IPL photofacial treatments are meant to address a range of skin aberrations, such as irregular pigmentation and sunspots. This treatment can restore a more consistent looking, dazzling, and youthful skin appearance. Aging and sun-damage effects can also be mitigated with this treatment.
Vinings Surgery Center, led by board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Colgrove, provides laser skin rejuvenation treatments to patients in Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and surrounding communities.
Benefits
IPL photo facial involves low risk of side effects and little downtime due to the relatively mild light treatment. Despite this, the effects of IPL can still be quite dramatic, including:
- Reduction of irregular pigmentation from broken facial veins and capillaries
- Treatment of sunspots, age spots, acne, rosacea, and enlarged pores
- Reduction of minor wrinkles and fine lines on the face
- Addressing sun-damaged skin
IPL treatment exposes the pigmented lesions to brief pulses or bursts of visible light. At the time of the phototherapy session, the IPL beam will increase the temperature of the skin in the targeted site of highly concentrated melanin pigment. This will destruct the cells in that pigment.
The body will replenish these cells with new ones through natural processes to restore a more consistent, youthful skin appearance.
The Difference between IPL and Laser Treatment
IPL is akin to laser treatment. But a laser focuses only a single wavelength of light at the skin. On the other hand, IPL delivers light of varying wavelengths, like a photo flash.
The light delivered by IPL is more scattered and less targeted than a laser. IPL can penetrate down to the dermis (second layer of the skin) without causing harm to the epidermis (topmost skin layer). Therefore, it causes less damage to the skin.
Pigments cells in the skin absorb the light energy. This energy is then converted into heat. The heat destructs the undesirable pigment to clear up freckles and other spots. It can also destroy the hair follicle to prevent hair re-growth.
IPL can be used on any part of the body. However, it may not be as effective on uneven regions. It is not recommended for individuals who tend to get thick, elevated keloid scars or those with darker skin. On top of this, it is more effective on darker hair as compared to light-colored hair.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The skincare expert initially cleanses the treatment area. Then they rub a cool gel onto the skin. After this, they apply light bursts from the IPL device to the skin. The patient will need to wear dark glasses during the treatment to protect their eyes.
The pulses may cause a stinging sensation on the skin. Some people report feeling similar to being snapped with a rubber band. The treatment should take between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the area of the body being treated and the size of the treatment area.
In order to get the outcomes that they seek, the patient may require three to six treatment sessions spaced one month apart. In the case of hair removal, the patient may need six to 12 treatments.
Effectiveness
For certain cosmetic treatments, such as fading blood vessels in the skin, newer IPL devices work about as effectively as laser treatments. In the case of hair removal, IPL works better on thick, dark hair compared to light, fine hair. The patient may require multiple treatment sessions to accomplish the desired outcome.
Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Robert Colgrove receives patients from Atlanta, Marietta, Georgia, and nearby areas for laser skin rejuvenation treatments.
Contact Us
For more information about treatments and procedures by Board Certified Atlanta Plastic Surgeon, Robert A. Colgrove, Jr., M.D. at Vinings Surgery Center please visit us at www.colgrove.com
Vinings Surgery Center is taking patients from Greater Atlanta Georgia, Buckhead, Marietta, Roswell, Dunwoody and surrounding areas.
