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Dark spots caused by aging, sun exposure, and conditions like melasma and rosacea that cause skin pigmentation are common complexion concerns for our patients in the Detroit, Michigan area. Fortunately, the skilled aestheticians from Theia Aesthetics at Fraser Eye can use the non-invasive Optimas IPL device , harnessing light energy to diminish the appearance of dark spots, sun damage, and discoloration while improving skin texture and tone and leaving surrounding skin untouched.
IPL, also known as Intense Pulsed Light therapy, is a method of photorejuvenation, meaning light energy is used to improve the appearance of skin. IPL works by directing non-ablative light energy to darker areas of the skin like age spots and scars. These darker areas of the skin absorb light wavelengths at a higher frequency than lighter areas, allowing the IPL laser to break up pigmented cells and pigmented lesions while leaving nearby lighter tissues undamaged.1 In addition to treating dark spots on the skin, IPL photorejuvenation can also be employed to treat spider veins and remove unwanted hair.
IPL delivers outstanding results, which is why our patients love it so much. Some of the many benefits of IPL laser skin resurfacing include:
Before your IPL therapy, you will have a consultation with one of our experienced aestheticians. During this appointment, you will be able to candidly discuss your cosmetic concerns and goals, and you and your practitioner will decide together if IPL is the best treatment for you. Your aesthetician may ask that you use a broad spectrum sunscreen in the weeks before your IPL light treatment.
IPL is non-invasive, gentle, and safe. Before treatment, your aesthetician will cleanse your skin and apply a topical cooling gel that will help ensure your comfort. You will relax in a comfortable chair, wearing dark glasses to protect your eyes from the light therapy. Your practitioner will apply the IPL handpiece directly to the areas you have specified for treatment, directing light energy wavelengths to break up pigmented cells and leaving lighter surrounding skin untouched. Some of our patients report feeling a slight tingling sensation during IPL therapy, but pain should not be part of your experience. A single treatment takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
One of the great things about IPL photofacial is that no downtime is necessary. You may experience mild swelling and/or redness at the treatment areas, but this will be easily resolved by applying a cold compress. Within a few days of our IPL therapy, skin on the treated area may look darker or scabbed. Within days, this will peel away to reveal more even, youthful skin.2
Multiple studies have shown that IPL photorejuvenation is highly effective for the treatment of skin discoloration. After intense pulsed light therapy, patients enjoy remarkable results, such as:
Generally, patients who are concerned with rosacea, melasma, dark spots and other types of skin discoloration can benefit from photorejuvenation. Intense pulsed light treatment is most effective on patients who have light to olive skin tones.
IPL treatment cost is different for each patient and depends on factors like the size of the treatment area and the number of laser treatments needed. When you come into Theia Aesthetics at Fraser Eye for your IPL therapy consultation, you will be given a detailed cost breakdown for your personalized treatment.
With strong sun protection and a good skincare routine, our patients are able to extend the duration of their IPL photofacial results. Still, factors like sun exposure and aging can cause new dark spots to occur.
IPL is non-invasive and is considered to be a safe skin rejuvenation treatment. Risks and complications are rare, and are even less common IPL therapy is performed by an experienced aesthetician. Side effects of IPL may include:
If you are troubled by dark spots, discoloration, spider veins, or unwanted facial hair, you may benefit from intense pulsed light photorejuvenation. To learn more about IPL and to schedule your consultation with an experienced practitioner, please contact Theia Aesthetics at Fraser Eye in Detroit, Michigan.
1 Goldberg DJ. Current trends in intense pulsed light. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(6):45-53. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3390232/. Accessed August 1, 2022.
2 American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Aging Skin. Available: https://www.asds.net/skin-experts/skin-treatments/laser-light-therapy/intense-pulsed-light-therapy-for-aging-skin. Accessed August 1, 2022.
3 Hedelund L, Due E, Bjerring P, Wulf HC, Haedersdal M. Skin rejuvenation using intense pulsed light: a randomized controlled split-face trial with blinded response evaluation. Arch Dermatol. 2006 Aug;142(8):985-90. doi: 10.1001/archderm.142.8.985. PMID: 16924047. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16924047/. Accessed August 1, 2022.
4 Kulick MI. Photorejuvenation: using intense pulsed light technology in a cosmetic surgery practice. Aesthet Surg J. 2001 May;21(3):255-8. doi: 10.1067/maj.2001.116243. PMID: 19331901. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19331901/. Accessed August 1, 2022.
5 Kulick MI. Photorejuvenation: using intense pulsed light technology in a cosmetic surgery practice. Aesthet Surg J. 2001 May;21(3):255-8. doi: 10.1067/maj.2001.116243. PMID: 19331901. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19331901/. Accessed August 1, 2022.
6 Goldberg DJ. Current trends in intense pulsed light. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2012;5(6):45-53. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3390232/. Accessed August 1, 2022.
The Fraser Eye Care Center Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
