What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photorejuvenation? How is it used?
Photo rejuvenation with IPL or BBL is the mainstay skin treatment at Live Young because it addresses the most common skin concerns: brown sun or age spots, dull discolouration, rosacea and other forms of dilated blood vessels on the face and body. With this type of broadband laser treatment, the energy passes through the skin surface and specifically targets undesirable skin colour features. The skin surface and skin structures such as natural baseline skin colour or freckles are unaffected because it works selectively. Depending on the degree of discolouration 3-5 sessions are usually needed and can be spaced 1 month apart.
After an IPL series, most people experience noticeable improvements in skin colour and sheen. There may be a mild degree of discomfort during treatment and the skin will feel warm or flushed for several hours following. You can resume usual activities with sun protection immediately following a treatment session. The treated “broken” blood vessels fade over a 2-4 week period while the abnormal pigment darkens then exfoliates over 7-10 days. This may take longer on the chest and thicker skin areas such as the hands or arms.
IPL can also help with:
Unwanted hair: BBL is also an effective way to remove unwanted hair for skin types I to IV. Hair removal is done permanently and safely. 6-10 treatments may be needed depending on your hair quality and skin colour. Midlife facial hair is tough, if it is brown or black IPL may help.
Scarring: IPL/BBL may also be effective in reducing the redness in some scars and stretch marks
IPL may worsen some forms of abnormal hyperpigmentation such as melasma.
Photorejuvenation does not improve moderate and deeper wrinkles, scars or folds,
IPL treats both vascular and pigmented sun damage.
Here are 3 reasons why IPL is optimally done during fall, winter and early spring.
When the summer’s over and tans start to fade the effects of sun, wind and aging becomes more obvious. One of our most popular and effective treatments to help restore skin to its former glory is IPL photo rejuvenation.
1-Direct sunlight can more easily be avoided.
As with any laser treatment, direct sunlight should be avoided both before and after your treatment. If the skin is tanned side effects my occur. The fall through the spring is the perfect time to begin your IPL photo rejuvenation series because the suns rays are less strong. If sun exposure can’t be avoided before and between your treatments, an SPF of at least 30 should be applied to the treatment area every 2-4 hours.
Of course there are many people who are outdoors all year but use adequate UV protection, if this is the case you can be treated at any time of the year.
2-reatments are efficient.
Depending on the treatment area, sessions can be 30- 60 minutes in length. Because the time between treatments is only a few weeks, a treatment series can be completed in 6- 12 weeks depending on the number of sessions required. If you are planning a sun holiday we will work around that. Unlike some treatments, there is very little downtime associated with IPL photo rejuvenation. Because the skins surface is not affected patients may apply sunscreen and mineral makeup immediately post-treatment and return to work or other daily activities.
3-A perfect reset.
Winters can be long which may have a negative impact on our mood. The lack of vitamin D impacts serotonin levels in the brain and can be a contributor to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Doing something for yourself can help improve your confidence and boost your sense of wellbeing.
To book your consultation with Dr. Sweeney and the Live Young team connect on line or call us 250-654-0383. We look forward to answering your questions