/ipl or photofacial
IPL (intense pulsed light) skin rejuvenation therapy, or photofacials, offer a safe light-based treatment that diminishes age spots and eliminates redness from the face, neck, chest and hands. Collagen is strengthened and the skin looks younger, more radiant and healthier. An excellent choice for those with age spots, redness, sun damage, rosacea, small broken capillaries, and uneven pigmentation. Overall, you will have a younger and fresher look.
/levulan photodynamic therapy
Levulan Photodynamic Therapy is the most recent advance in photorejuvenation. Levulan Photodynamic skin rejuvenation involves the use of light activated drug therapy. This results in significant improvement in precancerous conditions such as AKs, actinically damaged skin, sun damaged skin, moderate to severe cystic acne and potentially superficial skin cancers. Additionally it improves wrinkles, pore size, skin texture, pigmentation, rosacea, sebaceous hyperplasia, and potentially prevents the development of skin cancer.
/ipl/levulan faq
How does IPL skin rejuvenation work?
IPL treatment works by directing well-controlled pulses of light into the upper skin layer. The light is absorbed by two of the body's own natural chemicals - melanin in the pigmented areas and hemoglobin in the red blood. Both these pigments convert the light energy into heat. This heat is used to destroy the parts of the cells in which the melanin is stored, and to damage the walls of the vessels supplying blood to the areas where vascular damage is seen. This technique has the name "Selective Photothermolysis."
The visible light produced by the Ellipse Light SPT is carefully controlled to produce the correct pulse length and right amount of energy to destroy the targets without damaging surrounding tissues. The treatment will treat diffuse redness and pigmented disorders caused by sun-damage and also improve the skin texture.
Skin Rejuvenation are quick and simple treatments that do not interfere with your normal daily routine.
How long does a treatment last?
Treatment length depends on the area being treated. A small spot can take a few minutes, and treating the entire face can last up to 15 minutes.
What can I expect during and after an IPL treatment?
A cold gel is applied to the area to be treated, and eye shields will be placed over your eyes to protect them from the bright light. The smooth glass surface of the IPL handpiece is gently applied to your skin and pulses of light are applied. It feels similar to the snapping of a small rubber band followed by a warm sensation.
Following treatment, you may look and feel as though you have a mild sunburn. The redness should dissipate in a few hours. As photo-oxidezed melanin rises towards the skin surface, the skin will look dirty and brown spots may appear darker. The melanin will begin to peel off as part of the normal turnover of skin cells. Crusting will develop if individual spots are treated.
What can I expect during and after an IPL treatment with Levulan?
A nurse or aesthetician will apply the medicine, and it will be allowed to penetrate the skin for 30 minutes to 1 hour. You will be given special goggles to wear to protect your eyes during the treatment, and the levulan will then be activated with IPL (intense pluse light).
During the treatment you may feel stinging, tingling, prickling, or burning, but this should go away after the treatment. The skin will turn red and swollen in the following 3-7 days, and some crusting may be noted. There should be some discomfort, but no significant pain. After treatment, some patients report "peeling" of the skin. Aquaphor healing ointment and pure aloe vera gel are recommended, as well as cold compresses for swelling of heat in the skin. After a week, there might be some residual redness that should subside after a few days and can be covered with make up.
You should staycompletely out of the sun and bright indoor light for the next 48 hours. After the 48 hours, patients may return to activities while minimizing sun exposure for 2-3 weeks and always using sunscreen with Zinc Oxide 7% or greater.
What is post treatment care?
IPL Post Treatment Care
After treatment the treatment area should not be exposed to sunlight for a few weeks and sun protection lotion should be used with a concentration of at least 7% zinc oxide. SPF 60 is recommended, but SPF 30-45 can be used if it is re-applied more frequently.
Levulan Post Treatment Care
Patients must avoid exposure of the photosensitive treatment sites to sunlight or bright indoor light prior to and at least 48 hours after treatment. Exposure may result in a stinging and/or burning sensation and may cause erythema or edema of the lesions. Sunscreens will not protect against photosensitivity reactions caused by visible light.
Are multiple treatments necessary?
Depending on the number of conditions you are treating, and the severity of the problem, and the depth of the damage, a series of sessions may be recommended.
