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An IPL treatment is a laser treatment designed to treat age spots and sun damage while reversing the signs of aging. Based on Intense Pulsed Light, IPL treatments are non-surgical and well-tolerated by our patients in Reno.
Our specialists at Aesthetics MedSpa in Reno use the IPL treatment to treat a wide range of skin conditions, including sun spots, unwanted pigmentation, uneven skin texture, facial spider veins, broken capillaries, rosacea, and fine lines. Based on your medical history and skin issues, our skin care specialists will assess your skin condition and set an effective treatment option for you to achieve skin rejuvenation in the shortest period with minimal discomfort.
What Is An IPL Treatment?
During an IPL treatment, the high-intensity light penetrates the top layer of the skin and gets to the damaged tissues and hyperactive melanin that causes brown spots, blemishes, and freckles. The light turns into heat which is then soaked up by the red blood cells and melanin in your skin.
The high-energy light waves damage the areas where they land and break up melanin. Once fragmented, the melanin starts to fade on the skin’s surface. Furthermore, the damaged hemoglobin stimulates blood flow and facilitates better absorption of melanin.
One of the most appreciated rejuvenation and anti-aging cosmetic procedures available on the market, photo facials treat not only the effects of sun damage on your skin but also stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture.
Moreover, an IPL treatment can be used to treat vascular imperfections, including broken blood vessels and hemangiomas (red birthmarks). The procedure is FDA-approved and can be adjusted according to the patient’s skin color, type, and condition.
What to Expect During an IPL Face Treatment
This type of light treatment is a non-invasive procedure and lasts 20-30 minutes. Following a short consultation, your healthcare professional will recommend the number of treatment sessions necessary for the best results. We will assess your skin concerns and recommend avoiding certain medications (aspirin, ibuprofen) or activities (tanning, waxing, chemical peels) two weeks before the IPL laser treatment for minimum side effects.
The duration of the IPL treatment depends on the skin condition and the area exposed to the treatment. Initially, we will apply a topical numbing cream to your face, and you will be given protective eyewear. After 20 or 30 minutes, your skin will be ready for the procedure.
Using a handheld device, we will apply the pulses to the areas of concern. You may feel a warm sensation. The intensity of the discomfort depends on the patient’s skin type and sensitivity, varying from a mild sting to the sensation of someone snapping a rubber band on your skin. The IPL facial treatment is gentle, and since the device has an advanced cooling system, your discomfort should be minimal.
Aftercare for IPL Treatment
Since it’s a laser treatment, an IPL face treatment requires no recovery time and allows the patient to return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure ends. The treated area may be red and sensitive for a couple of hours and most patients experience a sensation similar to a sunburn.
If you have chosen to undergo an IPL laser facial to treat brown spots, don’t panic if you notice your spots becoming darker than before. This is a normal consequence of the treatment, and they will eventually fade in the days to come. Dark spots can also have a crust and flake. Also a normal side effect and always temporary.
You will notice the first results immediately after the IPL laser treatment. Your skin will look tighter and smoother and will also begin the natural exfoliation process to remove the dark spots. However, depending on skin type and damage, we may recommend up to 3 sessions scheduled 4-6 weeks apart.
The results are permanent but can’t prevent new brown or age spots. For this reason, we recommend our patients schedule maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 months for long-lasting effects.
Reveal Your Best Skin with IPL Treatments and More at Aesthetics MedSpa in Reno, NV
At Aesthetics MedSpa in Reno, we offer a wide range of medical and cosmetic treatments tailored to your skin needs. Our IPL treatments use advanced light energy technology to target age spots, sun damage, pigmentation, and more.
Whether you’re looking to reduce facial redness or broken blood vessels or rejuvenate your skin’s texture, our expert providers personalize every procedure to your skin type and condition.
In addition to IPL, we provide options for hair removal, chemical peels, and collagen-boosting treatments. With minimal discomfort and quick recovery times, our sessions help you achieve smoother, younger-looking skin.
Let our team of qualified skin care professionals help you tackle everything from unwanted pigmentation to vascular lesions, ensuring radiant results every time.
