Laser treatments are a common option for patients looking to repair and rejuvenate their skin. But they aren’t the only method available to treat skin concerns for a healthier, younger appearance.
At NorthLife Aesthetics & Wellness, we work to determine the best treatment method for each of our patients’ concerns. While some may benefit from a more traditional laser treatment, we may recommend IPL for others. IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, is a noninvasive, nonsurgical option that reduces symptoms of common skin concerns, like hyperpigmentation.
If you think you could benefit from Intense Pulsed Light near Hayden, but you still have some questions about how it all works, read on—we have all the answers you need.
What is Intense Pulsed Light?
While many similar treatments use lasers to treat skin concerns, an IPL treatment uses light. By treating the skin with pulses of specific wavelengths of light, our team can break up unwanted pigmentation to create a more even complexion and healthier skin.
As the light heats the skin, it eliminates the cells that contribute to skin conditions like hyperpigmentation. But this treatment doesn’t just destroy discoloration; it also kickstarts the body’s natural healing process.
When we treat the skin with intense pulsed light, we stimulate collagen and elastin production. These proteins provide structure and elasticity, leaving the skin stronger, tighter, and healthier. We recommend the IPL treatment for any patient looking to address their aesthetic concerns without surgery.
The process is simple and convenient, so patients don’t need to set aside long periods of time to get the clear skin they’re looking for.
What does IPL treat?
One benefit of receiving Intense Pulsed Light near Hayden is the variety of skin concerns it can address. At NorthLife Aesthetics & Wellness, our team understands that every patient is different. No two patients will have the exact same aesthetic goals. Fortunately, IPL can address several aesthetic concerns, including:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Vascular lesions
- Sun damage
- Signs of aging
- Rosacea
- And more
Whether you’re dealing with prominent patches of discoloration or visible facial blood vessels, the IPL treatment can help. But just because IPL can treat different concerns doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for every patient.
Who should consider IPL treatment?
While IPL offers benefits like unblemished skin and reduced redness, we do have patients who may need to consider alternative options.
For instance, if you have a skin condition or a sunburn in the treatment area, you should not consider Intense Pulsed Light therapy, as it may exacerbate your existing concerns. We also do not recommend this treatment for any pregnant patients and those who have particularly dark skin. Traditionally, this treatment is safest for patients at levels I to IV on the Fitzpatrick scale.
The IPL treatment device targets dark discoloration, so it may be unable to differentiate between healthy and damaged skin in patients with darker skin tones. In this case, we can recommend an alternative treatment.
What does the process for IPL treatment look like?
To get started on a treatment with Intense Pulsed Light in Hayden, patients first need to come in for an in-depth consultation. This meeting allows our providers to sit down with patients and go over their goals in person.
Providers examine the patient’s skin, go over medical records, and gather any data they need to make an informed treatment recommendation.
Once we settle on a treatment that meets the patient’s needs, we can discuss pre-care instructions. We also walk through the treatment itself, so patients understand what to expect during their IPL appointment.
How does the treatment work?
At NorthLife Aesthetics & Wellness, we prefer the Lumecca device for Intense Pulsed Light near Hayden.
Our providers run the Lumecca hand piece over the discolored area(s) of skin, stimulating it with specialized wavelengths of light. These wavelengths of targets unwanted pigmentation, breaking it down for a smoother, more even appearance.
This process should only take about 30 to 45 minutes in total, so you don’t need to spend an entire day addressing your skin concerns. You can lie back while the provider does all the work. If you’re trying to find the perfect skin treatment for your busy schedule, IPL is the treatment for you.
Does IPL treatment hurt?
Another benefit of receiving treatment with the Intense Pulsed Light near Hayden is the lack of any significant pain.
The Lumecca IPL device does provide a noticeable sensation as it treats the skin. Many patients liken the feeling to a rubber band snapping against the skin. This sensation is prominent, but it shouldn’t be so uncomfortable that you need to pause the treatment. You should not experience any significant soreness or pain during the post-treatment process, either.
Some patients notice tightness or sensitivity in the treatment area following their IPL sessions, but these side effects are minor and temporary.
What does the recovery process look like after IPL treatment?
Following a treatment with Intense Pulsed Light near Hayden, patients won’t need to take any dedicated downtime. While they may notice a warm feeling (similar to a sunburn) in the treatment area, this should abate in about a week.
Although many patients don’t experience any side effects, there are some steps they should take to foster the best results.
For one, it’s always important to drink plenty of fluids following a procedure like this one. Hydrated skin is healthy skin. We also recommend patients avoid saunas, intense workouts, or anything that may cause them to sweat in the treatment area.
Patients should refrain from the urge to pick at the treatment area as well because this can interrupt the healing process and damage the skin.
During your consultation, our providers explain what to expect during the recovery process. They also give patients personalized recovery instructions for the most noticeable aesthetic improvements.
If patients have any questions about post-care treatment, we urge them to reach out to our team. We’re always here to answer any questions a patient may have, so they can recover more comfortably.
How many treatment sessions should a patient expect?
At NorthLife Aesthetics & Wellness, our team members create every treatment plan with you in mind, depending on your needs. When you come in for a session of Intense Pulsed Light near Hayden, your treatment will truly be your own. The only standard we recommend for every patient is that they schedule at least 3 sessions to see the best results.
Depending on your concerns, we may recommend additional appointments for more prominent results. Following your first treatment session, our providers will help you schedule a follow-up appointment. We usually wait about a month between so your skin can heal.
When do most patients see results?
Some patients see results from IPLin just a few days.
The dead skin will start to slough off, creating a refreshed, healthy look. That said, this process takes time, so it may take a few months to experience the height of your results. Fortunately, in the long-term, patients notice clearer skin for up to a year following their treatment plan.
What kind of results can patients expect?
For a glimpse at your potential results following an IPL treatment, take a look at our before and after gallery.
This gallery contains photos of actual patients at our clinic, so you can get a better idea of the results you can receive after 3 sessions of Intense Pulsed Light near Hayden. We’re proud of the outcome our treatments can provide, so see for yourself how you could benefit from IPL.
Can patients pair IPL with other treatments?
Yes, at NorthLife Aesthetics & Wellness, we often recommend combining different aesthetic treatments for heightened results. During your consultation, our team members can recommend a combination treatment for enhanced skin results.
RF Microneedling
RF microneedling applies 2 aesthetic techniques to repair damaged skin. First, a handheld device, which your provider uses to “stamp” the skin with micro-needles. This creates microinjuries, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin proteins to repair the skin.
The second is radiofrequency (RF) energy. And by treating the micro-injuries with radiofrequency heating, the device can boost the production of additional proteins, for even tighter, stronger, and clearer skin.
Enhance Your Regimen
Our clinic also offers several skincare products for patients interested in a topical treatment. These products serve as an excellent post-care resource for patients who have appointments for Intense Pulsed Light near Hayden.
Ask our providers about developing a custom skincare plan, and we can give you personalized recommendations.
Experience IPL Results for Yourself
If we’ve answered all your questions about IPL, then you may be eager to get started. In that case, book an appointment with our team and schedule your consultation.
If you’re still not sure which of our aesthetic treatments is right for you, try our free online tool for a custom treatment recommendation.
Regardless of your skin type, our experts have the treatments you need to meet your aesthetic goals. Get the smooth, healthy skin you’ve always wanted at NorthLife Aesthetics & Wellness.
