IPL: Intense Pulsed Light

Several methods exist to remove unwanted brown spots, including liquid nitrogen, topical bleaching agents, and chemical peels. All of these treatments provide lightening of the unwanted discoloration, but with varying degrees of effectiveness and control. Lasers that effectively treat unwanted pigment with more accuracy and control are now available.

While it may not be possible to completely remove the pigmentation, significant permanent lightening of the spot is achievable. The results will depend on your skin type and pigmentation, and the body site being treated.

Will the treatment hurt?

We utilize both numbing cream and ice to increase comfort during treatment. There may be some stinging, burning, or discomfort experienced while the laser is in use. This normally resolves within 30-60 minutes after the treatment.

What are the potential risks of the treatment?

While the treatments are safe, there are potential risks to the procedure including incomplete removal of sunspot, scarring, hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) and hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin). These conditions are usually temporary but may persist for several months. Permanent skin pigment or textural changes may occur but are rare. We will discuss all the risks with you prior to treatment.

What should I expect immediately after treatment, and how should I care for the treated area?

For best results, it is very important to minimize sun exposure before and after treatment. Immediately after treatment, the area may appear puffy and red and the treated spots may appear darker. We will provide detailed care instructions at your visit.

Does the correction last forever, and if not, how often will I require treatment?

More than one laser treatment should be expected to obtain the degree of lightening that you desire. Treatments can be delivered anytime pigmentation is noted, but they are usually administered every 4-6 weeks. Most patients experience a significant reduction from the amount of pre-treatment pigment in a given area after a series of treatments. One should not expect to have every single sunspot completely removed. Sun protection increases the long-term benefit of the treatment.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and Nd:YAG Broken blood vessels, rosacea, and redness

Lumenis M22 IPL and Nd:YAG lasers are used to treat a variety of vascular lesions that include telangiectasia (broken vessels), redness from rosacea, port wine stains, and hemangiomas. The energy from the light produces several types of effects within the skin. It can speed up healing, reduce the appearance of visible capillaries, and break down excess pigment into tiny particles that are either flushed out through the body’s lymphatic system or pushed up to the skin’s surface where they will be naturally exfoliated after a week or so. IPL uses specific wavelengths (colors) that deeply penetrate the skin to manage the condition being treated. It is a non-ablative technique. This means that it targets the deeper layers of the skin (the dermis) without affecting the epidermis (the upper layers of your skin – the part you see). Through a series of treatments, you will notice a decrease in redness and blood vessels and in some cases, complete disappearance.

Will the Treatment Hurt?

There may be some stinging, burning, or discomfort experienced while the laser is in use. With each subsequent treatment, the discomfort usually lessens. Anesthetic creams can be provided prior to treatment to help lessen any discomfort.

What are the potential risks of the treatment?

While the treatment has been generally proven safe, there are potential risks to the procedure including scarring, hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) and hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin). These risks can be reduced with proper care to the treated area. We will discuss all risks with you prior to treatment.

What should I expect immediately after treatment?

The response to treatment varies from individual to individual. Typically, following the laser treatment, the treated area will appear red and slightly swollen. Bruising is also possible.

Does the correction last forever, and if not, how often will I require treatment?

The response to treatment varies from person to person. The number of treatments vary with the severity of the original skin condition and the response to each treatment. The number of laser treatments required also depends on how much improvement is desired by the individual. Usually, improvement is seen with each consecutive treatment, 4-6 weeks apart.