FAQ's > IPL Photorejunenation | Mesotherapy | Mesolift | Restylane Botox | AFA Clay Mask | TCA Peel | Laser Hair Removal IPL Photorejuvenation FAQ's What is IPL Photorejuvenation? Photorejuvenation is a cosmetic procedure designed to produce younger and healthier looking skin. With the use of intense pulse light (IPL) technology, dramatic improvements in skin conditions can be accomplished without downtime and with minimal discomfort. IPL is very effective on red blemishes that originate from blood vessels and brown pigment blemishes in the form of freckles, age spots, and other sun damage. What skin conditions can IPL Photorejuvenation treat? Sun damage Fine lines and wrinkles from biologic aging Age-induced brown pigment spots Sun-induced freckles Large skin pores Rosacea Birthmarks Unsightly veins Rough and dull looking skin Unevenly pigmented skin Deep wrinkles Deep-seated pigment Dark skin color Why choose IPL for skin rejuvenation? Other treatment options such as laser resurfacing and deep chemical peels require downtime that will interfere with your daily activities. Micro dermabrasion, while addressing skin irregularities, is not effective with complexion problems. IPL benefits include: Excellent long-lasting results Non-invasive with no downtime 35-minute procedure Minimal discomfort Increase of collagen production Provides gradual natural looking improvement Smooth and evenly pigmented skin Smaller pores Able to treat skin problems and rejuvenate simultaneously How does IPL Photorejuvenation work? Photorejuvenation is achieved with intense pulse light (IPL). Certain wavelengths of this light spectrum are used to treat specific "target" conditions of the skin while light energy is turned into heat energy. The chromophore in the target tissue is fragmented and absorbed without damage to the surrounding tissue. Likewise, new collagen deposition is stimulated, leaving the skin with smoother texture, while brown and red spots disappear and broken veins close. Which areas can be treated with IPL? In addition for achieving excellent results for the face, IPL also treats the neck, décolleté, chest, and hands where sun damage is often most visible. How many treatment sessions are needed? The average person will need 5 treatment sessions to obtain desired results. Results are already visible after the first treatment. Treatments are given every 3 weeks. MAI highly recommends getting a micro dermabrasion treatment between your Photofacials to enhance results. Improvement of the skin continues with every further treatment until you have reached either the desired or best possible result. When are results visible? Results are visible within a few days of the first treatment, and improve with each successive treatment. What can I expect during my treatment? Before treatment, a cold gel is applied to the areas to be treated and you are given protective eyewear. During the treatment the physician gently floats the smooth glass surface of the IPL handpiece on top of the gel overlying the skin. Light pulses are delivered to the skin surface in short intervals, which are perceived as mild rubber band snaps. Are there any side effects? No. After your Photofacial you may have a slight redness in the face for less than an hour. On occasion, your skin may welt up the next day. In this case, take 50 mg of Benadryl. The condition is temporary and you can cover your skin with makeup. [ back to top ] Are there any contraindications for IPL Treatments? Yes. Cancer, in particular skin cancer Pregnancy Use of photosensitizing medication and herbs Skin hypersensitivity to sun Exposure to sunbathing or artificial tanning in the previous 4 weeks Diabetes, unless under control History of keloid scarring Fragile and dry skin Use of anticoagulants History of bleeding problems or disorders History of herpes or other skin infections Individuals who are not good candidates for IPL treatments Prolonged sun exposure during the upcoming months Previous failure of IPL Individuals who should consider alternative surgical procedures Skin Type VI–please see Fitzpatrick Skin Type scale What is the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Assessment? It puts you into a skin type according to how your unprotected skin reacts to sun exposure. Mouse-over here to find out your skin type. Why can darker skin be a problem for IPL treatments? The darker your skin, the more melanin it contains. Melanin is targeted by the treatment, so a prevalence of melanin will lead to burning of the skin, which is not the goal. The darker the skin, the greater the possibility to see hyper-pigmentation (brown spots), which is a common reaction of dark skin to any cause of inflammation. Please call us after looking at the Fitzpatrick skin type assessment. Should you have type V skin, we can determine in a consultation whether to advise a bleaching cream as an alternative treatment. What should be avoided before an IPL session? Light-sensitizing medication Sunbathing, tanning How should I prepare for an IPL session? No specific preparation is needed. HOME | ABOUT US | MESOTHERAPY | SERVICES | FAQS | BEFORE & AFTER PRODUCTS | RESOURCES | EMPLOYMENT | CONTACT US