IPL TREATMENTS
Dark spots and skin marks tend to crop up naturally as we age. However, what can be occasional visitors to some, may be lifelong nuisances to others. Some are lucky to have 1 or 2 age spots, but what if you’re plagued by a whole army?
At Laser Aesthetics of Cape Cod, we feel your pain and are here to help. Our IPL laser treatment option has been shown to be one of the best solutions for fighting signs of aging. The best part? IPL treatments are non-invasive and results are fast!
WHAT IS INTENSE PULSE LIGHT TREATMENT?
Intense pulse light (IPL) by Cutera Limelight is a fast and safe treatment option for removing sun and age spots. IPL works by delivering hot light energy to pigmented spots on your skin. The laser focus allows for precise age spot removal without damage to surrounding skin.
Here’s what happens during treatment:
- The IPL device delivers precise bursts of light energy
- This light targets excess pigment and damaged cells
- Your body naturally processes and eliminates the treated tissue
- The heat energy also stimulates collagen production
- Results include clearer, firmer, more youthful-looking skin
The best part of the IPL treatment is that it requires no anesthetic, (however it’s available if needed.) The versatility of IPL makes it an excellent choice for spot removal on the face, chest, arms, legs, and hands – pretty much anywhere on the body!
WHAT CAN IPL TREAT?
IPL is remarkably versatile. Our Cape Cod patients choose this treatment to improve:
- Sun damage and age spots
- Freckles and other pigmented lesions
- Redness and broken blood vessels
- Rosacea symptoms
- Uneven skin tone
- Large pores
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Overall skin texture and firmness
Many people start with treating one specific concern, like sun spots, but are delighted to discover IPL’s comprehensive benefits. As your skin responds to treatment, you’ll notice improvements not just in pigmentation but in your overall complexion.
IPL TREATMENT PROCEDURE
Before Your Treatment
Your journey begins with a consultation. We’ll examine your skin, discuss your concerns and determine if IPL is right for you. To prepare for your treatment:
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds.
- Avoid skin irritants such as products that contain: Retin-A, retinol, benzoyl, peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents and Vitamin C 1 week prior to your appointment.
- Do not wax or use depilatory creams 1 week prior to your appointment.
- Please don’t wear any makeup to your appointment.
During Your Treatment
The treatment will involve using the IPL handpiece to target specific parts of your body. Here’s what to expect:
- We’ll cleanse your skin and provide protective eyewear
- The IPL handpiece delivers cooling comfort as it works
- You’ll feel a mild warming sensation with each light pulse
- Most treatments take 20-30 minutes
- You can return to normal activities immediately
After Your Treatment
You might notice some redness, like a mild sunburn. This is normal and typically fades within a few hours. The treated spots may temporarily appear darker (this means the treatment is working!). Over the next 1-3 weeks, these areas will gradually fade and flake away, revealing clearer skin beneath.
Post-treatment care is relatively simple:
- Avoid excessive sun exposure and tanning beds.
- Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 20 daily to maintain improved skin.
- Avoid skin irritants such as products that contain: Retin-A, retinol, benzoyl, peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents and Vitamin C for 1 week after your appointment.
- Do not wax or use depilatory creams for 1 week after your appointment.
- Avoid picking at lentigines (treated areas) and they will naturally flake and fall off.
- In case of crusting beyond the normal flaking of the treated lesions, use an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin or Bacitracin.
- Applying makeup immediately after treatment is not recommended, please wait until the following day.
WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT FROM CUTERA LIMELIGHT?
WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT FROM CUTERA LIMELIGHT?
While every patient’s experience is unique, you can expect to see improvements in your skin’s tone and texture within a few weeks of your first IPL session. Positive changes continue to develop over time as your body naturally processes the treated areas and produces new collagen.
When Will I See My IPL Results?
The pigmented spots targeted during treatment often become darker over the next 24-48 hours. Over the next one to three weeks, these darkened areas will gradually fade and flake off, revealing clearer, more evenly toned skin underneath. Your complexion continues to improve as new collagen forms, leading to firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
How Many IPL Sessions Will I Need?
