At Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, we are excited to offer Lucent IPL, the strongest IPL device on the market.

What is Intense Pulsed Light?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a type of light therapy that is used for a variety of skin treatments. It uses high-intensity pulses of light to penetrate the skin and target specific areas or conditions. IPL can be used to treat a wide range of skin conditions, including:

• Sun damage and age spots
• Freckles and other hyperpigmentation
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Rosacea and other facial redness
• Broken blood vessels
• Acne and acne scarring

IPL treatments are usually performed by a trained medical professional, such as a dermatologist or esthetician. The procedure is typically non-invasive and involves the use of a handheld device that emits the light pulses. The light energy is absorbed by the target tissue, causing it to break down and be absorbed by the body. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour and may require multiple treatments to achieve desired results. Some common side effects of IPL treatments include redness, swelling, and blistering, but these typically resolve on their own within a few days.

What precautions should be taken prior to Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?

There are a few precautions you should take prior to an intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment:

1. Avoid direct sun exposure for several weeks before the treatment. This is because IPL treatments can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it’s important to protect your skin from further damage.
2. Avoid using certain skin care products. You should avoid using any skin care products that contain retinoids, alpha-hydroxy acids, or bleaching agents for at least a week before the treatment. These products can make the skin more sensitive and may increase the risk of side effects.
3. Avoid waxing or using depilatory creams. It’s best to avoid waxing or using depilatory creams for at least a week before the treatment, as these can irritate the skin and make it more sensitive.
4. Inform your provider of any medications you are taking. It’s important to let your provider know about any medications you are currently taking, as some medications can make the skin more sensitive to light and increase the risk of side effects.
5. Wear protective eyewear. During the treatment, your provider will give you protective eyewear to wear to protect your eyes from the intense light. It’s important to wear this eyewear throughout the entire treatment to prevent any eye damage.

Does IPL hurt?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments may cause some discomfort, but the level of discomfort can vary from person to person. Some people describe the sensation as a mild snapping or stinging sensation, while others may experience more discomfort.

To minimize discomfort during the treatment, your provider may apply a numbing cream to the area being treated. In addition, the handheld device used for the treatment may have a cooling feature to help reduce any discomfort.

Overall, most people find IPL treatments to be relatively tolerable. If you have a low pain tolerance, you may want to discuss this with your provider beforehand and ask about any options to help minimize discomfort during the treatment.

Is IPL the same as a photofacial?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) and photofacials are similar but not exactly the same. A photofacial is a type of light therapy that uses intense pulsed light (IPL) or a laser to improve the appearance of the skin. Photofacials are typically used to treat a variety of skin conditions, including sun damage, age spots, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, rosacea, and facial redness.

While both IPL and photofacials use intense pulsed light, there are some key differences between the two. For example, IPL uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths, while lasers use a single, highly concentrated wavelength. This means that IPL treatments are generally less targeted and may be less effective for certain skin conditions, but they also tend to have fewer side effects and require less recovery time. Photofacials, on the other hand, may be more effective for certain skin conditions, but they may also have more side effects and a longer recovery time.

Ultimately, the choice between IPL and a photofacial will depend on your specific skin concerns and the advice of your medical provider. They will be able to recommend the best option for your needs and goals.

 At Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, we strive to provide the most state-of-the-art technology to treat your skin concerns. If you would like to schedule a cosmetic consultation, please call 480-666-5568.