IPL Treatment for Skin Conditions
Florida Eye Specialists and Cataract Institute, a leader in eye health in the Tampa Bay area, has added IPL to its list of skin treatments. IPL is the latest therapy to treat wrinkles, spots, acne scars and other skin conditions.
If any of these conditions are a concern, it may be time to consider if aesthetic IPL treatment is right for you.
What is IPL?
IPL stands for intense pulsed light and is somewhat similar to a laser treatment. Instead of one wavelength of light to reach the skin, as in a treatment from a laser, IPL penetrates the first layer of skin, called the epidermis, to treat the second layer, or dermis. This causes less damage to the outer layer of skin. The damaged area from the treatment beneath the first layer is then removed by the body’s natural skin repair mechanisms, resulting in a smoother and more youthful appearance of the skin.
Within the skin, pigment layers convert the light energy to heat, which destroys unwanted pigmentation to clear the appearance of freckles and other unwanted spots. It can also destroy hair follicles and prevent them from growing back again. IPL treatments can be used anywhere on the body but may not be as effective on areas that are uneven.
Within our office, you can now receive treatments for the following:
- Acne scars
- Rosacea
- Pigmentation
- Vascular and leg veins
Appointment Request
Acne Scars
Having resulted from persistent and untreated inflammatory acne lesions, scars that can be reduced. Using a non-ablative laser with a narrow range of wavelengths selectively target and heat the skin to treat scars of acne.
The red and brown marks left behind can make people feel uncomfortable in their appearance; IPL targets pigmented cells and reduces the undesirable effects of acne. As the visibility of these scars is diminished, a patient can feel better about their appearance.
There is no downtime with this procedure; any redness can be covered up with makeup and regular activities can be resumed after a treatment. Non-ablative lasers leave the outer layer of the skin intact while still penetrating the skin and improving appearance.
Rosacea
This chronic skin condition is visible on the face and sometimes on the chest and the neck. It is seen as redness, and in some cases, those who have it are not aware that they are affected by it.
The wavelengths of IPL can be used to alleviate redness, inflammation, pimples and uneven skin tones associated with this skin condition. Gradual and natural appearance of the skin is offered as it improves; this rosacea solution is long lasting and effective.
Pigmentation
Typically induced by sun exposure as well as congenital factors and the natural aging process, this type of lesion is a hypermelanocytic area of the skin. Rather than a medical concern, these cosmetic flaws can be raised or flat and a variety of shapes and sizes. IPL targets the melanin that causes these lesions, which are benign, and clears them.
The treatment works on a wide range of these problematic skin areas.
Vascular and Leg Veins
Spider veins, leg veins and other lesions that are benign are common to many people. Treatment may be sought for both cosmetic and medical reasons. IPL as well as other technologies that are light-based have been used to effectively treat these conditions.
Vascular and leg veins can be treated with an IPL-induced vessel collapse through coagulation, resulting in minimal damage to the adjacent structures. Optimal Pulse Technology with the IPL laser machine makes this treatment possible.
Preparing for Treatment
Before you are treated, a skin care specialist examines your skin and lets you know what to expect with an IPL treatment. If you have a skin condition that could affect your healing, this is the time to let them know.
Before your procedure, it may be recommended that two weeks prior to your appointment, certain medications and activities be avoided. Some of the suggested things to avoid include:
Tanning beds
Direct sunlight
Chemical peels
Waxing
Injections of collagen
Drugs that increase risk of bleeding, such as aspirin
Vitamin A creams, such as glycolic acid or Retin-A
Treatment
Your skin will first be cleaned where it is going to be treated. A cooling gel is then applied to that area. You will be wearing dark glasses to protect your eyes while the treatment is progressing.
Some people feel stinging, like a snapped rubber band, while the pulses are applied. Usually the treatment takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the area of which is getting treated.
Three to six treatments may be suggested to get the desired effects. Treatments are usually spaced apart to allow healing between sessions.
Aesthetic Benefits of IPL
With conditions that are listed, one can know that treatment is available with this latest technology of broad-spectrum light. A youthful appearance is possible when after the treatment, the body clears away the debris to give skin a more even appearance. A hand-held applicator, held gently over the skin, ensures precise treatment of the affected area. Different skin types can be effectively treated for a broad variety of conditions.
IPL can help you feel more confident with an improved appearance, and your self-esteem may benefit. You can be assured that a skilled specialist will be administering your IPL treatment, and you’ll be leaving the office shortly, with no downtime. As medical experts, we will develop the treatment plan that is right for you, with our experienced team of physicians and technicians to assist in answering your questions and concerns.
About Us
Since 1981, Florida Eye Specialists and Cataract Institute has been a leader in delivering quality surgery and care in the Tampa Bay region. Recruiting the best physicians as well as staff is one of our goals. Using the latest technology and methods, such as IPL, is one of the features that set us apart.
Personal service distinguishes us from the rest; we treat our patients like they are family.
Schedule an appointment to learn more about our exciting new therapy for the skin. You may have questions; we can answer them to assure you of our knowledge and expertise when it comes to Intense Pulse Light therapy, known as IPL.
The above information does not work the same for everyone, as each individual is unique; an in-person consultation will provide more knowledge. Contact Florida Eye Specialists and Cataract Institute to learn more about our IPL treatments and if they are right for you.
