Home | Non-Surgical | IPL (Intense Pulsed Light Therapy)
What are the Benefits of IPL?
After searching long and hard, Rivela Plastic Surgery is pleased to offer the Palomar IPL device (Intense Pulsed Light technology) in The Woodlands, TX for Laser Skin Revitalization, to help you get the look and feel of that skin back. Our team has won Best of The Woodlands Plastic Surgery 16 years in a row, ensuring you can trust us with your skin and aesthetic goals.
IPL skin treatments are a fast and effective, simple light-energy-based procedure to lighten pigmentation, spots, and lines caused by sun damage, veins, and stretch marks. IPL laser treatments can be used on the face, arms, chest, and even hands (which often give away our age). It can also be used to remove unwanted hair and as a laser hair removal method.
What does Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treat?
IPL Results of Sun damage and Sunspots – Individual pigmented lesions, also known as age spots or liver spots on the face, neck, chest, arms, and hands. The sunspots will darken after treatment and be naturally shed from the skin within 1 – 2 weeks.
IPL Results for Rosacea: General inflammation of the cheeks and face. Skin tone will be more normal, with less pronounced redness within one week after treatment.
IPL Results for Spider veins – Individual vessels, which can be red, blue, or purple in color. Results for Spider Veins: Vessels may disappear after treatment or they may appear darker and then fully or partially fade within 10-14 days.
IPL FAQs
How long do IPL results last?
IPL results can last for several months to years, depending on how well you protect your skin from sun damage and maintain your skincare routine. Many patients choose to have maintenance treatments once or twice a year to sustain their results and address any new concerns.
What is IPL treatment, and what does it target?
IPL is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that uses broad-spectrum light to address various skin concerns, including sun damage, age spots, redness, rosacea, broken capillaries, and uneven skin tone. The light energy penetrates the skin and targets pigmented and vascular lesions, promoting clearer, more youthful-looking skin.
How long does an IPL treatment session take?
Most IPL treatment sessions at Rivela Plastic Surgery take between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. Facial treatments typically take about 30 minutes, making it an ideal "lunchtime procedure" that fits easily into your schedule.
Is IPL treatment painful?
Most patients describe IPL as feeling like a rubber band snapping against the skin. The sensation is generally well-tolerated, and we can apply a topical numbing cream before treatment if needed. Any discomfort is brief and subsides immediately after the session.
How many IPL sessions will I need to see results?
Most patients achieve optimal results with 3 to 5 treatment sessions spaced about 3 to 4 weeks apart. However, the exact number depends on your specific skin concerns, skin type, and desired outcome. During your consultation at Rivela Plastic Surgery, we'll create a personalized treatment plan for you.
What should I expect after an IPL treatment?
After IPL treatment, you may experience mild redness and warmth in the treated area, similar to a mild sunburn, which typically subsides within a few hours to a day. Pigmented spots may darken initially before flaking off over the next 7 to 14 days. You can typically return to normal activities immediately with proper sun protection.
Am I a good candidate for IPL treatment?
IPL works best on individuals with lighter skin tones who want to address pigmentation issues, sun damage, or facial redness. However, it may not be suitable for very dark skin tones or tanned skin. During your consultation, we'll evaluate your skin type and concerns to determine if IPL is right for you.
When will I see results from IPL treatment?
You may notice initial improvements within a week as pigmented spots begin to flake off. However, optimal results typically develop gradually over the course of your treatment series, with continued improvement for several weeks after your final session as collagen remodeling occurs.
Can IPL be combined with other treatments?
Yes, IPL often works well in combination with other aesthetic treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling, or dermal fillers. We can design a comprehensive treatment plan at Rivela Plastic Surgery that addresses all your skincare goals for optimal rejuvenation.
How do I prepare for IPL treatment?
Before your IPL treatment, avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least 4 weeks. Discontinue use of retinoids and certain skincare products as directed. Arrive with clean skin free of makeup, lotions, or perfumes. We'll provide complete pre-treatment instructions during your consultation.
Call today to find out which IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) in The Woodlands, TX is right for you.
