IPL Photorejuvenation Treatment
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) photorejuvenation is a nonsurgical cosmetic skin treatment performed on patients aiming to reverse signs of aging and to correct skin irregularities. The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported that over a half-million American patients received IPL photorejuventation treatment in 2007. The average cost of this cosmetic procedure, as of 2009, ranges between $150 to $600 per session.
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IPL Patients
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IPL photorejuvenation patients range in age, skin condition and treatment objectives. Corrective IPL treatment is commonly used to reduce skin discoloration---technically referred to as hyperpigmentation---usually caused by sun damage. Such patients use IPL to diminish the appearance of age and liver spots (flat, dark spots of varying size and hue). Age spots are a typical skin result in fair-skinned people who've experienced an overexposure to UV rays. Melasmas have a similar appearance, but they're a form of hyperpigmentation caused by pregnancy, hormone medication or menopause. Corrective IPL treatment is also used on unwanted birthmarks, broken capillaries, redness caused by rosacea and scars (especially acne scars). IPL photorejuvenation is also used for the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, which is achievable with multiple sessions. Patients with less age-affected skin use IPL treatment as a preventative cosmetic solution, to sustain an even skin tone and expose a more radiant complexion by the turn-over of new skin cells.
How the Technology Works
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IPL technology uses a filtered flashlamp to emit high-intensity, plasma energy-filled laser beams. The energy-filled lasers are channeled through the epidermis (the outermost layers of the skin), targeted to reach the unwanted cells of the dermis (the deeper skin layers). The unwanted skin cells, such as those that have accumulated an abundance of melanin, are dissolved or destroyed by the precisely aimed beams. The surrounding cells remain untouched, thereby promoting the growth of new skin cells as the unwanted pigmentation is removed. The promotion of new cell growth is the key function of the treatment, as this is the function that yields "newer" and "younger" skin.
Benefit
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IPL rejuvenation treatment is non-ablative, meaning that the lasers permeate through the outer layers of the skin to the layers beneath. The intention is to leave the outer skin layers undamaged, which is seen as a significant benefit of choosing IPL treatment over other cosmetic laser procedures.
Pain Level and Downtime
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It is extremely rare that an anesthetic is used during IPL photorejuvenation, as IPL patients experience little to no pain. A slight prickling sensation or a brief, tiny pinch on the skin are the typical "pain" warnings. Post-treatment, patients may immediately return to their regular daily routines, as there is no post-treatment downtime.
Results
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One session of IPL photorejuvenation delivers immediately visible results, but some skin conditions require multiple sessions to achieve desired results. An improved complexion and a more even skin tone are the result of one IPL session. One or two sessions can correct broken capillaries and redness, typically around the nose. Age spots, liver spots and similar forms of skin hyperpigmentation usually require multiple sessions. Session quantity depends on the depth of the skin ailment. Texture issues, like fine lines and wrinkles, require the most time. All results are long-term to permanent. IPL rejuvenation treatment varies slightly in the technique and technology used and may be supplemented with other treatments.
Warning
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Post-treatment, the skin of an IPL photorejuvenation patient is substantially more sensitive to UV rays. The "fresh" cells that lend the skin its youthful appearance are far more prone to sun damage, and it's crucial that patients use a stronger SPF than usual, even for stepping out on a cloudy day. Also, post-treatment skin irritation is not uncommon. Itchiness and redness of the skin is possible. Although extremely rare, a stinging sensation is also a possible skin reaction.
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References
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- Photo Credit Credit: flickr.com/creativecommons: "IPL Photorejuvenation" by Bio.Skinergy; Riviera Laser Center
