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Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments:
Intense pulsed light, also known as IPL, is a cosmetic skin treatment that can be utilized to reduce the visible signs of aging. The IPL provides different wavelengths intended to treat a variety of skin concerns including Laser Rejuvenation, Facial Redness, Telangiectasia, Angioma, Rosacea, Inflammatory Acne, Brown Discoloration such as Sun Spots (Solar Lentigo) on the face, décolletage, arms and hands, Melasma, Poikiloderma (a red-brown discoloration typical in areas of chronic sun damage), Overall improvement of skin texture and appearance, Treatment of Red Birthmarks, Some Spider Veins
How Does IPL Work?
Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, works by using light energy to target red and brown discoloration in your skin using a process called “selective photothermolysis.” This results in lightening or resolution of unwanted red and brown spots on your skin.
An IPL device utilizes more than one wavelength of pulsed light, as compared to lasers, which commonly use only a single wavelength. The wide range of wavelengths from IPL allows for treatment of skin conditions such as discoloration, scars, and broken blood vessels and can even contribute to improved skin texture overall.
Am I a Good Candidate for IPL?
An IPL treatment is best for people who want a non-invasive solution for correcting red and brown discoloration on the skin. It works well for several types of skin discolorations, such as age spots, freckling, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma, active inflammatory acne, rosacea, scars, and broken blood vessels. People looking for a treatment that offers quick healing with little to no downtime are good candidates for IPL treatment.
People who are sensitive to light, are tanned, or have darker skin tones are not the best candidates for an IPL treatment. Those who are pregnant or taking certain medications should consult with an expert before considering IPL.
Your IPL Session
An IPL session will begin with application of a cool ultrasound gel to the skin in the area to be treated. The patient will also wear eye protection. Then our skin experts at Premier Dermatology will use the IPL device to direct light pulses into the treatment area.
The light pulses will feel like a hot pulse of light that lasts for a fraction of a second per pulse. The duration of the treatment will depend on the areas being treated but typically ranges from 10-45 minutes. After the treatment, cool compresses are applied to the treated area, followed by sunscreen.
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Your Premier destination for all your skin care needs. Dr. Burnett, a dermatologist in Wellesley, is a sought-after expert in the field of medical, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatology and has practiced in the greater Boston area for more than 15 years. At Premier Dermatology we offer the latest, most innovative, and proven treatments in cosmetic dermatology and skincare. We are committed to supporting all your skincare goals to achieve heatlhy, beautiful, and natural results. Dr. Burnett lives in Weston, MA with her husband and two teenage daughters. Dr. Burnett also enjoys traveling with her family.
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IPL Aftercare
The recovery following IPL treatment depends upon what is being treated but may include some temporary increase in redness in the treated area, temporary darkening of brown spots and possible small and temporary bruising. We typically recommend 2-3 treatments to achieve optimal results; however, it is important to discuss expectations based upon what is being treated with your provider at the time of your consultation.