Intense Pulse Light Therapy in Gilbert, AZ

Intense pulse light (IPL), also referred to as a PhotoFacial, is a skin rejuvenation laser treatment using a polychromatic, or multicolored, wavelength that targets hemoglobin (blood) and melanin (pigment), respectively. This differs from traditional laser technologies that utilize a monochromatic, or singular-colored, wavelength targeting one chromophore instead of two. IPL provides patients with an excellent range of options for treatment. It is also widely considered a fundamental non-ablative technology for cosmetic procedures, given the laser’s ability to successfully treat and resolve vascular and pigmented lesions.

Intense pulse light can effectively treat both small and large blood vessels, red spots, diffuse persistent red pigmentation, and rosacea. IPL also treats brown pigment, which includes sun damage or photoaged skin, also known as sun and age spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and freckles. IPL can also effectively treat acne at the surface of the skin by killing bacteria and suppressing future outbreaks. Another benefit of IPL is its ability to promote cellular turnover and new collagen production, which helps tighten skin and thereby reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

IPL, or PhotoFacial, is an effective skin rejuvenation treatment for individuals suffering from discolored, uneven, sun-damaged, photoaged, and red and brown pigmentation. Patients concerned with the appearance of their skin who have lost confidence and self-esteem due to mild or moderate acne may also be considered viable candidates for treatment. Adverse and unsightly skin conditions often develop with age and present most frequently on the face, neck, and décolleté, as people experience gradual and sudden hormonal shifts with age, which include puberty and pregnancy, sun exposure and damage, life events and lifestyle changes, and natural aging and gravity.

A PhotoFacial, or IPL, provides dramatic improvement of red and brown pigmented lesions and is recommended for the improvement in tone and texture for healthy, refreshed, and rejuvenated skin. Individuals who maintain reasonable expectations for their results and desire a noninvasive, non-ablative approach to skin rejuvenation typically experience the best results from PhotoFacials or IPL laser facials.

Individuals may be good candidates for an IPL or PhotoFacial if they struggle with the following:

• Mild to moderate acne
• Acne discoloration and large pores
• Diffuse persistent red pigment
• Red spots and large blood vessels
• Spider veins
• Telangiectasias
• Rosacea
• Sun-damaged or photoaged skin
• Age spots and sun-induced freckles
• Brown pigmented lesions
• Hyperpigmentation
• Melasma
• Fine lines and wrinkles

IPL, or intense pulse light, treatment generally lasts between 15 and 30 minutes per area. The exact therapy time required is dependent upon several factors, which include location or area of treatment, skin condition being treated, patient experience and goals for treatment, and the use of a topical numbing agent. IPL, like most laser procedures, typically requires a series of treatments, which generally range between 3 to 6 sessions, spaced 1 month apart. This means some patients may be on a 6-month treatment course to achieve lasting results, while others may require annual maintenance to maintain clear skin due to routine sun exposure and continued natural aging.

In some cases, patients visualize immediate results as facial blood vessels can close instantly, and some pigmented lesions at the surface of the epidermis fluff off. However, most patients realize results between 1 and 4 weeks post-procedure. The best results can be seen 3 to 6 months after an individual’s final session. At DrSkin Med Spa, we strongly encourage patients to use medical-grade skincare between appointments while undergoing IPL or any laser treatments in an effort to maximize the results of the therapy and invest in their skin and physical and mental well-being.

Yes, IPL or intense pulsed light therapy can help tighten skin through the use of heat, which is delivered by way of light pulses. Each pulse of light helps promote cellular turnover and new collagen production, thereby affecting the appearance of lax, loose, and crepey skin. IPL also combats the natural aging process, making it an especially effective and predictable procedure to improve skin tone and texture.

