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Intense Pulsed Light (IPL™) / Broadband Light (BBL™)

Patients with fine facial wrinkles, brown blotchy pigmentation (sun damage) and scattered blood vessels will benefit from having IPL™ or BBL™ treatments. IPL™ or BBL™ photo rejuvenation removes the pigmentation from sun damaged skin and will also improve skin texture. Patients will not experience the extended downtime (scabbing, severe peeling) associated with ablative lasers such as CO2 or the deep Erbium laser. Some collagen tightening and remodeling occurs with repeat treatments of the IPL™ or BBL™.

Patients with minimal wrinkles and blotchy uneven texture with facial blood vessels can expect great improvement with IPL™ or BBL™. Those that have severe wrinkles and scars will likely require a more assertive treatment program.

Pre-Treatment

For many patients, the SkinTx™ skin care program can be started before you commence your treatments. The 4% hydroquinone within the products will help to loosen and diminish your pigmentation and skin texture problems prior to having your course of treatments. The SkinTx™ program can also be used as a maintenance program.

Prior to treatment, the face should be clean and free of all makeup. Patients cannot be tanned during the course of this treatment as it increases the risk of pigmentation problems. A sunscreen should be used daily to decrease the potential for the skin becoming tanned.

Details of Procedure

A layer of gel is applied to the area of skin being treated, and the hand piece is placed on the same area and light is emitted. There is a bit of discomfort associated with an IPL™ or BBL™ treatment, and ice packs can be used to help soothe the skin. A warm or stinging sensation may also be felt a few hours after the treatment and this is normal.

Post-Treatment Care

The low energy nature of an IPL™ or BBL™ treatment makes it very safe to resume all regular activities immediately after your treatment. After an IPL™ or BBL™ treatment is completed the treated area will have a flushed appearance, and there is a possibility of some swelling, which may last from a few minutes to several hours after the treatment. The pigmented spots may also appear darker. This is normal and will disappear as the spots come off. The area should be kept clean, however, be careful not to scrub the area for the first few days after. An SPF 60 will be applied to the areas treated following your treatment and we do recommended continued daily use of an SPF 30-60.

For most patients 4-5 treatment sessions will be required in order to attain your desired result. These appointments will be scheduled 4-6 weeks apart. Patients should expect to be in the office anywhere from 1-2 hours.

Once your IPL™ or BBL™ treatments are completed you may need to return for a treatment once a year to maintain your results.

Possible Risks

In those rare circumstances where scabs develop, patients can use antibiotic ointments like Polysporin, Fucidin or Bactroban. This should be used 2-3 times a day in a thin layer, very sparingly.

Products to compliment the procedure

If an IPL™ or BBL™ is being suggested for facial rejuvenation, fine lines and wrinkles or aging skin, the SkinTx™ line of products would be an excellent addition to this treatment program. SkinTx™ helps to eliminate pigmentation problems while simultaneously rejuvenating the skin by evening skin tone and texture, reducing pore size and restoring a youthful glow. There are many different options when using the SkinTx™ line so it is best if you spoke with either Dr. Sheetal Sapra or one of his staff members if you are interested in starting this program.