IPL – Intense Pulsed Light
IPL – Intense Pulsed Light in Washington, DC
An IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) might be the ideal skin rejuvenating treatment to help you achieve even-toned, younger-looking skin with a healthy glow. At Peel Haus Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, our experts are pleased to perform an IPL photofacial in Washington, DC. A minimally invasive procedure with little to no downtime, IPL works by transmitting intense light deep into the skin. As it pulses, the light absorbs into both the blood or the melanin. This spectrum then treats any lesions or pigmentation in the skin. The body naturally works to heal the areas treated, resulting in various positive benefits. The light uses gentle pulsing to combat pigmentation, reduce the effects of aging, and even stimulate the growth of collagen.
IPL treats a wide variety of skin conditions:
- Actinic keratoses
- Rosacea
- Sun damage
- Flushing
- Skin texture
- Redness
- Broken capillaries
- Brown spots
- Age spots
- Dark circles around the eyes
- Sun-induced freckles on the hands, chest, and face
- Broken capillaries around the nose
How IPL Works
IPL is one of the most popular services at Peel Haus. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) devices are non-laser, high-intensity light sources that make use of a high-output flashlamp to produce a broad wavelength output of noncoherent light. In the case of age spots, freckles and other types of brown discoloration, the light targets tissue with melanin. With broken capillaries, certain red birthmarks and rosacea, the light seeks hemoglobin – the pigment in red blood cells – as the targeted area. In each case, the light’s energy heats the targeted tissue, causing it to fade while sparing the surrounding healthy or normal skin.
Benefits of IPL – Intense Pulsed Light or Photofacial
IPL – Intense Pulsed Light offers many benefits and can be used to treat many conditions:
- Acne
- Birthmarks
- Stretch marks
- Liver or age spots
- Broken blood vessels
- Brown spots, also called liver or age spots
- Dark spots from hormonal changes
- Discolored skin
- Fine wrinkles
- Freckles
- Redness from rosacea
- Scars
- Spider veins
- Unwanted hair
Ideal Candidate for IPL
IPL Photofacials are a great option for those who are unhappy with the tone of their skin, however, some patients are better candidates than others. Please note, individuals with darker skin-tones should be cautious due to the potential risk of skin pigment changes post-treatment. Consider alternatives for tanned or darker skin tones. These patients may explore safer options like RF Microneedling for optimal results.
IPL – Intense Pulsed Light is not for everyone. Our experts might caution against a photofacial if you:
- Are sensitive to light
- Have recently tanned your skin using sunlight, tanning beds, or tanning creams
- Might have skin cancer
- Use a retinoid cream
- Are very dark-skinned
- Have a skin resurfacing disorder
- Have severe scarring
- Have keloid scar tissue
On the day of your appointment, avoid using perfume, makeup, and scented products that can irritate your skin.
IPL – Intense Pulsed Light Treatment
At Peel Haus Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, your IPL treatment (Intense Pulsed Light) is performed in our DC office and is customized for each patient. Your face will be thoroughly cleansed and a cool gel will be applied to the skin. You will then be given Laser glasses which you must wear during your treatment to protect your eyes from the light. Our experts will perform the IPL treatment, which feels a bit like being snapped with a tiny rubber band. This service takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many areas are being treated.
IPL Recovery
There is no downtime after the IPL – Intense Pulsed Light treatment. Most patients are able to return to work or resume their normal activities right away.
As you know IPL targets brown and red pigments with light during the treatment. This pigment must be eliminated by the body. About 1-2 days after treatment, the patient can expect a “coffee ground” appearance of skin and may notice that the pigmentation of their skin is darker or more noticeable, which is normal. The pigment being treated will get worse (darker) before it gets better. This pigment will either flake away over the following week or will be swept away naturally by the lymphatic system. As this is happening, the pigment may appear somewhat darker than normal. The patient may also experience mild dryness or flaking of the skin, for which they can use their regular moisturizer.
Healing after an IPL treatment varies with the patient although in most cases takes less than a week and as little as 2 to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions About IPL
Click on the question below to reveal the answer.
How long does IPL treatment take?
The process takes around 15 to 30 minutes. It is a relatively quick procedure, making it optimal for those who have busy schedules.
Does IPL hurt?
Pain varies from person to person, but, patients describe the procedure to be more uncomfortable than painful. Some people describe the sensation similar to the snapping of an elastic band on the skin. Of course, the feeling is only temporary.
How soon will I see results of IPL?
How soon will you see the results? The first improvements will be immediate. You can look forward to a visible improvement in your skin immediately after this treatment. Your skin will be smoother and brighter, and your pores will look smaller. The benefits will continue to increase as your skin produces more collagen in the days and weeks following your appointment. If you opt for a series, you will see your maximum benefits a few weeks after it is complete. Read on, and we’ll tell you more about the benefits of this treatment.
How long do IPL results last?
With proper skin care and sun protection following IPL treatments, results can last for years.
How Many IPL Treatments Does it Take to See Results?
The number of IPL treatments needed for optimal results can vary, but most patients achieve their cosmetic goals with between three and five treatments. Keep in mind that dark spots and freckles can appear darker for the first few days after treatment.
How long does it take to heal from IPL treatment?
The IPL treatment boasts very little downtime. Patients are able to wear makeup and resume normal activities immediately after treatment. Any swelling, sensitivity or other side effects typically heal within a week, but often just 2 – 3 days.
Why are multiple IPL treatments necessary?
The IPL treatments are recommended in a series of 3 to 6 sessions, after which you will be given a maintenance schedule to maintain your results depending on the condition of your skin and the severity of your problem. You will be able to resume your normal activities immediately after the treatment. By dividing the treatments into a series, you will see gradual improvement with minimal risk.
Will my friends know that I had IPL treatment?
No, if you don’t tell them, your friends will not know that you have had an IPL photo facial or photo rejuvenation treatment.
What will I look like after IPL treatment?
Your skin will be slightly pink after an IPL photo facial treatment, but the color will be gone by the next day. Brown spots, red spots and spider veins may appear slightly darker after your photo facial treatment.
Can I wear makeup after IPL treatment?
It is okay to wear makeup immediately following an IPL treatment. Sunscreen is highly recommended to protect the skin and prevent sun damage.
What are the side effects of IPL?
There are very few side effects related to IPL. Some of the side effects are reddening of the skin and swelling. This is completely normal and will subside within a few hours. Following the IPL, pigmented areas may darken and rise, this is a positive indication of the treatment and should go away within 1 to 2 weeks.
Is IPL safe?
IPL is completely safe. It is also non-invasive and requires little to no recovery time. We highly value your safety and will go to great lengths to ensure comfortability with each procedure.
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Office Policies
Booking
A $50 deposit is required to secure all appointments. This deposit will be used towards your treatment.
Late Arrival
As a courtesy to others, please arrive for your appointment 15 minutes early. Because we’re on a strict schedule, patients more than 15 minutes late may need to be rescheduled.
Cancellations
We understand that scheduling conflicts may arise. Please be courteous and reschedule or cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours prior to your appointment date. Any cancellations made after this period is subject to a penalty of your $50 deposit.
Payments
All balances of payments must be made in full at the time of your treatment. If payments are not made, an additional $50 will be charged to your bill weekly and your account may go to collections.
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