As we age, our skin undergoes various changes, leading to the loss of radiance and discoloration. The effects of sun damage, stress, and other environmental factors are inevitable. However, skin rejuvenation techniques can help restore the skin’s youthful appearance. Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a relatively new and effective way of addressing these issues, and it has become increasingly popular over the years.
At Glam Aesthetics Medspa in Atlanta, GA, we offer top-notch IPL treatments guaranteed to leave you with your desired results. Led by Julie Krochonis, MSN, AGNP-C, we are dedicated to ensuring that your experience at our medspa is nothing less than exceptional. If you want to enhance your skin’s appearance and reduce signs of aging, our IPL treatments use advanced technology to deliver excellent results. We take pride in providing our clients with optimal care and treatments that meet their unique needs.
What Is IPL?
IPL, also known as intense pulsed light, is an effective, non-invasive skin treatment that offers a range of benefits for anyone wishing to achieve a rejuvenated, healthy-looking complexion. Also commonly referred to as IPL photofacials or IPL facials, these treatments use broad-spectrum light to target and reduce the appearance of various skin issues.
During treatment, a handheld device with a specialized lamp emits intense flashes of light that penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, targeting specific pigment and vascular concerns. IPL therapy is a safe and trusted solution for anyone hoping to achieve a smoother, brighter, and more youthful complexion.
How Does IPL Work?
Intense pulsed light (IPL) emits multiple wavelengths of light, which target pigment in the skin. The energy is absorbed by melanin in areas of discoloration or by hemoglobin in visible blood vessels. This process heats the targeted cells, breaking them down so the body can naturally remove them over time. IPL is effective because it can treat different layers of skin without damaging the surrounding tissue. The light pulses are carefully calibrated to reach specific depths, allowing for precise treatment of pigmentation issues, sun damage, and redness, all while promoting the skin’s natural regeneration.
Benefits of IPL
Enhanced Skin Texture
An IPL photofacial doesn’t just work superficially; it encourages the skin to improve from within. Regular sessions promote collagen production, essential for the skin’s elasticity and firmness. As a result, patients often notice a smoother skin texture and a reduction in fine lines.
Reduction of Pigmentation
Hyperpigmentation, like sunspots and age spots, absorbs the IPL’s light energy, which eventually causes them to fade. Over time, this treatment can dramatically reduce the visibility of dark spots, leading to a more even skin tone.
Managing Rosacea
For those struggling with the chronic redness and flushing of rosacea, IPL offers a beacon of hope. The light energy helps shrink the blood vessels responsible for this redness, providing patients with long-term relief.
Acne and Scar Minimization
IPL is adept at reducing the appearance of acne scars by promoting skin healing and regeneration. Furthermore, the light can help control active acne by targeting the bacteria and reducing inflammation.
Sun Damage Reversal
IPL is particularly effective for addressing sun damage because it targets the pigment in sunspots and other areas of hyperpigmentation. By breaking down this excess pigment, IPL stimulates the skin’s natural healing process, gradually reducing the appearance of sun-induced skin imperfections like age spots and freckles.
Vascular Lesion Reduction
IPL is a valuable treatment for individuals with visible veins or capillaries, such as those with conditions like rosacea or spider veins. In many cases, IPL can significantly lessen the appearance of these vascular lesions and, in some instances, even completely remove them, providing smoother and clearer skin.
Minimal Downtime
IPL stands out for its minimal downtime compared to some other cosmetic procedures. Patients can typically resume their daily activities soon after treatment. While some individuals may experience mild redness or slight swelling, these side effects are usually temporary and easily managed.
Long-lasting Results
IPL offers long-lasting results when a full course of treatments is completed. Many clients have experienced sustainable improvements in skin tone, texture, and overall appearance for several years. Periodic maintenance sessions can help prolong these positive effects, making IPL a valuable option for ongoing skincare maintenance.
Why Lumecca By Inmode?
Lumecca by InMode is a next-generation IPL treatment that delivers higher peak power than other light-based devices which allows for faster and more effective results. Its advanced technology targets pigmented and vascular lesions with greater precision, requiring fewer sessions for the same results. The larger spot size and cooling sapphire tip provide a more comfortable experience while maintaining even energy distribution for consistent, reliable results.
How to Treat Acne Scars With Lumecca
Acne scars often form when inflammatory acne disrupts the skin’s natural collagen production, leaving behind pits or raised areas and dark spots known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Lumecca IPL treats pigmented spots by using high-intensity light pulses that penetrate the skin and break down excess melanin. This process encourages the body to regenerate healthy skin cells and balance pigmentation over time. Lumecca also stimulates collagen production, helping to gradually smooth out the uneven texture caused by scar tissue and improving both the tone and surface of the skin.
