If your cheeks and nose stay red even when you are not having a rosacea flare, or you have started noticing small blood vessels and brown spots from years in the sun, you may be looking for a way to address both. Intense Pulsed Light can target the redness caused by visible blood vessels as well as brown discoloration associated with sun damage.
At Premier Dermatology in Wellesley, MA, IPL is used to treat these common signs of rosacea and photodamage.
What Causes Rosacea-Related Facial Redness?
Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that commonly causes facial redness and flushing. Some people also develop visible blood vessels, bumps, or pustules. The exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood, but certain factors can trigger or worsen symptoms, including sun exposure, heat, alcohol, spicy foods, and stress.
Over time, persistent redness and visible blood vessels may become more noticeable, particularly across the cheeks, nose, and other areas of the face. Treatment depends on the type and severity of rosacea symptoms.
How Does IPL Help Reduce Redness?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) uses controlled pulses of broad-spectrum light to target red and brown discoloration in the skin. The light energy is absorbed by targeted structures through a process known as selective photothermolysis, allowing IPL to address certain vascular and pigmented concerns.
For rosacea, IPL can target visible blood vessels that contribute to persistent facial redness. It can also address brown discoloration from sun exposure, making IPL an option when vascular redness and photodamage occur together.
IPL does not cure rosacea. Instead, it can reduce some of the visible signs of the condition while other medical treatments may be used to manage rosacea symptoms and flare-ups.
Can IPL Treat Visible Facial Blood Vessels?
IPL can be used to treat telangiectasia, or small visible blood vessels near the surface of the skin. The light energy targets blood within these vessels, which can reduce their visible appearance.
This can make IPL an option for patients whose rosacea includes persistent redness and visible facial blood vessels. A dermatologic evaluation with Dr. Melissa Burnett and her team can help determine whether IPL is appropriate for the type of vascular changes present.
IPL for Sun Damage and Brown Spots
IPL is also used to treat brown discoloration from sun exposure, including solar lentigines, commonly called sun spots. The treatment can target unwanted brown pigment while also addressing certain forms of redness.
IPL photofacial for sun damage can target visible pigmentation associated with photodamage, making it a treatment option when brown spots and redness occur together. IPL may be used on areas including the face, décolletage, arms, and hands, depending on the condition being treated.
What Happens During an IPL Treatment?
Before treatment, your skin is evaluated to determine whether IPL is appropriate and which concerns should be addressed. During the procedure, the IPL device delivers controlled pulses of light to the treatment area.
Patients may experience a snapping or warming sensation during treatment. Afterward, cool compresses are applied to the treated area, followed by sunscreen. Treatment settings are selected based on the area being treated, the type of discoloration, and your skin characteristics.
How Many IPL Sessions May Be Needed?
Premier Dermatology typically recommends two to three IPL treatments, usually spaced about four weeks apart. The number of sessions needed depends on the concern being treated and how the skin responds to treatment.
Some patients may see improvement after one treatment, while a series may be recommended for more complete treatment of redness, brown spots, or sun damage.
When Should Patients Expect Results?
IPL results develop as the skin processes the targeted pigment and vascular discoloration. Brown spots may temporarily become darker and appear more prominent after treatment before naturally flaking from the skin.
Premier Dermatology notes that this temporary darkening can occur a few days after treatment, with pigmented areas typically flaking off within about a week. Redness and visible blood vessels may improve progressively over a series of treatments.
Does IPL Cure Rosacea?
No. IPL does not cure rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic condition, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms and reducing visible signs of the condition. IPL can address persistent redness and visible blood vessels, but it does not eliminate the underlying tendency to develop rosacea or prevent future flare-ups.
Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend other medical treatments as part of your rosacea care.
Who’s a Suitable Candidate for IPL?
IPL may be appropriate for patients seeking treatment for red or brown discoloration, including facial redness associated with rosacea, visible blood vessels, and sun spots. It is intended for patients looking for a non-invasive approach to these concerns.
IPL is not appropriate for every skin type. Premier Dermatology does not offer IPL with certain skin types because of the increased risk of burns or scarring. Sun exposure and tanning can also affect whether treatment is appropriate, so your skin should be evaluated before proceeding.
IPL Aftercare and Sun Protection
Temporary redness, swelling, increased pigmentation, or small areas of bruising may occur after IPL. Brown spots may develop a darker, coffee-ground appearance as treated pigment rises toward the surface and naturally flakes away.
Do not pick or pull at areas of treated pigmentation. Premier Dermatology also recommends avoiding direct sunlight before treatment, and sun protection remains important after IPL to protect the treated skin and reduce additional photodamage. Your provider will give you specific instructions regarding skincare, sun exposure, and other activities during recovery.
Schedule an IPL Consultation in Wellesley
If you are looking for rosacea treatment in Wellesley or Boston, IPL may be an option for persistent facial redness and visible blood vessels.
Schedule an IPL consultation at Premier Dermatology to discuss your facial redness, rosacea, visible blood vessels, brown spots, or sun damage and determine whether IPL is appropriate for your skin.