Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

FotoFacial/IPL

Intense pulsed light or (IPL) is used to reduce small blood vessels, brown spots and sun damage (not skin cancer) on the face, neck, chest, arms, and hands. Helps to also minimize the appearance of pores. The stimulation of collagen serves to transform the skin from rough and weathered to a refreshed and radiant look. See below for more information about our IPL.

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What is skin rejuvenation?

Skin rejuvenation treatment with the Ellipse I²PL helps you keep a younger and fresher look. The safe, visible light emitted from the Ellipse I²PL flash-lamp makes your face look younger by removing age spots and diffuse redness, and by improving your skin texture. Uneven pigmentation is also reduced.

What is intense pulsed light?

In its simplest form, this is a way of saying short flashes of very bright light. Ellipse I²PL uses short, safe bursts of light emitted from a flash-lamp to treat specific skin conditions. The technology is rather sophisticated, the Ellipse I²PL system very carefully controls the overall delivery of the light-both the amount of light and the speed of its delivery to your specific skin condition are exact and precisely controlled by Ellipse I²PL's built in computer.

What is the difference between laser and intense pulsed light?

Treatments with laser and with intense pulsed light both work in the same way, choosing wavelengths that are absorbed by the target. But while a laser uses light with one specific wavelength, intense pulsed light uses a band of wavelengths.

Can I be treated?

As skin rejuvenation is based on light absorption by melanin and hemoglobin, treatments are most effective in patients with light skin who are not sun-tanned at the time of the treatment. The lighter the skin, the more pronounced the contrast between the age spots or blood vessels and the skin, making treatment easier. However, Ellipse I²PL has pre-programmed settings for different skin colors that deliver the correct energy output for your complexion.

Does it hurt?

Tolerance of pain varies greatly from person to person. No anesthetics are required, and many patients describe it as a warming sensation similar to the feeling one has after a day at the beach.

Do I need to take special precautions before and after my treatment?

The light used is a completely safe, visible light. Potentially harmful wavelengths are removed by the unique Ellipse I²PL Dual Mode Filtering system. Since tanning takes place by accumulation of pigment (melanin) in the skin, it is important to avoid tanning (sun, solarium or self tanning cream) before and during the treatment period. Otherwise, your tanned skin will absorb more light, which may lead to adverse effects. Generally, no post-treatment care is necessary. But people with sensitive skin may benefit from applying an ice pack to the face immediately after treatment. Furthermore, it is recommended to use a sunblock which blocks UVA and UVB (minimum SPF 30) for a few weeks following treatment.

What can I expect after treatment?

You may notice that the skin looks a little "discolored" for a few days following treatment. After that, you will find that your skin looks smoother and fresher. You might choose to have one or two annual maintenance treatments in order to keep your youthful appearance.