There are lots of cosmetic treatments available for improving skin. One of the most promising is intense pulsed light (IPL). IPL is fast, easy, and takes less time out of your busy day than comparable procedures.

Intense pulsed light is a light energy treatment that works similarly as lasers to remove blemishes, wrinkles, darkened skin, birthmarks, and more. The process treats larger areas of skin in less time than traditional laser treatments, only requiring a handful of sessions to see positive results.

Is IPL Right for Me?

Are you looking to remove any of the following?

  • Acne scars
  • Birthmarks
  • Age spots or freckles
  • Scars
  • Spider veins
  • Stretch marks
  • Wrinkles

These are just some of the skin concerns that may be treated with IPL.

If you are interested in learning more about IPL? Risks are low and benefits high, so see if IPL is right for you. Call us at 949-481-9850 to schedule a consultation.

What Are the Benefits of IPL Treatment?

IPL is shown to improve your skin texture by evening out discolored skin. Discolored skin can result from anything from age spots to birthmarks. IPL helps to treat those discolorations by forcing new naturally colored skin to grow below the treated areas. The discolored skin will then fade as the new skin grows. IPL treatments provide a less expensive and faster option to treat skin discolorations and other signs of aging.

IPL can be used following facelift recovery to smooth skin and enhance texture and tone. The treatment may also be used in combination with injectable fillers to highlight the skin of your new enhanced facial contours.

How Is IPL Performed?

IPL uses multi-spectrum light to effect skin discolorations and scarring. The process is comparable to laser treatments but is less focused and broader in scope. This makes IPL faster than laser treatments, but it also means that IPL may be less effective on darker skin tones.

The practitioner uses a handheld device to direct the pulsed light into the desired locations. This causes the damaged cells to break down without harming the surrounding cells and stimulates new cell growth.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From an IPL Treatment?

Your skin may develop minor swelling, look red, and feel as though you have a mild sunburn immediately after the treatment. This generally fades within the first eight hours. A damp cloth or similar compress can alleviate those symptoms. It is suggested that patients refrain from putting makeup or lotions on the treated area for at least two days or until the swelling subsides, whichever occurs first.

Side effects of the treatment are generally mild enough for most people to return to work within an hour or two of your IPL session.

It is further recommended that the treated area be moisturized between one and three times a day for three months.

What Results Can I Expect From an IPL Treatment?

Results will appear gradually following a series of IPL treatments. Many patients benefit most from repeated sessions. During your consultation, you will be informed about how many sessions may be recommended for optimal results, as this number depends on the severity of your skin concern.

Following your intense pulsed light treatment, you can expect:

  • Smoother skin
  • Reduced blemishes
  • Reduced skin discoloration

You can help prolong the quality of your results by protecting your skin from the sun and following a diligent skin care routine.

Interested in Intense Pulsed Light in Ladera Ranch, CA?

Are you curious about IPL in Ladera Ranch, California? Contact Mission Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center if you want to find out more or learn about the cost of IPL treatment. We have been serving the Orange County area since we opened in 2007 with a vision to provide high-quality medical care. Call us at (949) 481-9850 or fill out our online contact form.