Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
A reddish complexion, visible veins, fine wrinkles, and blotchy pigmentation are all common cosmetic concerns that many people think are just a fact of life, and the best that can be done is to cover them with makeup. The truth is that an advanced La Jolla facial rejuvenation treatment - Intense Pulsed Light or "IPL" - is helping women and men treat these and other skin imperfections in a safe, comfortable, and quick visit to the office of Dr. Susan Stuart.
As a La Jolla dermatologist and skin care specialist, Dr. Stuart has helped thousands of women and men enjoy smooth, blemish-free skin. She can help you too - request a consultation online today or call (858) 623-6333 to schedule your appointment.
IPL - How It Works
Used on its own or as a complement to San Diego Fraxel® treatments or other skin care procedures, IPL is a softer, gentler alternative to dermabrasion and chemical peel treatments that seek to refresh the skin. During treatment, a precise amount of light energy is delivered through your skin's surface to stimulate new collagen production (a key factor in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles) and encourage skin renewal from within.
Dr. Stuart is committed to offering treatments such as IPL at her La Jolla skin care practice. The best candidates for IPL have red, flushed faces (generally caused by rosacea), sun-damaged skin, pigmentation problems, or enlarged pores. IPL is particularly effective at treating rosacea, which may be reduced up to 90 percent following a series of treatments. If you think IPL may be right for you, Dr. Stuart is happy to provide you with a personal evaluation and recommend a plan for your skin concerns.
Fractional IPL
For people with areas of dark pigmentation and skin discoloration, Dr. Stuart has found Fractional IPL to be particularly effective. This targeted form of IPL allows only certain wavelengths to be emitted from the device, providing both comfort and efficacy. Similar to Fraxel, the Fractional IPL is able to lay down microthermal zones for better penetration and treats skin discolorations like melasma, hyperpigmentation, and lentigos among others. By selecting the perfect wavelength, Dr. Stuart is able to customize the right treatment for your skin concerns.
Directly after your treatment with the Fractional IPL and twice daily thereafter for 4 to 6 weeks, hydroquinone, a topical skin treatment that helps reduce dark pigmentation, will be applied to help maintain the results. In San Diego, BOTOX® Cosmetic is often used to enhance the effects of IPL by reducing lines and wrinkles.
IPL Treatment
Most patients will need 5 to 8 treatments each spaced about 3 weeks apart to achieve a maximum amount of rejuvenation. Each treatment lasts between 15 to 30 minutes, and is performed right in Dr. Stuart's office - making for both an efficient and convenient option for your busy lifestyle. IPL involves very little discomfort, with some patients reporting a mild sting like the snap of a rubber band on the skin. Dr. Stuart can provide a topical anesthetic to numb the treatment areas if necessary for your continued comfort.
For years, light-based skin treatments have been used safely and effectively for facial rejuvenation and hair removal in San Diego - in fact, there have been millions of treatments worldwide. That is why Dr. Stuart is confident that IPL is the right choice for many of her La Jolla facial rejuvenation patients. Because the amount of light energy can be customized, it is easier to leave healthy tissue intact, minimizing the amount of post-treatment bruising and redness that may occur.
IPL Treatment Recovery & Results
After each IPL session, you should not experience lasting discomfort. At first your skin may seem more red and veins may appear to be more visible, but this "flushed" appearance should quickly give way to a younger, smoother, and healthier-looking complexion. Subsequent treatments will create further improvement, with sunspots and discoloration fading out, pore size shrinking, and fine wrinkles becoming less apparent. Patients with rosacea will see decreased redness following each treatment. Dr. Stuart advises patients to stay away from harsh skin cleansers and to use sunscreen to both protect results and minimize the chance of new skin blemishes forming.
For your safety and successful results, IPL procedures should be performed only by a qualified medical doctor who is familiar with this treatment technology. Dr. Stuart is considered one San Diego's leading dermatologists for laser and light-based skin therapies and has been selected as one of America's Top Physicians in Dermatology. She has over 15 years of experience in cosmetic, laser and medical dermatology as a board-certified dermatologist. She is dedicated to providing personalized care and developing a lasting relationship with her patients.
Isn't it time you felt good about the face you see in the mirror? Learn how IPL can help you enhance your complexion when you request a consultation online or call Dr. Stuart at (858) 623-6333 for your San Diego skin care needs.
