Call our Ocala office at (813) 336-6771 to schedule your consultation.
Are you searching for an effective, non-invasive method for reducing the signs of skin damage and aging? For so many people, hyperpigmentation and redness are among their biggest skin frustrations – but now, there’s an innovative aesthetic treatment that can help.
Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment offers an advanced option for patients hoping to minimize pigmentation issues, as well as the visible signs of aging. At Arviv Medical Aesthetics in Ocala, IPL photofacials and treatments are among our most popular treatment options.
What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment?
Intense pulsed light or IPL skin rejuvenation treatments use high-energy pulsing lasers to treat unwanted hyperpigmentation, age spots, redness, and other skin tone and texture irregularities.
IPL treatment works by converting light energy to gently heat the targeted treatment areas, stimulating the production of elastin and collagen. As a result, the skin is able to naturally tighten and lighten pigmentation while also reducing redness, broken blood vessels, birthmarks, and more. Unlike other laser treatments, IPL uses lights of multiple wavelengths, penetrating to your skin’s second layer without causing any damage to the top layer.
In addition to the option of IPL face treatment, patients can also opt to treat their neck, chest, back, and even hands with an impressively effective procedure.
What are the Benefits of IPL Treatment?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment helps reduce pigmentation, age spots, sun spots, small veins, redness and capillaries. These imperfections range in color from different shades of brown and red located in areas. My experience treating patients with IPL result in a significant reduction in hyperpigmentation and redness along with shrinkage of pores leaving an even skin tone and texture.
In addition to hyperpigmentation, IPL can also help:
- Acne
- Overall skin appearance
- Angiomas
- Liver spots
- Some scarring
How Many IPL Treatments are Needed?
Patients typically will need 1-3 initial treatments for optimal results and likely additional maintenance treatments every 6 months to a year depending on lifestyle, skin type, and significance of sun damage. Upon consultation, we will be better able to assess your needs and address any concerns.
Am I a Good Candidate for IPL Treatment?
Because IPL photofacials are a non-invasive aesthetic treatment, they can be a great option for a diverse range of patients.
You may be an excellent candidate for IPL treatment if your goals include any of the following:
- Reducing the signs of sun-related skin damage and aging
- Minimizing superficial pigmentation issues such as:
- Brown spots
- Broken blood vessels
- Liver spots
- Age spots
- Sunspots
- Red spots
- Birthmarks
- Freckles
- Decreasing redness, including rosacea
- Improving acne
- Achieving improvements in overall skin texture, tone, and appearance
Keep in mind that laser treatments are typically best-suited for certain types of hyperpigmentation and spots. Usually, spots with a distinct boundary are ideally treated with lasers, but general discoloration is more effectively reduced with other treatment options. Also, IPL treatments are often suggested for individuals with light or medium skin tones, as it may not be as effective on darker skin tones.
What to Expect from IPL Treatment
The duration of IPL treatment largely depends on the targeted treatment area’s size, color, and depth. In most cases, a single treatment takes between 15 minutes and an hour.
Usually, no anesthetic is needed because the lasers used are so gentle. All IPL treatments are outpatient procedures, and you can easily go back to your regular day after your appointment is complete.
The treatment process begins with your technician gently cleaning the treatment area, then applying a cool gel to the skin. Using the IPL device, they will then apply light pulses to your desired treatment area. You will wear dark glasses to protect your eyes from the light. As mentioned, no anesthesia is needed. Some people describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band being lightly snapped against their skin, while others experience no noticeable discomfort.
How to prepare for an IPL facial/treatment
How to Prepare for your IPL treatment by avoiding the following:
- Direct sunlight for 2 weeks prior to procedure
- Tanning beds
- Waxing
- Chemical peels
- Collagen injections two weeks prior to treatment
- Drugs that increase your bleeding risk, such as aspirin and ibuprofen
- Creams or other products that contain vitamin A, such as RetinA, or glycolic acid
Be sure to inform your technician if you have skin conditions such as eczema or inflammatory acne, as they might impact the post-treatment healing process.
What to do after an IPL treatment
After IPL treatment, your skin might be somewhat sensitive (similar to a mild sunburn) for a few hours. Redness and mild bruising can continue for 7-10 days afterward. However, you can resume your normal daily activities immediately after your treatment, although it is important to avoid sun exposure until your skin has healed.
How to proceed after your treatment:
- Makeup can be used starting right after the treatment, as long as it is applied and removed very gently.
- For freckles and age spots, it is normal for the spots to look darker for 3-7 days.
- Crusting can occur, which may last up to ten days. Do not exfoliate or pick at these crusted lesions.
- Use a gentle moisturizer and cleanser for 3-5 days post treatment. Apply sunscreen daily.
- Avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks post treatment.
How to Achieve Optimal Results with IPL
As a medical provider, I find that patients who commit to a skincare routine see better results with IPL treatments. I always advise patients to apply SPF 30+ daily as part of their morning routine. A good cleanser and toner used twice daily will help get rid of any dirt or impurities in the pores and help keep them tighter. I also recommend using a Vitamin C serum and retinol to help with brightening and reduce fine lines.
Learn More About IPL Treatments in Ocala
For many patients of Arviv Medical Aesthetics in Ocala, IPL photofacials deliver incredible results without the need for invasive treatments. During your initial consultation, we can help you determine if you are an ideal candidate for IPL treatment, as well as the results you can look forward to once your treatment regimen is complete. And if IPL facials aren’t the right fit, our experts are happy to help you choose the treatments that best align with your needs and goals.
For more information about IPL treatments in Ocala, contact Arviv Medical Aesthetics today!
How to proceed after your treatment:
- Makeup can be used starting right after the treatment, as long as it is applied and removed very gently.
- For freckles and age spots, it is normal for the spots to look darker for 3-7 days.
- Crusting can occur, which may last up to ten days. Do not exfoliate or pick at these crusted lesions.
- Use a gentle moisturizer and cleanser for 3-5 days post treatment. Apply sunscreen daily.
- Avoid sun exposure for 2 weeks post treatment.
At Arviv Medical Aesthetics, we find that patients who commit to a skincare routine see better results with IPL treatments. We always advise patients to apply SPF 30+ daily as part of their morning routine. A good cleanser and toner used twice daily will help get rid of any dirt or impurities in the pores and help keep them tighter. Our providers also recommend using a Vitamin C serum and retinol to help with brightening and reducing fine lines.
If you are interested in learning more about Intense Pulse Light Treatment at the Ocala office, contact Arviv Medical Aesthetics today to set up a consultation. Call (813) 336-6771 today!
Prices are subject to change and personalized prices will be provided upon consultation.