Intense Pulse Light (IPL) is a safe treatment for a variety of skin conditions when used by a dermatology expert. 

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 an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?

The Ellipse I²PL uses short, safe bursts of light from a flash lamp to treat specific skin conditions.  The system controls the overall delivery of the light – both the amount of light and the speed of it delivery to your specific skin condition. Light-based treatments use a less-intense, broader spectrum of light than lasers, but are effective in treating rejuvenation of the skin. Candela’s Ellipse I²PL is the only light-based product that is built specifically to dual-filter light as it is absorbed, thereby generating more consistent results.

What can the Candela  Ellipse I²PL system treat?

• Sun damaged skin

• Brown discoloration, age or liver spots and freckles

• Diffuse redness, flushing and broken capillaries

• Rosacea

• Enlarged pores

• Dull complexion

• Mild fine wrinkling and scarring

The face, chest, neck, upper back, forearms and hands are the most commonly treated areas.

How does the IPL work?

The Candela  Ellipse I²PL device delivers controlled intense pulses of broad spectrum light to the skin. These wavelengths are customized to suit the needs of your individual skin type. The light emitted targets brown and red colors as well as deeper collagen tissue within the skin. By so doing, IPL diminishes brown pigmentation and redness while stimulating the formation of collagen in the skin. The end result is smoother, more uniformly pigmented and revitalized skin.

Is the treatment safe?

IPL is a remarkably safe procedure which has been refined over a period of several years. There are rarely any permanent problems. Occasionally some skin lightening (hypopigmentation) or darkening (hyperpigmentation) can occur. Normal skin color generally returns within 3 months, although one may rarely see permanent color change. Scarring may occur in less than 1% of cases.

What will my treatment consist of?

Getting Started
Our physicians in a consultation determine an IPL treatment plan for each new patient, accounting for the number and severity of skin conditions being treated, as well as skin type. On average, four to six treatments are recommended, scheduled at three week intervals. Each session usually lasts about 20 minutes, with patients returning to normal activity immediately afterwards.

What to Expect
Before treatment, a cold gel is usually applied to the areas to be treated and patients wear protective eyewear. During treatment, our aesthetician gently applies the smooth, glass surface of the IPL handpiece to the skin. Light is delivered to the skin surface in precise pulses that are typically pain-free. Patients often describe a slight stinging sensation, like the snapping of a rubber band, in the treated areas. Most individuals find this to be minimally uncomfortable. Although seldom required, an anesthetic cream, may be used if so desired.

What will I look like immediately after IPL treatment?

IPL treatments are designed to provide little down time. Your face may appear red or flushed, something which usually fades within a few hours. Individuals with prominent pigmentation may notice that brown areas become temporarily darker, peeling off in 7-10 days. Makeup may be applied immediately after your treatment so you can return to your daily activities. By performing microdermabrasion between IPL sessions, recovery may be enhanced and results may be improved.

Rarely, some individuals develop “purpura” or bruising. Although uncommon, this sometimes occurs in individuals with a very prominent red component. This is painless and typically fades in about 5-10 days. Any bruising may be covered with makeup.

Individuals with prominent brown or red color may develop slight temporary swelling for a few days, especially if being treated around the eyes.

How do I care for my skin after the treatment?
Following treatment, ice may be applied to the treated area if desired.

Medications containing ASA or anti-inflammatories (Aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen, etc.) should be avoided for a couple of days before and after IPL treatment.

Strenuous exercise and contact sports should be avoided for a few days.

Alcohol intake should be limited. This will help to reduce the risk of trauma and bruising.

Sun tanning and tanning beds should be avoided for 1 month before and after each IPL session. A broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher should be used on a daily basis.

Who is NOT a good candidate for IPL?
Individuals with a tan or with very dark skin are often not the best candidates for IPL. In general, avoid sun exposure for 4-6 weeks before treatment, and again after treatment until your physician allows it. Care should be taken in the first few days following treatments to avoid scrubbing or rinsing the treated area with abrasive skin cleansers. Consult your practitioner for specific precautions that relate to your individualized treatment plan.

Patients taking Accutane should defer treatment until 6 months or longer after completion of Accutane therapy.

Pregnant women should not undergo IPL treatment.

IPL photorejuvenation is not effective for treatment of deeper wrinkles and prominent skin sagging. These are best treated with other techniques. This will be discussed with you during your consultation.

Are the procedures covered by insurance?

Most insurance companies do not offer reimbursement for cosmetic procedures.

How much does IPL photorejuvenation cost?
The cost depends on the area to be treated and on the number of treatments desired. Generally, the price ranges from $300 and up per treatment session.

How many IPL treatments will I need?
Depending on the nature of the condition, and the severity of the problem, a series of 5 or 6 treatments is usually recommended. This allows for gradual improvement with very low risk to the skin, and little downtime. Although partial results may be seen sooner, performing a full series of 5-6 treatments will help to maximize improvement in skin color, texture and pore size. Treatments are usually spaced 3 weeks apart.

 How long do the results last?

The results achieved from the treatment series can be expected to last for possibly several years or longer. However, with the passage of time and with environmental exposure, skin ages as we do. IPL Photorejuvenation will provide benefits and significantly reverse many of the visible signs of sun-damaged skin. The improvement that has been achieved following a first series of five treatments can be maintained by occasional single maintenance treatments, 2-3 times per year.

Why would I benefit from having IPL Photorejuvenation performed at Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte?

All treatments are done under the supervision of Dr. Nixon, Grattan or Seward, all of whom are Board-certified Dermatologists. As specialists of the skin, our physicians have spent many years training to better understand the complexities of the skin. The ultimate benefit is that our patients achieve results in a safe and effective clinical setting under the direction of an on site Board-certified skin expert. Our physicians can address your total skin needs.  Your dermatologist will access your skin’s needs and develop a program right for you.  Your physician will make sure you are an ideal candidate, or if not, recommend an alternative treatment plan.  You will be treated by our experienced aesthetician under the physician’s supervision.  Your post op care will be managed by the physician and aesthetician.  Optimal post op care is critical to achieving the best outcome.

 Do I require a consultation before I schedule a treatment?

Yes. We require that you be seen in consultation prior to your first IPL Photorejuvenation treatment. IPL Photorejuvenation is a non-invasive medical procedure. Your skin must be assessed by our doctors prior to scheduling your first treatment. You will benefit from the experienced assessment of a qualified trusted dermatologist. During your consultation any specific concerns or questions will be addressed.