Determining the “best” and most appropriate treatment course, or laser treatment, for each patient requires an in-person medical examination and consultation or discussion, as each patient’s treatment history or experience, concerns and complaints, and aesthetic goals are unique. Skin type is also a variable when considering laser treatments, as not all lasers are created equally. Some lasers targeting melanin cannot treat all Fitzpatrick skin types. It’s vitally important to consult with a licensed physician or clinician before beginning a new procedure or starting a new treatment course to make sure it’s safe for your skin color.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or PhotoFacial therapy is an excellent choice for treating a variety of skin conditions for almost all skin types. IPL is a non-ablative treatment, meaning it does not vaporize or evaporate tissue, making it gentler on the skin than ablative laser treatments. PhotoFacials also provide patients with a multitude of treatment options because the laser can effectively treat multiple skin issues simultaneously. IPL also offers faster recovery times and is extremely predictable, lowering the risk of complications generally associated with other laser treatments, especially those that are ablative, which vaporize tissue. However, IPL may require more sessions to reach an endpoint or achieve a patient’s aesthetic goals compared to some laser treatments that offer comparable results.

No, unfortunately, while intense pulsed light (IPL) is a proven, predictable, reliable, safe, efficacious, and customizable treatment option for most seeking natural skin rejuvenation or relief from mild to moderate acne, it is not suitable or safe for all skin tones. Additionally, each IPL laser platform and subsequent manufacturer’s treatment parameters and protocols are unique. Therefore, patients can expect some variation in who can be treated and for what, from office to office.

Generally speaking, darker skin tones contain more melanin than their lighter counterparts, and when heat energy is transferred during an IPL treatment, it can cause burns, blisters, and discoloration in the form of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. At DrSkin Med Spa, our IPL platform provides us with options, and we can safely offer treatment to patients of almost all skin tones except black or African American skin. We have safely and successfully treated patients with Fitzpatrick 1 to 5, which includes Caucasian, Asian, Mediterranean, Hispanic, Persian, and Indian skin types. The Fitzpatrick scale is a human skin color classification system, working from light to dark, or 1 to 6, and an estimate of how different skin tones respond to ultraviolet light (UV). It’s critical to consult with your doctor or a qualified medical professional before undergoing treatment to determine if intense pulse light (IPL) is safe for you.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a noninvasive cosmetic procedure that safely and effectively removes brown spots and pigmented lesions. Most patients require a series of 3 to 6 treatments for total clearance, spaced 1 month apart. IPL can remove brown pigment and other skin conditions from any treatment area on the face and body. By using heat energy in the form of light that is transferred to the epidermis during treatment, IPL breaks down excess melanin, which causes brown spots and freckles. The melanin breaks down over time, leaving patients with a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance and renewed self-esteem and confidence. IPL also combats a variety of skin conditions that materialize as unsightly and unwanted blemishes or pigment changes, which include acne, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, pore size, and red spots, to name a few.

Following a PhotoFacial, or IPL session, some individuals may experience some immediate or “on-the-table” changes to their skin. Patients can expect their skin to be warm, red, and occasionally blotchy following IPL therapy, similar to a mild or moderate sunburn. The condition is normal and temporary and gradually fades away on its own within a day or so, if not hours. Individuals can also expect their skin to be sensitive to light and heat for some time following an intense pulse light (IPL) treatment due to the heat energy transferred from the laser to the patient’s epidermis.

Some vessels may also close during treatment in response to the laser’s ability to heat targeted red blood vessels, causing them to constrict and dissipate over time, while brown pigment may get darker, but will fluff off over the first 1 to 3 weeks during recovery. Patients are encouraged to keep their skin clean and free of makeup and fragranced lotions, which can clog pores and aggravate skin, adding to patient discomfort while healing.

Yes, absolutely! However, a lukewarm shower is recommended, as it’s safer and more tolerable following an intense pulse light (IPL) laser session therapy. Individuals can expect heightened or exaggerated skin sensitivity to heat after receiving an IPL treatment because of the energy being transferred and delivered from the laser to the skin. We encourage patients to avoid hot showers and baths for the first 1 to 5 days to ensure maximum comfort and results during recovery.

