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IPL TREATMENT

What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)? 

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a non-surgical treatment that utilizes light to address ocular surface disease (OSD) and rosacea. It effectively reduces both new and existing vascular growth triggered by inflammation, disrupting the harmful and ongoing inflammatory cycle. This powerful therapy targets bacterial growth and effectively treats eyelid styes, blepharitis, and certain types of acne.

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What are the Benefits of IPL? 

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  • Reduces inflammation and rosacea (ocular and facial)

  • Improves tear production and quality

  • Reduces dry eye symptoms 

  • Reduces eyelash mites and blepharitis 

  • Stimulates the skin’s natural collagen production 

  • Reduces the appearance of sun spots/pigmentation 

  • Achieves healthier, more vibrant appearance of skin and eyes 

  • Quick treatments 

  • Little to no downtime 

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What to Expect on Treatment Day:

Your scheduled appointment is expected to take approximately 30 minutes. Upon your arrival, you will be guided to our medical spa and seated in a luxurious chair for your comfort. Before the procedure begins, a thorough cleansing of your eyelids and the adjacent skin will be conducted, followed by the application of a lotion to the specified treatment areas.

Laser-grade shields will be placed over the eyes to protect the retina. Measurements will be taken of the skin to ensure accurate treatment settings. Treatment is conducted in sections with pulses of light. These pulses can feel hot and bright for a few seconds and quickly subside. The estimated treatment time is 10-15 minutes. 

How to Prepare for Your Treatment:

Optimal hydration and minimal sun exposure are crucial for achieving a successful treatment outcome. 

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Avoid excessive sun exposure 2-3 weeks before treatment. Wear copious amounts of sunscreen (broad spectrum UVA/UVB of at least 30 SPF) and a hat if sun exposure cannot be avoided. Do not use any self-tanning products, including tanning beds, for the duration of the treatment course. 

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Refrain from using facial products that induce excessive skin dryness or exfoliation in the week before your appointment. Any recent chemical peels or intensive facials must be cleared with the doctor before proceeding.

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If you have used any of the following in the last six months, please consult the doctor prior to treatment: 

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Medications: Oral Isotretinoin (Accutane), doxycycline, corticosteroids, blood thinners 

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Treatments: Botox/fillers, laser or surface ablation, micro-needling

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Important: Do not take aspirin or high-dose ibuprofen 2-3 days before treatment, as these can increase the risk of swelling, bruising, and redness. 

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Getting your Skin Ready for your IPL:

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Shaving: Facial hair in the area to be treated must be shaved before your appointment. 

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Beauty Products: On the day of your treatment, refrain from using make-up, perfumes, powders, or moisturizers on the area. Use only a gentle cleanser 1-2 hours before treatment. 

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Please Note: Treatment cannot be performed on tanned/sunburned skin or over-open lesions and will need to be rescheduled. 

After Treatment Care and Expectations:

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This treatment involves little to no downtime. Mild to moderate redness and skin sensitivity, akin to a sunburn, in the treated area may occur but usually subsides within 1-2 days. In rare cases, mild swelling may occur. Apply wrapped ice or gel packs to the treatment area for 10-15 minutes every hour as needed. Never apply ice directly to the skin. An oral, over-the-counter analgesic, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), may be taken to reduce discomfort; use according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

Avoid excessive sun exposure 4-7 days post-treatment. Sunspots/pigmentation will gradually darken and appear raised over the next 24-48 hours. They will then begin to flake off and continue to fade over the next several weeks. DO NOT pick, remove, or pull at any darkened lesions as scarring may occur. 

Avoid the following 24-48 hours post-treatment:

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  • Applying cosmetics to treated areas

  • Swimming, especially hot tubs, jacuzzis, and pools with chemicals

  • Exercising or activities that cause excessive perspiration 

  • Aggressive scrubbing and/or use of exfoliants on the treated area

 

While several sessions are necessary for optimal results, you can anticipate an improvement in symptoms and the ocular surface after the third or fourth treatment. In the days following treatment, the skin will exhibit a more youthful and radiated appearance. Additional benefits are seen gradually over 3-4 weeks as the skin and eyes regenerate essential building blocks. 

 

After completion of your treatment protocol, the results typically remain for up to 12 months and, in some instances, even longer. We recommend a maintenance treatment every 1-2 years. The longevity of the outcome is influenced by the number of completed treatments and the severity of the condition prior to the initiation of treatment. 

 

If you have any questions or concerns about before or after-treatment care, please contact us. 

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