IPL results are cumulative, meaning each treatment builds upon the improvements from previous sessions. While you’ll likely notice positive changes after your first treatment, a series of 3 or more sessions typically gives you the most dramatic and longest-lasting results. Additional sessions may be required when addressing very large or particularly dark areas.
How Long Do IPL Results Last?
The improvements you achieve with IPL can last for many months or even years with proper skincare and sun protection. However, your skin continues to age naturally, and new damage can occur from sun exposure and environmental factors.
How Can I Help My Results Last Longer?
To extend the longevity of your results, it’s essential to:
Protect your skin from sun damage by wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days. Sun exposure can trigger new pigmentation issues and reverse the benefits of your IPL treatment.
Follow a consistent skincare routine using gentle, medical-grade products that support your skin’s health. Your provider can recommend specific products based on your skin type and concerns.
Schedule maintenance treatments as needed to address any new pigmentation concerns before they become more pronounced. Regular treatments can help you maintain your clearer, more radiant complexion long-term.
BEFORE & AFTER RESULTS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT IPL
How Painful Is IPL Treatment?
Most patients find IPL treatments quite comfortable. While you may feel a warm sensation and a slight pinch with each light pulse, it’s generally well-tolerated. The Cutera Limelight system features advanced cooling technology that keeps your skin comfortable throughout the procedure.
What’s the Difference Between IPL and Laser Treatment?
Both technologies use light energy to improve your skin. Laser treatments emit a single wavelength of focused light to target specific concerns. IPL delivers multiple wavelengths of light, similar to a photo flash, allowing it to treat various skin concerns simultaneously.
This makes IPL an excellent choice if you want to address multiple issues – like sun damage, redness, and uneven texture – in a single treatment session.
Can I Wear Makeup After IPL Treatment?
We recommend letting your skin breathe and recover for the first 24 hours after treatment. When you do return to wearing makeup, make sure to use clean brushes and gentle, non-irritating products. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen before your makeup to protect your treated skin.
What Are the Side Effects of IPL?
IPL is generally very safe, with minimal side effects. Following treatment, you may experience:
- Mild redness that typically fades within a few hours
- Slight swelling that resolves quickly
- Temporary darkening of treated spots (this means the treatment is working)
- Mild skin sensitivity
These effects are normal and usually resolve within a few days. More serious side effects are rare when treatment is performed by experienced professionals like our team at Laser Aesthetics of Cape Cod.
Am I a Good Candidate for IPL?
IPL works best for patients with light to medium skin tones who want to address concerns like sun damage, age spots, redness, or uneven skin tone. You might be an ideal candidate if you:
- Have naturally light or medium skin
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations about results
- Can commit to proper sun protection
- Are not pregnant or nursing
During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your skin type and concerns to ensure IPL is the right choice for you.
Who Should Not Have IPL?
You might need to consider alternatives if you:
- Have very dark skin
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Have certain medical conditions
- Take photosensitizing medications
- Have active skin infections
How Much Does IPL Treatment Cost?
The cost of IPL treatment varies depending on several factors, including the size of the treatment area, the number of sessions needed, and your specific skin concerns. During your consultation at Laser Aesthetics of Cape Cod, we’ll examine your skin and discuss your goals to create a personalized treatment plan.
Can IPL Be Combined With Other Treatments?
IPL often works well alongside other aesthetic treatments. Many patients combine IPL with treatments like chemical peels to enhance their results. However, timing is important. Some treatments might need to be spaced several weeks apart, while others can be performed during the same visit.
CUTERA LIMELIGHT IPL IN CAPE COD
Laser Aesthetics has been an active member of the Cape Cod community for over 10 years. We care about our community and want to extend you the offer of joining the Laser Aesthetics family. Call 508-444-0022 or submit your information via the form below to book your Titan Cutera appointment today.
Refer a friend or family member today and receive $50 towards your next treatment purchase or service package. Why go off Cape when you can experience skin tightening right here at home? Visit us today.