IPL Skin Rejuventation

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a photorejuvenation treatment that utilizes light energy to reduce hyperpigmented spots, vascular issues such as rosacea and spider veins, and even acne scars. Unlike lasers that typically only emit one type of light wavelength at a time, IPL incorporates a variety of selective wavelengths that minimize the amount of heat and light administered. As a result, patients can enjoy a therapy that targets and eliminates unwanted pigment with less downtime.

Earlier forms of IPL incorporated light wavelengths of over 1400 nm, causing more thermal impact. Today’s devices, including Candela’s Nordlys Selective Waveband Technology® (SWT) IPL, filter out unwanted wavelengths for a more precise, focused therapy that significantly prevents the likelihood of developing burns, blisters, and other unwanted effects.

At Gorin Plastic Surgery & Medspa, we stand behind the efficacy of the advanced, FDA-approved technology of the SWT® IPL device and offer this treatment to busy patients seeking out a gentle solution to their skin issues. Our staff of nurses, medical assistants, and other care experts will ensure you get the high-quality experience you deserve at our practice. We have decades of combined training to help you find the medspa treatment that fits your treatment goals.

To find out if IPL can help you attain the clear, glowy skin that revitalizes itself from within, call our practice in Portland, OR at (503) 692-7222, or request a consultation via our contact form. We will be happy to answer any questions regarding our services, and we can readily assist you with scheduling an appointment that works best for you.

The Nordlys SWT^® IPL Difference

Our Nordlys SWT® IPL is a one-of-a-kind technology customized for rejuvenation that doesn’t interrupt your daily routine. Patients can reap the benefits of gradual results with every non-invasive treatment session- without the risk of excessive peeling and irritation, they may get from laser treatments, chemical peels, or microdermabrasion.

Our form of IPL is one of the most versatile treatment options, treating a wide variety of skin conditions in almost any area of the body. This includes the face, neck, chest, legs, arms, hands, and other areas that have suffered sun damage over the years of exposure to UV rays.

The SWT® device is designed with narrow-band technology equipped with light filters to minimize the harmful effects of other unneeded wavelengths. With this filtering system, the device emits about 50% less fluence than broadband IPL. Fluence refers to the amount of energy distributed per unit of targeted skin. Studies have found that narrow-band IPL with wavelengths between 500 and 600 nm provides long-term resolution of rosacea and the appearance of broken capillaries in an average of only 2 IPL sessions. Patients in the study reported good or excellent results with this narrow-band treatment plan. ⁽¹⁾

Hyperpigmentation Reduction

IPL beams are specially designed to target chromophores, which are pigmented molecules within the skin. One of the most common chromophores is melanin, the substance that determines skin and hair color, and oxyhemoglobin, the pigment responsible for the red color of blood vessels. Because of this unique ability, IPL can address benign skin conditions like birthmarks and freckles. As the light hits these areas, the pigments experience thermocoagulation, or the process of being broken down and metabolized due to applied thermal energy. ⁽²⁾

Collagen Renewal

The microthermal damage caused by the IPL light beams provokes increased collagen and elastin production in the dermis layer of the skin. While collagen promotes youthful skin rigidity, elastin gives the skin a flexible, supple quality- a balance of both of these connective fibers is essential for great-looking skin. Over time, this increased healing response caused by IPL can fade away fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and uneven skin texture.

Hair Reduction

IPL can also remove unwanted hair. Pulses of light target the melanin present within hair follicles and cause thermal damage to the hair-creating structures at the root of each follicle. As the light travels through the individual hair shafts, it can disable and damage hair matrices (the root structures) and the cells that form hair itself, keratinocytes. Areas treated by IPL can experience permanent hair reduction, or cause much finer hair to grow back, making it much easier to manage and/or less noticeable.

Candidates for IPL

IPL is a gentle solution for many types of skin issues and is well-suited for lighter skin types on the Fitzpatrick scale- a tool used by dermatologists to categorize skin tone and its ability to tan. Darker-skinned individuals may benefit from an alternative treatment such as the Clear and Brilliant Touch Laser, a skin-resurfacing laser that is non-chromophore specific. Regardless of your choice of treatment, IPL can help patients attain results that are comparable to lasers. ⁽³⁾

Personal Consultation

During your consultation with one of our highly experienced laser and IPL technicians, they will evaluate the extent of your cosmetic issues and get an idea of the results you would like to see. Depending on your specific requirements, they may recommend IPL or they may suggest another device that will be better suited to your needs. They will discuss in detail the steps you need to take to prepare for IPL, what to expect during the procedure itself, and how to promote healing and rejuvenation afterward. IPL can be an excellent option for those who want the benefits of skin resurfacing without needing to take time off from work or those who want to be more discreet about their treatment.

