What is Intense Pulsed Light Treatment?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is light treatment like a laser that is specific for brown spots and blood vessels in the skin. Depending on the size of the blood vessels and the darkness of the brown spots, different settings will be used to target these specifically.
Dr. Jennifer Janiga recommends Intense Pulsed Light for men and women who want to improve the overall appearance of the skin by decreasing redness, visible blood vessels, and sunspots; this is called a photofacial. Intense Pulsed Light does stimulate some collagen and gives an overall refreshed appearance when the entire face is treated.
Some patients are curious about the difference between IPL and photofacials. A photofacial is when you use IPL on the entire face to treat sun damage, sun spots, blood vessels and stimulate collagen. It takes 15-30 minutes. IPL can be used to treat blood vessels or sun spots alone. In fact, IPL can be used to treat one solitary blood vessel or sun spot taking only a few minutes.
At Janiga MDs, we have two types of IPL: Lumecca by InMode and Max G by Palomar. Depending on your specific needs and skin type, the best IPL device will be chosen to treat your skin.
The Procedure
Topical medication is not generally needed for this laser, but if you prefer numbing medication, we are happy to provide that service. Most people describe the laser as the “snap of a rubber band” and not painful.
IPL is most commonly used on the face, neck, chest, and arms. Blood vessels or sunspots in all of these areas are treated very successfully with Intense Pulsed Light. Veins on the legs cannot be treated with this laser and will require a more specific laser for leg veins.
Intense Pulsed Light treatments take approximately 15-30 minutes per body area, depending on the extent of blood vessels, redness, or sunspots.
IPL Treatment with Darci Page
IPL laser treatment is a quick and effective way to address a variety of skin conditions.
At Janiga MDs, Dr. Timothy Janiga specializes in plastic surgery and Dr. Jennifer Janiga specializes in dermatology, giving their practice a unique, comprehensive perspective on their patients’ cosmetic needs in the Reno, Nevada area.
Recovery & Results
Most people do not experience pain or discomfort with Intense Pulsed Light or photofacials. There is usually some redness and swelling for two to six hours after treatment. Bruising, although rare with this treatment, may happen with some people, especially those on blood thinners, aspirin or ibuprofen.
Usually there is no downtime with Intense Pulsed Light. If you are a public person or have important meetings to attend, we suggest not scheduling those in the first three days after your treatment until Dr. Jen Janiga can see how you as an individual respond to this treatment.
Schedule a Consultation
For more information or to set up a consultation with Dr. Jennifer Janiga or Darci Page, NP-C for Intense Pulsed Light treatments in the comfort of our Reno office, please send us an email or call 775-364-0224.
