Recent posts

Shedding Light on Sunspots

Home / Archive by Category "IPL"

Even in our relatively rainy state, it is possible to develop cosmetic problems associated with sun exposure. The small discolored patches that age the skin may occur on the arms, chest, neck, and face. They may be few or many but, in any form, they need to be addressed. One way to do this is with IPL.

What is IPL?

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. It may sound interesting that sunspots can be broken apart by light when it is light that causes them in the first place. IPL is not the same as laser treatments, which also affect the skin with certain wavelengths of light. It is a nonablative process through which short pulses of strong, visible light is directed at a target area on which sunspots have developed. The broad-spectrum of light rays permeate the hemoglobin and melanin that are present in dark spots and vascular lesions. The absorption of these rays heats these substances, dismantling their particles so they surface more quickly. When the pigmentation reaches the surface, it can be released naturally, leaving lighter, evener skin behind.

Can Hyperpigmentation Return after IPL?

Hyperpigmentation can occur as a result of UV exposure, hormones, and other factors. A series of IPL treatments address the pigment issues that are present in superficial tissue, whereas the damage that leads to sunspots may reside deeper in the dermis. The good news is that it can take years for new spots to become visible. The better the skin is protected with broad-spectrum sunscreen, the less likely it is that significant hyperpigmentation will occur in the future.

As we make our way into a drearier time of year, the time to address sunspots couldn’t be better. IPL treatments are convenient and comfortable. No downtime is necessary after each session, but it is beneficial to undergo treatment when you can stay out of the sun.

The skin often needs some help to stay radiant and youthful-looking. The team at Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center has the training, experience, and selection of treatments that are needed to support skin of all ages. To learn more about IPL and other modalities for sunspots, call 206-859-5777 and schedule a consultation in our Seattle or Renton office.

Plan Ahead To Look Your Best For Weddings, Reunions & The Beach

Home / Archive by Category "IPL"

By Cheryl Wells

If you are planning a little spruce up for a Spring or Summer event like a wedding or high school reunion, NOW is the time to start planning! While many of the most modern procedures don’t have any “down time” where you’re hiding behind big sunglasses, they do take some time to take effect. For example, Botox will give you a noticeable improvement in about a week, while you’ll need 3-6 months to see the maximum effects of Ultherapy as it spurs new collagen growth to smooth wrinkles and lifts your face. To time your treatments right, follow the chart below:

When to Schedule (Minimum-Ideal)	Name of Procedure	What it does
3-6 months	Ultherapy – Face/neck & chest Liposonix – Tummy, waist, thighs	Lift, tighten, tone and smooths wrinkles Permanent fat cell destruction
4-8 weeks	Fillers – Lips, cheeks, under eyes smile lines and around the mouth	Adds volume Softens wrinkles
3-6 weeks	Botox – Crow’s feet, 11’s, forehead and other facial wrinkles	Buys you “wrinkle-free” time. Softens wrinkles and decreases muscle movement
3-4 weeks	IPL/BBL – Face, neck, chest, hands	Diminishes brown spots, freckles, redness, veins, rosacea, sun damage and more
2-8 weeks	Clear & Brilliant — Coming soon! Face, neck, chest, arms, hands	Improves skin tone and texture, and gives your skin a more radiant, youthful glow

Ultherapy is a new and effective non-invasive alternative to a face-lift, with virtually no down-time. It is the only FDA-approved device that allows the provider to see an image of the layers of the skin in order to direct the ultrasound waves at the exact precise depth needed to cause neocollagenesis. This collagen growth will lift and tighten your face, neck, or chest. It really works! The price for Ultherapy usually runs anywhere from $750 to $3500 depending on the area treated. View more

Liposonix can help get rid of those exercise resistant fatty deposits by fully destroying the fat cells! Never to return again—once the fat cells are gone—they are gone forever. Liposonix uses HIFU Ultrasound waves at a specific depth and frequency with a unique large tip to accomplish this cell destruction. The price ranges from $500 to $3500 depending on the size of the area. View more

Botox & fillers are a great way to soften wrinkles and/or add volume to help you look younger. Botox is a purified protein that decreases muscle movement, which essentially gives you wrinkle free time. Fillers are used to add volume in areas such as the cheeks or lips and to help soften creases. They are also a terrific complement to your Ultherapy treatment. Use these spot treatments any time after Ultherapy and at least one month or two (see chart) before your special occasion. The average price ranges from as little as $250 and up to $1000, or more depending on what is needed. View more

IPL/BBL uses multiple light beams and wave lengths to target the problem areas. Both devices diminish brown spots, freckles, redness, veins, rosacea, sun damage and more. They are also terrific anti-aging treatments! They work at a cellular level and physically make the skin cells healthier. If your skin is healthier at a cellular level, then it acts looks and feels younger. Look up Forever Young BBL for more info. View more

As a nurse who has worked with lasers, fillers and injections for 11 years, I have helped many people plan and get ready for their special day and I would like to help you too! There is so much more to tell you when it comes to our fabulous no-downtime treatments, but space is limited. If you are looking forward to an important event, please book a FREE consultation (with me, Cheryl the Laser Queen) and I can help create your beauty plan for your special day!