As we continue to age, our facial skin begins to show more prominent scarring, and blemishes such as liver spots and freckles become darker. This can really detract from our appearance, but these small discolorations can easily be treated using light energy. Laser resurfacing removes the epidermis and can damage the lower dermal layers, but intense pulsed light, or IPL, is a gentler form of light energy therapy. Also known as photofacial treatment, IPL treatment is a very effective remedy for various forms of hyperpigmentation.
Instead of emitting laser beams, an IPL device produces broadband light. White light contains many different frequencies, but the filters in the IPL device allow only certain wavelengths to penetrate the skin. These wavelengths are easily absorbed by darker tissue, making this form of treatment quite effective as a means to improve the appearance of darker blemishes.
A Simple Outpatient Procedure
When we consult with the client, we describe the treatment in detail. We examine the skin closely to determine the actual tone and depth of any blemishes. After this examination, we calibrate the IPL device to deliver the right frequencies of light energy at just the right intensity.
The device is placed on the surface of the skin, and the lamp is pulsed for about two milliseconds. The energy passes right through the lighter epidermis and is absorbed by darker tissues such as injury scars or age spots. These darker tissues contain chromophores, cells that don’t reflect much light. The energy heats up and destroys some of the cells, and capillaries in these dark tissues are constricted.
The surrounding tissues are barely affected by the pulses of light energy. However, an added benefit of IPL treatment is that the energy does stimulate the production of collagen, and this actually helps smooth the skin surface.
In most cases, we will recommend a series of treatments, spaced about a week or so apart. The client won’t notice immediate results, but after a month or two, blemishes and dark spots should become significantly less noticeable.
Advantages Over Other Treatments
Since the epidermal layer isn’t being removed as is the case with laser resurfacing, there’s very little chance of unwanted discoloration of the skin after IPL treatment. There’s also no downtime for the client after each treatment session.
If annoying regions of hyperpigmentation are getting you down, you need to know about IPL treatment. Contact us today at Le Reve Anti-Aging & Weight Loss Center to schedule a consultation at our office in Fort Worth!