How to Treat Sun Damage With IPL
Lumecca is also an excellent solution for sun damage reversal. It works by targeting sun-induced pigmentation issues such as age spots, freckles, and redness caused by sun exposure. The device’s broad-spectrum light penetrates the skin to break down clusters of melanin, allowing the body to naturally eliminate them. For conditions like solar lentigines (dark spots) and spider veins, which can be caused by too much sun exposure, the precise wavelengths of Lumecca are particularly effective. By treating both surface-level and deeper skin concerns, Lumecca not only reverses visible signs of sun damage but also stimulates collagen production which can improve the texture of skin that has become leathery from sun exposure.
Your IPL Treatment
Consultation and Skin Preparation
Before your skin treatment, we’ll have a conversation about your skin concerns and what you’d like to achieve. During this step, we take a close look at your skin to understand the pigmentation or scars we’ll be addressing. This allows us to adjust the IPL settings for you. On the day of treatment, we recommend not putting makeup or other products on your skin. If there are specific steps you need to take before the session, we’ll guide you through those.
Cooling Gel and Protective Eyewear
To make the treatment comfortable, we start by applying a cooling gel to the target area. This gel not only provides a soothing layer on the skin but also helps improve the effectiveness of the light pulses. We give you protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the bright flashes during the treatment.
Using the Device
When using the Lumecca IPL device, we deliver quick pulses of light to the areas of concern. As we pass the device over your skin, you’ll feel warmth and a sensation similar to a gentle snap, like a rubber band. The energy from the light is absorbed by pigmentation and blood vessels, targeting those problem areas while leaving the surrounding skin unaffected. We adjust the light intensity and duration based on your skin to provide a precise and personalized treatment.
Post-Treatment Cooling
After your session, your skin may feel warm, and you could notice some redness, similar to a mild sunburn. To help calm your skin, we can apply soothing and protective serums to your skin right after the treatment.
Aftercare Instructions
After your treatment, we’ll give you easy-to-follow aftercare guidelines. Typically, this includes staying out of direct sunlight and applying sunscreen regularly, as your skin will be more sensitive to UV exposure. You’ll also want to stick to a gentle skincare routine, avoiding any harsh products or exfoliants while your skin heals. Keeping your skin moisturized and using calming products will help support your recovery and enhance the results of the treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About IPL Photofacial
An IPL treatment session typically lasts between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the size of the treated area. This relatively quick treatment time makes IPL a convenient option for those with busy schedules, as it can easily be incorporated into a lunch break or a spare moment.
You may start noticing improvements in your skin a few days after your IPL session, but the full results typically develop over the next few weeks as your skin naturally regenerates. Pigmented areas may darken initially before fading, and redness or other discoloration often diminishes gradually. You may begin to see dark spots sloughing off after several days. Depending on your treatment plan and the skin concerns being addressed, multiple sessions may be recommended for optimal results.
The number of IPL treatments varies, but many clients achieve optimal results in three to five sessions. The specific treatment plan is often tailored to individual skin concerns and goals. We will assess your progress after each session to determine the need for additional treatments.
Results from IPL treatments can last for several years, especially with proper skincare and protection from the sun. However, periodic maintenance treatments are recommended to prolong the effects and address any new concerns that may arise over time. Consistent sun protection and a good skincare regimen can significantly contribute to the longevity of your IPL results.
Ideal candidates for an IPL Photofacial are individuals with light to medium skin tones looking to address concerns such as age spots, sun spots, rosacea, or general skin dullness. The treatment is best suited for those with elastic, non-oily skin that’s not too dark, as darker skin can absorb too much light energy, leading to complications.
Age is not a significant factor; however, overall health and certain skin conditions may impact eligibility. Those who avoid excessive sun exposure post-treatment often see the best results. A professional assessment with us is crucial to determine if IPL is the right choice for your skin concerns and lifestyle.
About Glam Aesthetics
At Glam Aesthetics, we bring over two decades of experience in the plastic surgery and aesthetics world to your skin treatment process. Our founder, Julie Krochonis, MSN, AGNP-C, is a nurse practitioner injector who has been perfecting her craft for 17 years and is certified as a Senior Laser Practitioner. With a specialization in Botox® and dermal fillers, she combines her deep knowledge of facial anatomy and precision techniques to deliver personalized, natural-looking results. Whether you’re seeking rejuvenation through injectables or advanced laser and IPL treatments, you can trust that each treatment is customized to meet your unique skin needs.
Unlock Glowing Skin With IPL Treatments in Atlanta, GA
At Glam Aesthetics Medspa in Atlanta, GA, we prioritize providing our clients with the highest quality IPL treatments. Whether you seek to address issues with acne scars or hyperpigmentation, we have the experience and technology to deliver the results you desire. At our facility, we use intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy to target specific areas of the skin, promoting rejuvenation and renewal.
If you’re interested in exploring IPL treatments with us, we invite you to contact us online or by phone at (404) 777-0191 to schedule a consultation.