IPL stands for “Intense pulsed light” and is an energy based skin treatment that can reduce brown pigment and age spots as well as treat inflammation, acne, and redness of the skin.
IPL works in a similar way to laser therapy. The difference is that where laser therapy delivers a single wavelength of light energy, IPL delivers multiple wavelengths. This means that IPL can treat a larger area of skin in a shorter time than laser therapy. Using a handheld device, our laser certified providers will target multiple wavelengths of light onto the skin. This light heats cells in the skin and breaks them down. The body then removes the damaged tissue naturally.
At Aspen Aesthetics + Wellness we are committed to helping you look and feel your best.
A certified laser professional will use a handheld device to deliver pulsed light therapy. During the treatment, people may feel a pinching sensation. Some individuals have described this as a feeling similar to an elastic band being “snapped” on the skin. Topical numbing creams do not seem to dull this sensation, however we do offer additional comfort modalities such as oral pain medication and nitrous oxide if you choose. Our trained professionals also help people overcome this discomfort by using cooling measures like ice packs and cold air. Immediately after the procedure, the treated area may look red or pink.
This tends to last for no more than 24 hours. Some people may also notice a stinging sensation in their face for several hours after the IPL. This feeling may resemble that of having a mild sunburn. A moist cloth or cool pack can help ease the stinging. Mild swelling is also common, usually lasting for only several days after the procedure. During the recovery period, people should avoid putting makeup on the treated area for 24 hours. The brown pigment treated by IPL will appear darker for about 1 week. It will then flake off from the surface of your skin as new skin cells form underneath.
IPL is best suited for lighter complected people and works better on light brown skin than on darker skin. Other factors that make people unsuitable for IPL treatment include: pregnancy, breastfeeding, current or recent Accutane use, recent sun exposure or tanning bed use.
IPL is very safe when performed by an experienced and licensed provider. However it is important to consider risks with any skin resurfacing procedure. Risks of IPL are similar to any energy based device or resurfacing treatments.
This can include:
Pain
Skin discoloration
Blisters
Swelling
Infection
Crusting or scarring
You will get results from a single session however, we always recommend that IPL be performed in a series of treatments and in conjunction with other skin rejuvenation procedures such as chemical peels and medically corrective facials. We also keep safety and risk mitigation at the forefront of our protocols and therefore will mandate some clients do a 4-6 week preconditioning with a pigment suppression and retinol home skincare protocol. Anyone who is properly pretreated on our ZO® Skinhealth pre and post treatment protocol will get better results, maintain their results for a longer period of time, and reduce the risk of a suboptimal result.
Your journey with us begins with a consultation and mutual decisions based on your individual needs. We will create a customized anti-aging and skin health plan just for you. Rather than trying to change your appearance, we will enhance and balance your features as well as restore your youth, resulting in a natural, refined, and refreshed version of you.
Call us today to schedule a consultation at 719.256.0272.
IPL is incorporated into our Aspen Skin Transformation. Individual IPL treatments start at $385 for members/$450 for non-members. The exact cost will depend on any upgrades to your specific treatment plan. For your convenience we offer several ways to finance your facial rejuvenation investment. Call to schedule a consultation today and find out more about our services, packages and membership options.
