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Home » Eye Care Services » Dry Eye & Aesthetic Services » Lumecca

Lumecca

BENEFITS OF INTENSE PULSED LIGHT

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) systems are used for photorejuvenation. Photorejuvenation assists in the treatment of the following skin conditions:

  • Vascular changes, including telangiectasias (spider veins), and the redness and flushing symptoms of rosacea.
  • Pigmentary changes, including brown spots, sun spots and lentigines, dyschromia and other conditions brought about by sun damage and photo-aging.
  • Enlarged pores, and melasma.
  • Generalized aging of the skin.

MECHANISM OF INTENSE PULSED LIGHT

Like laser treatments, IPL treatments use light energy. The difference between IPL and a laser is that IPL focuses a multitude of wavelengths of light on your skin, similar to a photo flash. IPL also emits less focused and scattered light. The light penetrates your skin without causing damage to the top layer.

Upon absorption of the light from IPL, the pigment cells in your skin turn it into heat, which eliminates freckles, age spots, and other blemishes in your skin.

Despite its versatility, IPL may not be as effective on uneven skin. If you have darker skin tones or keloid scars, intense pulsed light therapy should not be used.

Safety

IPL is very safe!! All required safety precautions and all IPL-specific guidelines will be followed to ensure the utmost in safety during your treatments. This includes the use of protective eyewear at all times while the equipment is in use. We recommend the removal of contact lenses during facial treatments.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN IPL TREATMENT

IPL is conducted by an experienced IPL technician/doctor at a specialized treatment facility. To protect your eyes, special glasses or corneal shields (for stye and dry eye treatment) will be worn. The skin will be treated with a cool gel. Next, the IPL device is gently placed on your skin. Since you are wearing eye protection, you won’t see anything, but you will feel the pulsing light, which may feel like a slight tingle or sting. As we’ve mentioned before, this procedure is completely safe and proven to be effective too!

IPL usually leaves the skin red, swollen, and sensitive (sunburn sensation). Swelling and redness usually go away within a few days. The skin may remain irritated for a few days afterward. Infections (rare), skin color changes, bruising, and blistering can sometimes occur.

POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR IPL TREATMENTS

  • A mild sunburn-like sensation is expected. This usually lasts 2 to 24 hours but can persist up to 72 hours.
  • Mild swelling and/or redness may accompany this, but usually, they resolve in 2 to 3 days.
  • Apply ice or cold packs to the treatment area for 10 to 15 min every hour for the next 4 hours, as needed. An oral, non-steroid anti-inflammatory, such as acetaminophen may be taken to reduce discomfort. Use according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • In some cases, prolonged redness or blistering may occur. An antibiotic ointment may be applied to the affected areas twice a day until healed.
  • Bathe or shower as usual. Treated areas may be temperature-sensitive. Until redness has completely resolved, avoid using the following:
    • Applying cosmetics to treated areas,
    • Swimming, especially in pools with chemicals, such as chlorine,
    • Hot tubs and Jacuzzis
    • Activities that cause excessive perspiration.
  • It is imperative to use sunscreen/sunblock with SPF 20 or higher and avoid direct sun exposure for at least a week
  • Do not pick or pull on any loosening or peeling skin. This could potentially cause hyperpigmentation.
  • Do not have electrolysis, facial waxing and/or depilatories for approximately 14 days after.
  • It is recommended that other topical, over-the-counter medications or alpha hydroxy acid products not be applied to the skin 7 days post-procedure, as they may cause irritation.

For Pigmented Lesion

  • The lesion may initially look raised and/or darker with a reddened perimeter
  • The lesion will gradually turn darker over the next 24 to 48 hours. It may turn dark brown or even black.
  • The lesion can progress to scabs/crusting and will start flaking off in 7 to 14 days. Do not pick, scratch or remove scabs.
  • The lesion is usually healed in 21 to 30 days. It will continue to fade over the next 6 to 8 weeks.

For Vascular Lesion Treatment

  • The vessels may undergo immediate graying or blanching, or they may exhibit a slight purple or red coloring. The vessels will fully or partially fade in about 10 to 14 days. Do not pick, scratch or remove scabs.