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Find Out Why We're Reno's Best Med Spa!
Aesthetics MedSpa is considered the best medical spa in Reno, Nevada! But don’t take our word for it. We’ve been named Reno’s Best Medical Spa 13 years running and were recently inducted into the Reno Business Hall of Fame. Check out all of our awards and recognitions as well as our raving customer reviews to learn why we’re Reno’s best Medspa.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
An IPL laser facial can cause some discomfort during the procedure, but it’s usually tolerable. Some people describe it as a sensation similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin. The level of discomfort varies depending on the individual’s pain tolerance, the area being treated, and the intensity of the light used. However, most people can manage the discomfort with the help of a cooling gel or numbing cream applied before the procedure.
An IPL laser treatment is a cosmetic procedure that uses high-intensity light therapy to treat various skin conditions, such as damage from sun exposure, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, rosacea, and age spots. During the procedure, a handheld device delivers pulses of light to the skin, which penetrates deep into the tissue and targets melanin, hemoglobin, and other pigments that cause skin discoloration. The light energy heats up and destroys the pigment cells, which then get absorbed by the body’s natural processes.
An IPL treatment works by delivering high-intensity light pulses, which target melanin, hemoglobin, and other pigments that cause skin discoloration. The device emits a broad spectrum that can be calibrated to target specific colors and wavelengths of light. The light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the targeted pigments, which then get destroyed or broken down into smaller particles. The body’s natural processes then absorb and eliminate the destroyed pigment particles, resulting in clearer, more even-toned skin.
IPL laser facials are considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects that should be considered. Common side effects include mild redness, swelling, or a sensation of warmth after the procedure. These side effects typically fade within a few hours or days. More rare complications like hyperpigmentation, scarring, or infection can occur but are less likely when performed by a qualified professional.
It is generally not recommended to undergo an IPL treatment while breastfeeding. The reason is that the effects of the treatment on breast milk and the infant’s health are not fully understood. IPL photofacials involve the use of high-intensity light, which can cause thermal injury to the skin, leading to the release of inflammatory mediators that may enter the bloodstream and potentially affect breast milk.
Before your IPL treatment, there are several things you should avoid to prepare and ensure the best possible results:
- Sun exposure: Stay away from excessive sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners for at least two weeks.
- Skincare products: Stop using products with retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs one week before treatment to prevent skin sensitivity.
- Hair removal: Avoid waxing, plucking, threading, or laser hair removal a week before your session.
- Blood-thinning medications: Check with your provider if you’re taking any blood thinners like aspirin or warfarin.
- Makeup: Be sure to remove all makeup and skincare products from the treatment area before your session.
It’s essential to follow your practitioner’s specific pre-treatment instructions to ensure the best possible results and minimize the risk of side effects.
After an IPL laser treatment, there are several things you should avoid to ensure the best possible results and minimize the risk of side effects:
- Sun exposure: Stay out of direct sun and avoid tanning beds for at least two weeks, as your skin will be more sensitive.
- Skin care products: Skip products with retinoids, AHAs, or BHAs for at least a week to avoid irritation.
- Hot water: Avoid hot showers, hot tubs, and saunas for 48 hours to prevent redness and irritation.
- Physical activity: Steer clear of strenuous exercise and sweating for 24 hours to reduce the risk of infection.
- Makeup: Hold off on makeup for 24 hours to let your skin heal properly.
It’s essential to follow your practitioner’s specific post-treatment instructions to ensure the best possible results and minimize the risk of side effects.
Yes, IPL treatments can help reduce active acne and lighten acne scars. The light pulses target the pigmentation in scars, helping them fade over time. For active acne, the light energy helps reduce inflammation and can target bacteria that contribute to breakouts.
Yes, IPL treatments are effective in reducing redness and treating vascular lesions, such as broken capillaries, spider veins, and rosacea. The light energy targets blood vessels, minimizing their appearance over time for a clearer complexion.
Yes, advancements in technology have made IPL face treatments safer for darker skin types. However, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified skincare professional who can assess your skin type and recommend the best cosmetic treatment options to avoid pigmentation irregularities or other potential side effects.
