Smooth, flawless skin is the ultimate cosmetic dermatology dream. Patients with unwanted freckles, pink or brown scars, age spots, and background redness seek a solution to create even skin tone and a flawless appearance, without the help of makeup. With an IPL (intense pulsed light) photofacial in Collegeville and Villanova, the dermatologists at Bryn Mawr Dermatology can help make this dream come true.
Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, is a gentle but effective procedure for correcting pigmentation issues that can make patients feel self-conscious about the appearance of their skin.
For a IPL consultation in Villanova or Collegeville, contact our dermatologists today at 610.525.7800!
Intense Pulsed Light is a gentle but effective procedure for correcting pigmentation issues that can make patients feel self-conscious about the appearance of their skin. Treatment also supports the collagen remodeling process, so skin looks youthful and refreshed. Many patients choose IPL because it is convenient, non-invasive, and offers the following benefits:
Patients should note that IPL and laser skin care are separate procedures, and IPL is gentler on skin than a laser resurfacing treatment. Intense pulsed light works by heating the uppermost layers of skin and encouraging collagen production, which is responsible for smoothing, firming, and rejuvenating tissue on the face, neck, and even the décolletage. As this treatment is gentle and effective, many patients are qualified for this procedure and can enjoy its benefits.
There are many products available that create collagen remodeling, the process of stimulating collagen re-growth in aged and lax skin. Light therapy is particularly effective at doing this, as the light energy can be customized to target tissue at different levels, whether cosmetic problems are mild or moderate and multiple levels of skin need to be affected to create the desired change. For patients experiencing redness caused by rosacea (telangiectasias), IPL proves to be highly effective at creating the desired even skin tone. Even veins that appear reddened and highly visible will be minimized, creating a uniform and balanced appearance.
Results from treatment are also long-lasting. Our dermatologists recommend three sessions of IPL to create the expected cosmetic change. After your treatments are complete, you can expect the results to last for a year.
After analyzing the area and lesions to be treated, the proper settings are determined to get optimal results. The process of the IPL treatment and the required aftercare will be thoroughly explained by your provider. You will then be provided with protective eyewear, and asked to relax in a treatment chair. The effect created by the IPL tool is often compared to a subtle snapping against the skin, like that of a rubber band, and topical anesthesia is provided to dull the sensation. IPL treatment is generally tolerated very well.
Although this procedure is considered very safe, having a Certified Laser Technician (CLT) who is familiar with the science behind the treatment is very important to ensure effective and predictable results.
If you have ethnic skin, getting the settings just right is very important to prevent deepening pigment in the treatment area. Our aestheticians are all CLTs and have decades of experience treating all skin types.
You can expect your in-office appointment to last less than an hour, and the second procedure in your treatment series can be scheduled for about four weeks later. Most people feel and look as though they are experiencing a mild sunburn, but these symptoms do not prevent you from returning to normal daily activities right away.
After your appointment, the skin may appear pink or reddened, but this will fade over the next few days. Spots of hyperpigmentation may also seem darker before they are eventually minimized and fade. If IPL has been used to diminish freckles, it is normal for these spots to become quite dark before they eventually flake off, revealing even skin tone underneath. There is no downtime required for this procedure, however; we do not suggest attending a photo shoot or being in a wedding for a few days after treatment to ensure you are looking your best. Patients can choose to mask this temporary effect with makeup if desired.
It’s important to be diligent in protecting your skin from sun exposure after your IPL appointment. Freshly treated skin is more susceptible to damage from harmful UV rays, so be sure to apply sunscreen and limit the time you spend in the sun. Regular sunscreen use can even help prevent the reformation of the issues you just helped remedy with IPL!
Although this procedure is considered very safe, having a Certified Laser Technician (CLT) who is familiar with the science behind the treatment is very important to ensure effective and predictable results.
For beautiful, smooth skin you feel excited to show off, contact Bryn Mawr Dermatology for IPL photofacials in Collegeville and Villanova. We are happy to offer effective cosmetic and medical skin care to patients looking for relief from common aesthetic concerns such as aging, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and more.
Get started today by calling our dermatology team at 610.525.7800 or easily book an appointment by clicking the Schedule Now button at the top of the page. We look forward to caring for you!
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