Background

The intense pulsed light laser (IPL) is an instrument designed for safe and reliable skin treatment. It improves the appearance of photoaged skin, removes age spots (sun induced freckles), most benign brown pigments, broken capillaries and redness, through the process of photorejuvenation . IPL skin treatments are not intended to be substitutes for surgical facelift or eyelid procedures, or procedures that treat deep wrinkles and sagging skin. IPL skin treatments are perfect for individuals with an active lifestyle who can not set aside healing time, as required for surgery and ablative procedures. The IPL laser procedure requires no “downtime” and you can resume all activities immediately after the treatment, except for sun exposure.

Darker skin tones absorb a greater amount of the laser light. We can safely perform the laser procedure in people with darker skin, however recent tans lead to more unpredictable results. It is asked that you inform Dr. Sayah if you have been tanning in the sun or attending a tanning salon.

To optimize the effect of the laser while minimizing side-effects, we ask that you begin a skin care regimen prior to your treatment. This includes:

1. Retin-A
Retin A prepares your skin for laser rejuvenation by thinning the outer layer of the skin while thickening the deeper layers. This leads to a more effective and homogenous laser treatment. It also decreases the likelihood of irregularities caused by the treatment.

Instructions: apply every night after washing your face with a gentle cleanser.

2. Hydroquinine (4%)
Hydroquinone decreases the amount of melanin (pigment) produced by your skin cells leading to a more even skin color. By lightening your skin, it also increases the contrast between your normal skin color and the color of the sun damaged lesions. Its third effect is to correct the minor sun induced pigmentary changes in your skin. This medication is particularly helpful in patients with a Mediterranean background who have naturally darker skin color.

Instructions: apply every morning and night after washing your face with a gentle cleanser.

3. Sun-block (SPF 45 and above)
To protect your sensitized skin from the sun after using the above medications, you must use a sun-block daily. An SPF of 45 or greater is necessary even on rainy days. A combination of facial moisturizer and sun-block are ideal.

Instructions: apply every day after washing your face with a gentle cleanser.

Procedure

Any dark color absorbs more light than a lighter color. Laser skin rejuvenation takes advantage of this principle to specifically target the darker pigmented lesions on your face, and the red vascular changes that may accompany them. Intense pulsed light (IPL) is conducted through a filter which narrows the spectrum of light emitted from the laser unit. The beam is then aimed at your face one regular spot at a time. Your skin requires 3-4 weeks to remodel and heal from each laser treatment. During this time your normal skin becomes more tolerant of the laser energy, while the lesions of concern become more sensitive. A repeat laser treatment with a higher energy is delivered at your next session. A minimum of 4-6 treatments are generally necessary to achieve the desired effects. With each progressive treatment, the energy delivered by the laser is increased in an invidualized pattern. If you find you have achieved your desired changes after fewer than 4 treatments, you may of course stop.

It is imperative that all people in the treatment room wear protective eyewear. One will be furnished to you at the beginning of your session. Please do not remove the eyewear at anytime during the treatment. If you need to do so, simply ask to stop your treatment.

Due to the low energy intense pulsed light used in the treatment, no anesthesia is usually necessary. If you find that you are particularly sensitive to the treatment, a topical anesthetic can be applied prior to your treatment. This medication requires 15 minutes to take effect, however, requiring you to come for your laser appointment at least 20 minutes earlier.

After Pocedure

You must avoid direct sunlight and wear sun-block with a high protection factor for at least 1 month after your treatment. Tanning after treatment sessions may enhance melanin regeneration, which may result in hyper-pigmentation.

You may apply makeup immediately after your treatment. However, if you have a reaction to your makeup, please inform us as soon as possible. You can resume your regular activities and work schedule. The popularity of IPL facial rejuvenation is due to no downtime.