Yes, patients may work out immediately after an IPL treatment. However, we encourage modest exercise only, like walking, a stationary bike, or light weightlifting. People should avoid rigorous activities, strenuous exercise, and heavy lifting so they don’t overheat their skin or body. After an IPL or PhotoFacial, patients can expect hypersensitivity to heat due to energy transferred from the laser to the patient during treatment. Therefore, adding more heat to the skin and body, with intense post-procedure, can affect treatment results.

Before and after IPL, or intense pulse laser treatment, follow these important dos and don’ts:

• No self-tanners, spray tans, or sun exposure prior to treatment
• No previous or additional treatments, 2 to 4 weeks before and after receiving IPL
• No retinol, chemical peels, or hydroquinone for at least 1 week prior to and after treatment
• No makeup or oil-based lotions immediately following treatment; wait 24 hours
• After treatment, light workouts only, heavy lifting, and high-intensity workouts wait 24 hours
• Avoid direct sunlight immediately following treatment; use sunscreen daily to protect against harmful UV light

IPL laser treatments can only be performed safely and effectively when the above protocols are followed. Patients taking prescription pharmaceuticals like retinoids and hydroquinone, and individuals subject to unnecessary sun exposure, self-tanners, and artificial tanning treatments, increase their sensitivity to light energy, which can alter the outcome of their procedure. When these protocols are not followed, it also prevents the physician or clinician from accurately establishing the patient’s skin type and a baseline for treatment, essential aspects required of every office providing IPL laser treatments to their patient populations.

Yes, absolutely! Patients seeking a lunchtime IPL treatment or individuals undergoing treatment prior to starting their workday may go to work immediately following their laser session. Indistinct inflammation and mild erythema, or redness, may present following an IPL treatment, but usually resolve within a few hours to 1 day. Patients may wear makeup following their IPL treatment; however, we recommend patients maintain clean skin, free of makeup, parabens, fragranced lotions, and any chemical preparations that could aggravate the treated skin area(s) during the first 24 hours following treatment.

No, there is no downtime associated with IPL laser treatments. An IPL laser treatment is considered “non-ablative,” which means the laser is heating collimated tissue only, causing minimal damage to the epidermis and underlying dermis, instead of vaporizing tissue during an ablative treatment. Therefore, there is no social downtime associated with the procedure. This does not mean an IPL laser treatment cannot cause injuries to the skin.

It does, but those injuries are not substantial enough to warrant downtime and force patients to remain indoors or isolated from their family, friends, or favorite activities. Normal and social activities typically resume immediately, but patients may exhibit light erythema and redness, similar to a sunburn. They should protect themselves from the sun and unnecessary exposure following treatment to ensure they do not experience any complications or alter the outcome of their treatment.

IPL laser treatments are considered safe, reliable, predictable, and efficacious on almost any body part. In fact, IPL is even used for dry eye treatments, so it’s widely considered one of the most versatile laser treatment options available. Preferred treatment areas include the face, neck, décolleté, and hands.

The results of an IPL treatment can last a lifetime, but only with the use of medical-grade skincare maintenance. Individual results vary, and many factors contribute to prolonged improvements from an IPL treatment, which include natural aging, disease, sun exposure, lifestyle changes, gravity, and skincare regimen. Most patients, generally speaking, experience sustained results from IPL that last for years with diligent SPF use and sun protection.

Patients may visualize immediate results when treating certain vascular conditions with an IPL laser. However, most patients begin to realize the results of their treatment 1 to 3 weeks after their procedure, as most skin conditions don’t resolve instantaneously. Final and full results may take upwards of 6 months after the initial session, as IPL promotes cellular turnover and stimulates new collagen production, which takes 1 to 3 months for the body to begin processing.

No, IPL laser treatments don’t hurt. They are considered to be extremely tolerable and not painful. Patients describe their experience with IPL as mildly uncomfortable, similar to the warm, stinging sensation of a rubber band snapping against their skin. At DrSkin Med Spa, we employ the most advanced laser technologies available, so our IPL platform incorporates a built-in cooling system that helps enhance patient comfort. Additionally, we ensure all patients are comfortably numb so treatment is completely painless throughout the entirety of their IPL session by applying the strongest available topical numbing agent 45 to 60 minutes before treatment.

