Park Rd. Office
MAP
10502 Park Rd.,Suite 100
Charlotte, NC 28210
980-299-3926 ph
Billingsley Rd. Office
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330 Billingsley Rd.,Ste. 100
Charlotte, NC 28211
704-323-8021 ph
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IPL Laser

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Photo-facial utilizes intense pulsed light (IPL) to diminish skin imperfections using the Syneron Candela elōs Plus laser platform.  It is ideal for reducing the appearance of pigment on your face, chest, neck, and/or hands including age spots, sun damage, freckles, and unwanted blood vessels.  You will see a reduction in the appearance of brown spots and vessels leaving you with an overall more even skin tone.

How do I prepare for my treatment?

  • You should avoid sun exposure 3-4 weeks before and after treatment
  • Avoid self/fake tanner sprays and lotions 3-4 weeks before treatment
  • Avoid the use of retinols, hydroquinone, glycolic and salicylic products for 3 days prior to treatment
  • Avoid use of photosensitizing medications for 2 weeks prior to treatment
  • Notify your provider if you have a history of cold sores

 

What to expect during the IPL treatment?

The IPL laser feels like a warm rubber band snap on the skin with a bright flash of light. You will wear special goggles to protect your eyes, and a cold gel will be applied to your skin during treatment to cool your skin. Ice packs are applied following treatment.

What can I expect after treatment?

Your skin may be pink and a little swollen immediately following treatment, and you may feel a sunburn sensation that lasts a few hours. The extent of this varies from person to person. Applying an ice pack to the treated areas helps decrease swelling. Brown spots that are treated will darken or appear like coffee grounds, and then take up to 2 weeks to peel off your skin. Blood vessels and background redness may take two weeks to disappear after IPL. We recommend using a gentle face wash and moisturizer with SPF at least 45 daily.  Avoid using medicated skin products, exfoliants, salicylic/glycolic acid products, and retinols until the treated areas are healed.  Do not pick at any of the areas as this can leave to scarring.

Do I need to take any precautions after my IPL treatment?

You should protect your skin from sun and wear sunscreen for a month after your IPL treatment. If your IPL treatment will involve the mouth area and if you have a history of herpes simplex infections (cold sores), we may consider having you take anti-viral therapy starting the day of treatment. Please inform us if you have a history of cold sores.

How many treatments will I need?

Typically, 3 treatments can give desired results, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Occasionally, more treatments may be required.  In addition, maintenance treatments will be required to maintain results.

 

We offer the following in Cosmetic Dermatology: