Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

IPL is a non-invasive skin treatment that uses light energy to improve the appearance of pigmentation, redness, and overall skin texture, helping you achieve a clearer, more even complexion.

Clearer, Brighter Skin with IPL

IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light, is a versatile skin rejuvenation treatment that targets a range of skin concerns, from sun damage and age spots to redness and fine lines. By delivering broad-spectrum light into the skin, IPL effectively breaks down pigmentation and stimulates collagen production, resulting in a clearer, more youthful complexion.

Benefits of IPL:

  • Improves skin tone and texture: Reduces pigmentation, redness, and fine lines for a more even complexion.
  • Non-invasive: No surgery, minimal discomfort, and no downtime.
  • Versatile treatment: Addresses a variety of skin concerns, including sun damage, rosacea, and acne scars.
  • Quick results: Noticeable improvements after just one session, with optimal results after a series of treatments.
  • Safe for most skin types: Suitable for a wide range of skin tones and conditions.

What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that uses high-intensity pulses of light to penetrate the skin and treat various skin concerns. Unlike lasers, which use a single wavelength of light, IPL emits a broad spectrum of light that can be filtered to target specific pigments in the skin. This makes IPL an effective treatment for a wide range of conditions, including hyperpigmentation, sun spots, redness, and fine lines. IPL is a popular choice for those looking to rejuvenate their skin with minimal downtime and long-lasting results. It can be great in combination with other laser treatments as well.

How Does IPL Work?

IPL works by delivering pulses of broad-spectrum light into the skin, where it is absorbed by the targeted pigment or blood vessels. The light energy is converted into heat, which breaks down the unwanted pigment or closes off the blood vessels causing redness. The body naturally removes these damaged cells over time, revealing clearer, more even-toned skin. In addition to treating pigmentation and redness, IPL also stimulates collagen production, helping to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Treatment Areas for IPL

  • Face: Reduces sun spots, age spots, freckles, and redness for a clearer complexion.
  • Neck: Treats pigmentation and improves skin texture on the neck.
  • Chest: Addresses sun damage and pigmentation on the décolletage.
  • Hands: Reduces the appearance of age spots and sun damage on the hands.

What to Expect During Your IPL Treatment

An IPL treatment session typically lasts between 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated. During the procedure, a cooling gel is applied to the skin, and the IPL device is gently moved across the treatment area. Patients may experience a warm sensation, similar to a rubber band snap, but the treatment is generally well-tolerated. We offer topical anesthesia to all of our patients. After the session, the skin may appear slightly red, similar to a mild sunburn, but this usually subsides within a few hours to a couple of days.

Results and Aftercare

Results from IPL treatments are usually visible within a few weeks, with continued improvement over the course of several sessions. For optimal results, a series of 3 to 6 treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart is often recommended. Aftercare involves using sunscreen to protect the treated areas. Patients should also follow a gentle skincare routine to support the healing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many IPL treatments will I need?

The number of treatments depends on your skin condition and goals. Typically, 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart are recommended for the best results.

When will I see results from IPL?

Results are often noticeable after the first session, with continued improvement as you complete the recommended series of treatments.

Is there any downtime after IPL?

IPL has minimal downtime. You may experience some redness and slight swelling, and your pigmented spots may appear a little darker, but most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after treatment.

Is IPL safe?

Yes, IPL is a safe and effective treatment with a well-established safety profile. It is suitable for most skin types, but a consultation is necessary to determine if IPL is right for you.

Can IPL be combined with other treatments?

Yes, IPL can be combined with other treatments like Clear and Brilliant or microneedling to enhance results and address multiple skin concerns simultaneously.

Who is a good candidate for IPL?

IPL is ideal for individuals looking to improve skin tone, reduce pigmentation, and treat redness without invasive procedures. Patients with darker skin phototypes and melasma would need to be assessed by Dr. Beleznay to see if they are a candidate.

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Patient Reviews

"I don't like needles so no botox or filler for me but I see Dr. Beleznay and her team for laser treatments for my skin and recently tried Emface and am quite happy with the results. They put on good numbing on to help with pain and leave that on for a bit which is nice. It’s better than the EMLA wrap I had before."
"Dr. Beleznay is so kind, professional, and an absolute expert at what she does! I am grateful I not only met her but her treatments have never felt short of amazing!"
"OK I’m going to admit I came in and was a little uncertain of what to expect. I was anxious about the consult and just doing treatments in general, but she and her team made me feel very comfortable and I love love love my results! I’m so glad I got off my sofa and came in!"
"Enjoyed my meeting with Dr. Beleznay. The building is hard to get into with construction, but they paid for my parking which was a nice perk. The experience was pleasant without too much pain. I also like my new skincare routine."

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Humphrey & Beleznay Cosmetic Dermatology
943 W Broadway #820, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E1
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