Yes, IPL is an effective treatment for the removal of unwanted hair. However, IPL is less efficient and effective, requiring many more treatments and touch-ups than more traditional lasers, which are designed only for hair removal. Therefore, while it is effective, it is not considered optimal technology for hair removal. At DrSkin Med Spa, we do not use an IPL laser for hair removal. Instead, we use dedicated, state-of-the-art laser technology that is proven, predictable, safe, and reliable.

Our IPL laser platform incorporates internal cooling and quick treatment times, is virtually pain-free, and is safe for all skin tones. We treat a woman’s legs or a man’s back in 2 to 3 minutes. Before beginning any new treatment course, we encourage patients to discuss their options with their doctor or licensed medical professional, including benefits, potential risks, concerns and complaints, aesthetic goals, and budget, to determine if the IPL laser is right for them.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and laser treatments both target skin concerns but operate differently. IPL uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths to treat various issues like pigmentation, sun damage, and vascular lesions. It’s versatile and covers a larger skin area in each pulse, making it effective for multiple skin concerns in one session.

On the other hand, laser treatments use a single wavelength of light to target specific issues more precisely. They can penetrate deeper layers of the skin, making them ideal for treating deeper pigmentation, scars, and wrinkles. Lasers can be tailored to very specific skin concerns, providing high precision.

In essence, IPL is great for treating multiple skin concerns at once with a broad approach, while laser treatments offer targeted precision for specific issues.

What is an IPL laser treatment? Yes, IPL photofacials can effectively help reduce the appearance of superficial acne scars. By using intense pulsed light technology, this treatment targets deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production and promote skin cell regeneration. As a result, acne scars become less noticeable over time, and overall skin texture and tone improve. Additionally, IPL Photofacials can address other skin concerns, such as redness and pigmentation associated with acne scars, making it a versatile and beneficial treatment for achieving a clearer, more even complexion.

Recovery time after an IPL photofacial is generally minimal, making it an attractive option for those with busy lifestyles. Immediately following the treatment, you might experience some redness and mild swelling, similar to a sunburn. These symptoms typically subside within a few hours to a day. Your skin may feel slightly warm and sensitive for the first day or two.

In the days following your treatment, it’s important to keep your skin hydrated and protected. Avoid using any harsh skincare products, such as exfoliants or retinoids, for at least a week. You may observe some darkening of the treated areas, which is a natural response and a sign that the IPL is effectively targeting pigmentation. Over the following days, these spots will gently shed, unveiling smoother, more evenly toned skin beneath.

Overall, most people can return to their normal activities immediately after the treatment with full recovery and optimal results becoming visible within a week.

For optimal results, most patients need a series of 3 to 6 IPL Photofacial sessions. The number depends on your skin concerns and goals. Sessions are usually scheduled 4 weeks apart to allow the skin to heal and rejuvenate between treatments. This approach helps achieve the best possible improvement in skin tone, texture, and overall appearance. Joy Chapman will assess your needs during your consultation and create a personalized treatment plan to ensure you achieve the desired results.

IPL photofacials are most effective on lighter skin tones because IPL targets pigmentation, and Black skin tones can be more prone to hyperpigmentation, burning, or scarring. However, advancements in technology and careful customization by experienced professionals, like Joy Chapman at DrSkin Med Spa, can sometimes allow for treatments on a wider range of skin types. It’s crucial to have a thorough consultation to determine if IPL is suitable for your specific skin type and needs.

Yes, IPL photofacials can be effectively combined with treatments like BOTOX® or fillers to enhance overall results. While IPL targets and improves pigmentation, redness, and skin texture, BOTOX® and fillers can address wrinkles and volume loss, providing a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation. Combining these treatments can result in a more youthful, refreshed appearance.

At DrSkin Med Spa, Master Esthetician Joy Chapman and her team of skilled medical professionals will tailor a personalized treatment plan to suit your specific needs and ensure optimal results. By strategically scheduling and combining these treatments, you can achieve the best of both worlds for radiant, rejuvenated skin.