Intense Pulse Light (IPL)
In Gilbert, Arizona

IPL uses broad-spectrum light to target various skin concerns. The light energy is absorbed by specific skin structures, such as pigmented cells or blood vessels, causing them to break down or coagulate. This process results in improved skin tone, texture, and appearance.

Yes, IPL treatments are generally safe when performed by trained professionals. The technology has been widely used for skin rejuvenation and addressing various skin issues. It's important to undergo the treatment at a reputable med spa like DrSkin for optimal results.

The number of sessions needed varies based on the specific concern being treated and individual skin characteristics. Our experts will assess your skin and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs during your consultation.

Most IPL treatments have minimal downtime. You may experience mild redness or a sensation similar to a mild sunburn immediately after the procedure, but these effects usually subside within a day or two.

IPL can be effective on various skin types, but the treatment parameters may need to be adjusted based on your skin tone. Our professionals will customize the treatment to ensure optimal results for your specific skin characteristics.

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 and more 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 to 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's or 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, that 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 on 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 a 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, 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 do's 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 resolves 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 regime. Most patients, generally speaking, experience sustained results from IPL that last 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, stingy 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.

To embark on your journey to rejuvenated skin through IPL treatments, schedule a consultation at DrSkin Med Spa. Our experts will evaluate your skin, discuss your goals, and create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results.