IPL Treatment Vancouver with Dr. Shadan Kabiri
We all want to see our most beautiful selves in the mirror. When sun damage, broken capillaries, enlarged pores and more start trespassing on our reflection, self-esteem can take a hit.
Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) is one of the most advanced solutions to treat discoloration and irregular pigmentation. It sends pulses of light deep into the skin to remove damaged cells. After a series of five treatments spaced three to four weeks apart, your skin will undergo an astounding transformation from spotted and dull to clear and youthful.
If you have questions about IPL and your skin, feel free to call Dr. Kabiri at 604-925-1301.
What Is Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Skin?
Intense pulsed light technology, or IPL, sends out more than one wavelength of pulsating light, treating a range of skin conditions simultaneously. More affordable and involving less downtime than lasers, IPL is often an entry-level treatment for people moving beyond lotions and home remedies to clinical solutions. The treatment addresses age spots, brown spots, acne scars, uneven skin tone, and more.
Top Treatment Areas for IPL
Though you might hear some people refer to IPL as a “photofacial,” it can refine and rejuvenate the skin on any place on the body.
Neck and Chest
Hands
arms
What Are the Benefits of IPL?
IPL offers several notable advantages for you to consider, including:
- Improved skin texture and tone
- Minimized pore size
- Minimized discoloration caused by sun damage and sun exposure
- Minimized appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Rejuvenated skin and a more youthful appearance
- Low risks and minimal recovery time
Who Is a Good Candidate?
IPL treatments are highly customizable. Together, we work out the areas need the most attention. IPL tends to be most effective on white, untanned skin. People taking Accutane should not request IPL until six months after their last dose of the medication. Those with tanned or dark skin risk changing skin pigment noticeably with IPL.
What Can I Expect During Treatment?
Most patients find IPL treatments tolerable. We determine your pain tolerance in our consultation and take every possible measure to ensure your safety and comfort during your photofacial.
Each session lasts about 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area you wish to treat. If you like, you can return to work and your other normal daily responsibilities after your IPL session.
We provide cooling gel or cold compresses to minimize any discomfort you may feel after the treatment.
What Can I Expect After Treatment?
In theIn the days after the procedure, you may experience bruising, swelling, crusting and a slightly darker complexion. These temporary effects are no cause for concern and should resolve on their own. Even with such a minimally invasive treatment, your skin will still respond with its normal, healthy, healing process.
We’ll encourage you to avoid the sun as much as possible for at least the first week following your treatment. Application of a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher also helps your skin recover.
Though we will send you home with detailed post-procedure care instructions, there are several general steps you should take to ensure your post-procedure experience goes as smoothly as possible. Knowing what to expect after IPL will help you remember what not to do after your treatment.
- Don’t take hot showers, hot baths, or go in a hot tub for at least 48 hours.
- Don’t use any exfoliating products for the first seven days, as these can irritate your skin as it heals.
- Don’t pick at any crusting or blisters that form.
- Wait at least two days to exercise or participate in any other strenuous activity.
- Don’t go outside without sun protection, such as sunblock and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Don’t use any skin care products that have harsh chemicals or contain high amounts of vitamin A, such as alpha-hydroxy acids, Retin-A, glycolic acid, and retinoic acid.
IPL: Frequenty Asked Questions
IPL treatments work wonders, but your specific results will depend on what skin conditions you are hoping to address. Many people report significant improvement, especially after a series of sessions with IPL.
Most patients find their skin looks and feels smoother by the second or third week after the first treatment. Coloration may not be as diminished. In fact, freckles and age spots could get darker at first, before fading. Your second treatment leads to a reduction in redness, dark spots, fine lines, and pore size.
To prolong your results, be consistent with your skin care regimen. Sunburns and overexposure will reverse the effects of your treatment, and dullness will return if you neglect regular exfoliation, cleansing, and moisturizing.
Though you may expect to see a marked improvement after only one treatment, most people see the best results from receiving three to six IPL sessions, spaced three weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments twice a year.
Your best choice for any treatment of this type is to have a medical professional perform it in the comfort of their facility. Advanced Laser Technology & Cosmetic Center is a leading provider of non-surgical skin care solutions in West Vancouver. Our experienced, compassionate staff is second to none in our commitment to providing unparalleled patient-centered care. See beautiful changes in your complexion when you schedule a customizable IPL treatment.
IPL stands for intense pulsed light therapy. This form of laser therapy uses targeted light rays to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, improving skin tone, elasticity, health, and texture.
During an IPL photofacial in Vancouver, the IPL machine’s hand-held applicator slowly passes over the treatment area. Many patients compare it to a “magic wand.” The pulses of light are emitted from the wand’s tip, giving Dr. Kabiri maximum control over the targeted laser energy. During the treatment, you’ll need to wear goggles to protect your eyes from the flashes of light.
Dr. Kabiri will also cover the treatment area with a chilling gel, which helps cool the area, reduce discomfort, and guide the light rays into the skin.
IPL therapy is highly beneficial in that recovery time is minimal. Nonetheless, patients should avoid direct sunlight for several days following treatment by wearing hats and long sleeves (depending on treatment area) and using SPF 30+ sunscreen lotion.
Most patients tolerate IPL treatment very well. It is often said that the sensation feels like a small elastic band being snapped onto the skin.
Your Vancouver IPL cost depends entirely on the treatment area. The larger the area and the deeper the skin concern, the more sessions will be required.
IPL photorejuvenation is a no-downtime, non-invasive, non-surgical skin treatment procedure that can:
- Reduce redness
- Reduce and minimize acne scarring
- Even out discoloration caused by sun damage
- Reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. This means the treatment uses strong light energy pulses to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms to procedure the desired effects.
In some cases, patients might notice a slight flush to their skin or a natural glow. If this is not your taste, you can immediately apply makeup to reduce this effect.
As IPL laser photorejuvenation in Vancouver is often used as a treatment for sun-damaged skin, it is ideal to have the procedure done in the autumn or winter, when there is the least amount of sun.
The most common body areas treated with IPL include the upper chest, the back of the hands and wrists, and the arms. Of course, the face is a significant area for IPL treatment as well.
These areas are commonly treated with IPL because they are the most susceptible to sun damage.
Insurance companies generally view IPL Vancouver as a non-essential procedure. They don’t like paying out for treatments that they determine as not essential to the patient’s quality of life.
Absolutely. Many of Dr Kabiri’s IPL patients enjoy compounding their treatment results by getting other minimally invasive treatments, such as lip fillers or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.
To learn more, call us at 604-925-1301. You can also ask your questions or schedule a consultation via our online form.