For those who are bothered by sun spots, freckles, redness and rosacea, photorejuvenation - also called Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) - can help lighten skin and reduce the appearance of these conditions.
To some degree, it can also help rejuvenate skin and smooth its texture by stimulating new collagen.
IPL treatments can be used on the face, chest, neck and hands.
How Does It Work? IPL treatments work by emitting light waves that are targeted at hemoglobin - the body's red blood cells - or melanin, which is found in age spots and freckles.
The light beam enters the skin and the hemoglobin or melanin absorbs the light.
This results in damage to the wall the blood vessels or, in the case of freckles and age spots, fragmented melanin pigment.
The body absorbs these changes, making freckles, age spots and redness less visible.
What Do IPL Treatments Entail? IPL treatments should be performed multiple times for best results.
It is recommended that 3-5 treatments be performed, with each one spaced 3-6 weeks apart.
The procedure is performed in a laser room.
You will be given special glasses or pads to protect your eyes.
The doctor will place gel on the area being treated.
A handpiece is placed over the area, and light pulses emit.
There may be a slight stinging feeling.
Treatments last anywhere from 30-90 minutes, depending on the size of the area.
Once completed, a nurse will wipe off the gel.
A warm cloth will be placed over the treated area and a moisturizing sunscreen will be applied.
You will be given an ice pack if there is any swelling.
What Can I Expect After Treatment? After the first treatment, there will be increased redness for the first few days.
Darks spots will also appear darker during this time and there may be some mild swelling.
In rare cases, bruising may occur.
This can take up to two weeks to clear up.
For those who are using IPL to remove freckles, crusting can sometimes occur.
The crusting can last for 10 days and the lesions will clear up within one month.
If you wish, you can use concealer to mask these concerns.
Skin will feel smoother and even out in tone after each procedure.
As your skin gets used to these procedures, the swelling and redness will decrease each time.
There is only mild discomfort with the IPL treatments, especially with the first one.
The subsequent treatments become more comfortable.
If you don't use sunscreen when outdoors, the damage will return quickly.
However, if you practice good sun hygiene, then your skin will continue to look good with just an annual treatment.
If you want to increase collagen production or suffer from severe redness, then it is recommended that you get IPL treatments every six months.
Try IPL on Your Skin If you are ready to rejuvenate your skin, contact cosmetic surgery clinic in Toronto and will provide free consultation.
We can provide you with options to make your skin look better than ever..