor gently places the IPL handpiece against your skin. You feel a series of light pulses as they move the device around your face.

Most treatments take about 20-30 minutes, but the length of your session depends on the size of your treatment area. Your doctor recommends a series of 3-6 treatments approximately one month apart.  

Does IPL hurt?

As the pulses of light enter your skin, you might feel some stinging. The sensation is similar to a rubber band snapping against your skin.

For your comfort, your doctor may supply you with a numbing cream that either you or the team applies prior to your procedure.

What should I expect after IPL?

Your face may appear slightly red for a few days. You may also see pinpoint bruises after your IPL procedure. Brown spots may look darker for a few days before peeling away.

You can wear makeup immediately after IPL treatment. Following treatment, it’s important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin from the sun. Your doctor may advise you to use a sensitive skin cleanser and moisturizer for about a week.

If you’ve been looking for a solution to smooth the appearance of your complexion, it’s time to take advantage of the benefits of IPL. Call Progressive Care for Women today to schedule an appointment.