Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology utilizes a large spectrum of light wavelengths to treat the skin.

The Cynosure MaxG handpiece emits pulses of light simultaneously at the upper and lower ends of the spectrum in order to maintain efficacy while limiting side effects. The pulses are absorbed by the pigment in brown spots and the blood in visible blood vessels. This light energy is then converted to heat. The heat shrinks the blood vessels and works to break down cells that create the pigment.

Portions of the light spectrum have wavelengths that are ideal for treatments of:

  • Sunspots (UV damage)
  • Rosacea (excessive skin redness and increased blood vessels)
  • Melasma (pigmentation around the eyes and cheeks)
  • Telangiectasias (broken capillaries) and smaller facial vessels
  • Photorejuvenation (treat broken capillaries, sun spots, redness)

Questions

 What Can I Expect?

It is extremely important that you are NOT sunburned or tanned (including artificial tans) when the treatment is performed, as this may interfere with the IPL procedure and increase risk of side effects. A mild warmth or pinching sensation on the skin will tell you when the laser is being pulsed. No anesthesia is necessary, but a topical gel is often applied during the treatment.

Advantages of the MAX G handpiece are:
•    Visible results after just one treatment
•    Simple procedure with minimal discomfort
•    Quick, non-invasive treatment sessions
•    Excellent treatment outcomes

What happens right after the treatment?

Immediately after treatment, you may feel like you have a mild sunburn, with minor redness and possibly some swelling. This usually lasts less than 24 hours, and can be soothed with cold compresses. Your brown spots will also darken temporarily after each treatment and be naturally shed from the skin within 2 weeks. Moisturizer and sunscreen should be applied immediately afterwards and should be continued throughout the duration of your IPL Photofacial treatment.

For most patients, it takes 4-6 treatments spaced approximately 3 or 4 weeks apart.

TREATMENTS OF VESSELS

Pulses of light target and erase broken vessels at the surface of your skin without harming surrounding tissue. As a result, you enjoy clearer skin that looks younger and fresher.

 IPL vessel treatment can erase:

  • spider veins
  • broken vessels
  • telangiectasias

LIGHT-BASED ROSACEA TREATMENT

Light-based rosacea treatment can reduce rosacea redness and “flushing” to reveal clearer, more natural-looking skin in just a few easy treatments, practically pain-free — providing a more permanent result than topical creams.

Light-based rosacea treatment can effectively reduce:

  • Rash, redness, and flushing
  • Acne-like papules, pustules, and patches
  • Rosacea swelling, inflammation, and discomfort

Rosacea treatments use pulses of light to target and treat the blood vessels responsible for the chronic redness that appears on your skin. Once the vessels responsible for the rosacea are treated, the redness and rash can disappear. Best of all, rosacea treatment can provide skin tone improvement by diminishing the appearance of broken blood vessels and acne-like breakouts associated with this common skin condition.

Oral medication and antibiotics for rosacea treatment can have systemic side effects and can take weeks to be effective. Medication-based treatments can also be dangerous for women who are pregnant or nursing. Light-based treatment for rosacea is a targeted remedy that affects only the blood vessels without harming healthy skin, so it may be a good alternative to creams and oral medications.

It also works quickly—sessions may take less than 30 minutes and you may see visible improvement after your very first treatment.