What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)? 


The IPL™ Quantum SR System’s technology uses light to rejuvenate the skin. IPL treatments provide a noninvasive therapy that leads to healthier appearing skin by erasing unwanted pigmentation, excess redness, small broken blood vessels and pore size. The IPL therapy can be used on any area of the body to erase the signs of sun damage.
 

What are the potential benefits of IPL treatments?

IPL treatment results in healthier appearing skin with a more even skin tone and texture. IPL can dramatically reduce unwanted pigmentation such as lentigines (brown spots), freckles, melasma, and poikiloderma of Civatte (red and brown blotches on the neck). It also helps to reduce excess redness on the skin such as rosacea, small blood vessels, acne scarring, scarring, and poikiloderma of Civatte. Very nice improvement in skin texture, tone, and pore size are possible.
 

How is an IPL treatment performed?


During the treatment, eye shields will be placed over the eyes to protect them from the bright light. A cold gel and cool air will be applied to the treatment area. The smooth, cold surface of the IPL lens will be placed on the gel covered skin and the pulses of light will then be applied. You will see a bright flash of light, even though the eyes are covered and protected, and feel a sting like a mild to moderate rubber band snap. The procedure is usually well tolerated, with numbing cream rarely needed. A machine called the Zimmer gently sprays cool air on the skin to also minimize any discomfort. The length of the procedure depends on the areas being treated. The time needed to treat the entire face is usually just 15-20 minutes.
 

How many treatments will be needed?

Three to five treatments are usually recommended. Treatments can be done as soon as three weeks apart. The number of treatments depends on the skin condition being treated. Some conditions and skin types respond more quickly to treatment than others.
 

How much downtime should be expected?

Downtime is dependent on the aggressiveness of the treatment. We recommend aggressive treatments for better and quicker results. Downtime varies with everyone, as some skin is more sensitive than others. A typical course of healing would involve some pinkness and mild swelling for 1 to 2 days. Brown pigment will be pulled to the surface of the skin resulting in brown speckles resembling coffee grounds (crusting). This light crusting is not raised, and gently fades away in about 7 days on the face, and 14 days on the rest of the body. Make-up can be applied immediately after the procedure and most patients continue to work during their healing period.
 

How much does an IPL treatment cost?


Full face - $400
Face/neck/chest - $600 per treatment, or $400 for 1st area and $100 each for neck and chest
Chest, arms or legs - varies upon area involved