What is Intense Pulsed Light Treatment?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a light treatment similar to laser treatments 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 conditions specifically.
Dr. Jennifer Janiga recommends Intense Pulsed Light for men and women who want to achieve a more even skin tone by:
- Decreasing redness
- Reducing visible blood vessels
- Eliminating brown spots or sunspots
IPL treatments are often included with so-called photofacial treatments. Intense Pulsed Light does stimulate some collagen and gives an overall refreshed appearance when the entire face is treated.
IPL vs. Photofacial
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.
The Intense Pulsed Light Therapy Procedure
At Janiga MDs, we have two types of IPL: Lumecca by InMode and Max G by Palomar. Your specialist will choose the most effective IPL device and technique for your specific needs and skin type after carefully evaluating your treatment area.
Topical medication is not generally needed for this type of laser light therapy, 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” on the skin’s surface and not otherwise painful.
IPL is most commonly used on the face, neck, chest, and arms. Blood vessels or age spots in all of these areas are treated very successfully with our proven devices and techniques. One thing IPL is not used for is visible veins on the legs, which require a laser designed specifically for leg veins.
Intense Pulsed Light treatments take approximately 15-30 minutes per body area, depending on the extent of blood vessels, redness, or brown pigment in the skin.
IPL Treatment with
Dr. Jennifer Janiga
Intense Pulsed Light laser treatments can be used for 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 IPL therapy 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 or those who regularly use aspirin or ibuprofen.
Usually there is no downtime with Intense Pulsed Light. If you are a public figure or have important events to attend, we suggest not scheduling those in the first three days after your treatment until Dr. Jennifer Janiga can see how you as an individual respond to this treatment. She may recommend limiting sun exposure or wearing sunscreen to protect the treated area(s) and the surrounding skin from further damage.
Schedule a Consultation
It’s easier than ever to successfully treat pigmentation like superficial brown spots and vascular lesions with non-invasive IPL treatments. For more information or to set up a consultation with Dr. Jennifer Janiga or her associates for Intense Pulsed Light treatments in the comfort of our Reno office, please send us an email or call 775-364-0224.
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