IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a technology used to minimize areas of hyperpigmentation, small capillaries, and to permanently remove unwanted hair. It is an “anchor” technology used in laser facial rejuvenation.

This same 21st century medical technology can also be applied to the skin of the chest, arms, and hands to lighten dark spots caused by the sun.

After cleansing the skin, numbing cream is applied and allowed to sit for at least twenty minutes. You will recline and made comfortable; goggles, designed to shield your eyes from the intense light, will be adjusted to your face.

The aesthetician will treat the entire surface of your face with a series of pulses. She will bring the chilled treatment piece (postage stamp sized) into contact with your skin and trigger a pulse of energy. As she navigates across your face, discharging the treatment piece with each contact, you will feel bursts of pain, much like a rubber band snapping on sensitive skin.

IPL is occasionally painful enough to warrant extra measures. In addition to numbing cream, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) may be administered using a device known as Nitronox, (there is a nominal fee for this upgrade) which delivers a consistently safe 50:50 mixture of nitrous oxide gas and oxygen that reduces pain. These steps, plus a post-treatment refreshing application of cooled Aloe gel, help make the experience very tolerable.

IPL treatments do cause noticeable swelling, lasting five to seven days, and there can be minor bruising. Your former dark spots become small flecks of dead skin and fall off during the first five days.

It is best to stay indoors, avoid exposure to the Sun and apply soothing hydration to your skin. We have tried numerous proprietary products but find that chilled Aloe gel is effective and inexpensive. You will notice favorable improvements in your skin as the edema subsides in five to seven days. The former dark spots flake off and by day seven you can already see the improvements. Your skin will have healed sufficiently within four weeks to repeat the treatment, if necessary.

To take advantage of your new skin, it is recommended that you exercise disciplined protection from the harmful rays of the sun and keep your skin well hydrated. Some patients choose to have refresher treatments, the following year, to help maintain their new look.

Please visit the Laser Facial Rejuvenation page for a complete gallery.

Dr. Wetherington is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is a former President of the Georgia Society of Plastic Surgeons.