To get more in-depth details about our customized IPL therapy, book your consultation at our office in Portland by calling (503) 692-7222. You can also inquire about IPL treatment by using our online form. Our professionals pride themselves on being transparent with every patient, allowing them to make well-informed decisions on their chosen procedures.

Preparation

In the week before your procedure, you should stop the use of retinal, retinoids, products with glycolic acid, chemical peels and self-tanning products. In the 2 weeks leading up to your session, you should be mindful of avoiding the sun and UV ray exposure that can make your skin more sensitive. To prevent this, you should apply daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more to your treatment area.

In the week before your procedure, you should stop the use of retinol, retinoids, products with glycolic acid, and chemical peels. In addition, you should avoid waxing or using depilatory creams in the area that can cause skin damage and/or make hair reduction less effective. Finally, your technician will advise you to stop taking anti-inflammatories and other medications with blood-thinning properties to prevent excessive redness post-procedure. If you have a history of keloid scars, poor wound healing, or a previous viral outbreak in the treatment area, please let your IPL technician know. They can modify your treatment and advise on antiviral medications to prevent any breakouts from occurring.

IPL Treatment Steps

Before your session begins, your IPL technician will first apply a substantial layer of numbing cream to the area to promote the most comfortable procedure possible. Sometimes, it can take a full hour for the cream to fully settle in and desensitize the area. Next, your technician will cleanse the area and provide a coating of ultrasound gel– a substance that will provide further cooling and protection to the skin. This gel also serves to contain the IPL light waves by preventing reflection, making it more efficient.

Just like laser rejuvenation, before applying the light energy, your technician will give you protective eyewear. They will then place the light-emitting window of the SWT® device directly onto your skin and administer one pulse before moving on to the area immediately adjacent. Some patients describe slight snapping sensations and warmth, but the procedure is highly tolerable with the use of topical numbing cream. On average, the procedure lasts 20 to 30 minutes. Your technician will then clean off the ultrasound gel and may apply a moisturizer and/or sunscreen immediately after.

Recovery and Results

Your recovery is highly dependent on your unique healing response, skin sensitivity, and the intensity of the IPL you underwent. After your treatment, you will be able to continue with your daily skin routine, but you should forego any aggressive skin treatments.

Your skin may feel tender and sensitive to touch, and you may have some minor swelling and redness. Within a couple of days, these side effects should diminish significantly. You can utilize a cool compress to mitigate any discomfort during this time. You should wait to go back to the gym or other strenuous activities until your skin begins to feel better. Sweat can irritate the treatment area and slow down healing.

As mentioned before, sun protection is a vital part of speeding up your skin rejuvenation process, so you should continue using the same sunscreen that you used during your preparation process. Using daily sunscreen will also prevent the development of hyperpigmented lesions and other signs of sun damage in the long term. While every patient’s treatment plan varies, most require at least 6 sessions to get the full benefits IPL has to offer.

Cost of IPL in Portland

The cost of your IPL treatment will most depend on your unique session plan and the size of your treatment area. Your laser technician will be able to assess your primary skin concern and give you an approximation of the total cost of your IPL treatments. Financing options are available. Visit our financing page to apply.

To start with a consultation today, call our Portland office at (503) 692-7222 or contact us online, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.  Your journey towards renewed, incredible-looking skin is just one phone call away.

References

1. Shi H, Zhang E, Zhang M, Lin T. Narrow-Band Intense Pulsed Light as Treatment for Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea: A Retrospective Study. JDDonline – Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. Published November 2023. https://jddonline.com/articles/narrow-band-intense-pulsed-light-as-treatment-for-erythematotelangiectatic-rosacea-a-retrospective-study-S1545961623P1095X/ 
2. Gade A, Vasile GF, Rubenstein R. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580525/ 
3. Goldberg DJ. Current Trends in Intense Pulsed Light. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2012;5(6):45-53. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3390232/