Intense Pulsed Light

Improve Complexion with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) in Philadelphia & Havertown

Sun exposure and the hands of time are not a good combination for anyone who wants to enjoy youthful, healthy-looking skin. Ultraviolet radiation can cause a range of problems, including the appearance of dark spots and other cosmetic changes. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is just one of a number of methods at the Philadelphia area’s Mind Your Skin to address areas of sun damage, designed to make skin look more even in tone and coloration.

[includeme file=”includes/subpage-cta-fb1.php”]

What Are the Basics?

Norbertus Robben, MD’s Mind Your Skin uses a device known as the Cutera^® LimeLight for intense pulsed light treatments. The hand-piece delivers specific wavelengths of light energy directly into the skin, where pigmented cells absorb it and quickly heat up. The heat ultimately destroys the pigment, and this leads to a desirable change in the look of the skin!

*Individual results may vary.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments are particularly effective at reducing the appearance of sun spots, pigmented lesions, and thin visible capillaries and veins, because all of these cosmetic annoyances tend to stand out in contrast to surrounding skin. Browns flake away, while vascular concerns fade as the unneeded veins collapse and the body reabsorbs by them.

What an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Session is Like

The specifics of each intense pulsed light session depend on the type and number of conditions/lesions being treated. A single pigmented lesion will require less time to treat than a larger area of visible veins.

The treatment is entirely nonsurgical, so nothing will pierce the surface of the skin. The light, however, is intense—as the name of the treatment indicates. As a rule, patients experience a stinging sensation or the feel of a pinch or snap against the surface. Topical cooling cold air minimizes discomfort.

The session itself will typically last about 15 minutes. Note that more than one intense pulsed light treatment may be required to get the full benefit of the device. More extensive signs of sun damage and more delicate areas will require more sessions to resolve.

[includeme file=”includes/subpage-stratum-dr-fb.php”]

The skin will appear somewhat red and feel sensitive immediately after treatment, with immediate results also potentially apparent. Further flaking and fading should yield their most dramatic results within four to six weeks.

How Long Do Intense Pulsed Light Results (IPL) Last?

New signs emerge of (previous or ongoing) sun damage after intense pulsed light treatment. This is the case especially if proper precautions are not taken in the form of adequate sunscreen/sunblock applied regularly. Please check out our new ISDIN sun products with DNA-repair. Similarly, new capillaries may form over time. So we recommend patients do follow up and do additional treatment if necessary after four to six weeks, and then generally biannually.

What Else is Available at Mind Your Skin in Philadelphia and Havertown?

Dr. Robben uses different wavelengths of light energy in a number of cosmetic procedures, especially in the form of infra-red energy, various lasers and radio-frequency devices. Mind Your Skin offers focused laser vein treatments, laser hair reduction, laser skin lifting and tightening, laser skin resurfacing, and laser skin rejuvenation. Talk to him and his team to find out which of these options—and others available at the practice—may yield the best results.

[includeme file=”includes/subpage-cta-fb2.php”]