IPL/Photofacial Rejuvenation
Laser Treatments Services
There is minimal recuperation time - with an IPL Photofacial, you can return to work or resume your normal activities right after your treatment. You may have a mild amount of swelling, and brown spots will darken and then peel off over about 5 to 7 days. You will notice a gradual, natural looking improvement in your skin. IPL Photofacial is safe for most skin types and tones.
- Sunspots/Sun Damage
- Broken blood vessels
- Brown spots
- Rosacea/Redness
- Face, neck, chest, arms, hands
How It Works
The Intense Pulsed Light system utilizes a large spectrum of wavelengths to treat the skin. Different hand pieces are used which filter light from different parts of the spectrum. Each band of the spectrum has a wavelength that is ideal for different treatments, such as sun spot removal and vessel clearance. The IPL handpieces emit pulses of light into the skin. The light is absorbed by the pigment in brown spots and the blood in visible vessels, and converted to heat. The heat dissolves the cells that create the pigment and shrinks the vessels.
What Can I Expect?
At your initial consultation, Dr. Reichel will determine the best treatment plan for your desired results. For most patients, it takes 4-6 treatments approximately 3 weeks apart. It's extremely important to not be tan (including artificial tans), as this may interfere with the IPL procedure. No anesthesia is necessary, although we will ensure that you are comfortable during your treatment. The handpiece will send a beam of light through your skin. A flashing light, an audible tone, and a mild sensation on the skin will tell you when the handpiece is being pulsed.
Immediately after treatment, you may feel like you have a slight sunburn, with minor redness and possibly swelling. This usually lasts 2-24 hours, and can be soothed with cold compresses or ice packs. Your brown spots will also darken after treatment and be naturally shed from the skin within 1-2 weeks. Moisturizer with sunscreen is applied immediately afterwards and should be continued throughout the duration of your IPL Photofacial treatment sessions.
» Click here for more information about IPL/PhotoFacial Rejuvenation.
» Click here to view before/after photos of this procedure in the Photo Gallery.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is an intensive Photofacial treatment that utilizes the application of Levulan solution to the skin prior to IPL treatment. Instead of 4-6 treatments, it may only require 2-3 treatments, one month apart. Dr. Reichel both have extensive experience with this procedure. PDT allows us to aggressively treat the signs of sun damage, including brown spots, redness, and fine wrinkling, as well as pre-cancerous lesions (actinic keratoses) and acne. PDT inactivates the bacteria that triggers acne, exfoliates the skin to unclog pores, and shuts down the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin that are the primary cause of acne.
- Sun Damage
- Pre-cancerous Lesions
- Acne
- Brown spots
How It Works
Levulan Kerastick topical solution is 20% aminolevulinic acid, an acid that occurs naturally in your body and is a strong photosensitizing agent. Once applied to the skin, it is absorbed by skin cells, especially precancerous cells and sebaceous glands. When activated by a light source, such as IPL, highly charged oxygen free radicals are formed, causing destruction of the brown spots, broken capillaries, precancerous lesions, and acne-causing sebaceous glands. Fine wrinkles are also improved. More Levulan can be applied to the problem areas to intensify the response.
What Can I Expect?
At your consultation, Dr. Reichel will determine if you are a good candidate for PDT. This procedure may not be suitable for patients with darker skin. It is extremely important that you are not tan (including artificial tans) prior to your procedure.
The area of treatment will be thoroughly cleansed and Levulan Kerastick will be applied one hour before your procedure. No anesthesia is required, but we will ensure that you are comfortable during your treatment. IPL will then be used to activate the Levulan.
You may experience stinging or burning lasting up to 24 hours after the treatment is completed. It is extremely important to avoid sunlight and other forms of bright light for at least 48 hours after treatment. Examples include exam room lights, operating room lamps, tanning bed lights, and household lights at close range. Sunscreens will not protect against photosensitivity reactions caused by visible light. Remember to wear light protective clothing, such as a broad-rimmed hat, during this time. A minimum of SPF 30 sunscreen is also required during the healing period.
You may experience redness, flaking, swelling, crusting, and itching after your treatment. This usually subsides in 1-2 weeks, but rarely may last up to 4 weeks. Moisturizer with SPF 30 sunscreen is recommended during this time. Generally, it takes 2-3 treatments approximately 1 month apart, depending on the nature of the condition and your response to PDT. Dr. Reichel will personally perform this procedure.
» Click here for more information about Photodynamic Therapy.
