Best IPL in Tucson, AZ

Treatment

Intense pulsed light

Prep

No retinols for 3 days before

Afterward

Feels like a sunburn

No lotions

For 4 hours after

What is IPL?

IPL stands for intense pulsed light. You may also hear it called a photofacial or photorejuvenation.

IPL is a light treatment, not a true laser. Unlike a laser, an IPL device uses a flashlamp that sends out light across a broad range of wavelengths. It is non-ablative, which means it works without injuring the surface of the skin.

How does IPL work?

All light based Skin Rejuvenation treatments work by converting light energy from the IPL to heat the treated area. This heat stimulates the formation of collagen and elastin which tighten the skin, lightens pigmentation, reduces telangiectasias, and ultimately (after a series of treatments) improves overall skin tone, texture, and appearance.

How the light finds its target

An IPL device uses a flashlamp and filters to send out pulses of light in a chosen range of wavelengths. Like a laser, the light heats its target in the skin, such as the pigment in a brown spot or the blood in a small vessel, and leaves the skin around it largely unharmed.

Because the wavelengths, pulse length, and energy can all be adjusted, IPL can be set up for different skin types and concerns.

How can IPL help me?

Intense pulse laser technology is one of today’s most advanced options for non-surgical correction of common skin problems.

Common Reasons for IPL treatment

• Age spots
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Facial flushing
• Redness
• Broken capillaries
• Freckles
• Minor sun damage
• Port wine stains
• Large pores

A closer look at what IPL treats

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What should I know before IPL treatments?

Before your visit

Avoid makeup or lotions, and avoid the sun, as sunburned skin cannot be treated. Avoid all irritants to area, such as bleaching creams, retinols/retinas, glycolic/salicylic acids 3 days prior to treatment. Avoid chemical peels for two weeks prior to treatment. Please let us know prior to your appointment if you are taking any new medications that make you photosensitive.

What happens during an IPL treatment?

During your visit

Your skin is cleansed first, and you wear eye protection the whole time to shield your eyes from the bright light. Your provider then presses the IPL handpiece against each treatment area and delivers pulses of light.

What to expect after IPL treatments?

After your visit

You will feel like you have a sunburn after treatment. To soothe skin you are able to use aloe and ice packs. No lotions or products for 4 hours post treatment. To achieve the best results complete the full treatment schedule recommended.

Planning your IPL prep and aftercare

Prep and aftercare

Our IPL prep and aftercare instructions walk through every step. A few to plan around:

• Come to your appointment with a clean face, free of makeup and creams on the treatment area.
• Stay out of the sun and tanning beds before treatment.
• Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen before treatment. Your instructions give the timing.
• Tell us if you are taking or have taken Accutane (an oral acne medication) or any medication that makes your skin sensitive to light.
• Tell us if you have a history of cold sores.
• Keep ice packs ready at home to soothe your skin afterward.
• Protect your skin after treatment with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.

How does IPL compare with ResurFX and Cool Peel?

IPL is one of several laser and light treatments we offer, and each one works a little differently.

• IPL is a non-ablative light treatment that targets pigment and small blood vessels.
• ResurFX is a non-ablative fractional laser. It heats tissue below the surface and leaves the top layer of skin in place. Lumenis, its maker, says ResurFX can be given on its own or after IPL.
• Cool Peel is a fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing treatment. Unlike IPL and ResurFX, it is ablative.

IPL is sometimes paired with laser skin resurfacing or a chemical peel. Your provider will recommend the right option, or combination, for your skin and goals at your consultation.

Am I a candidate for IPL?

IPL may be a good fit if you are in good general health and can stay out of the sun after each treatment. You may not be a good candidate for IPL therapy if you are prone to developing red, raised keloid scars or other forms of excess scarring, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation. You are also not a good candidate for intense pulsed light therapy if you do not react well to heat.

Your provider will review your health history, medications, and skin at your consultation and let you know whether IPL is right for you.

Play video: IPL video, a provider in purple gloves treats a woman's forehead with an IPL handpiece while white shields cover her eyes