IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. Also known as a "photofacial" treatment it delivers broadband light through the skin for Skin rejuvenation. IPL helps restore a youthful looking skin intended for photo aged or sun damaged skin. It helps decrease facial redness, lessen the appearance of pigmented spots, reduce pore size and improve texture and fine lines.

What is IPL?

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. Also known as a "photofacial" treatment it delivers broadband light through the skin for Skin rejuvenation. IPL helps restore a youthful looking skin intended for photo aged or sun damaged skin. It helps decrease facial redness, lessen the appearance of pigmented spots, reduce pore size and improve texture and fine lines.

How Does IPL Work?

IPL delivers high intensity pulses of broadband light that is non-ablative, meaning that is does not damage the surface of the skin. The intense light is delivered to the deeper parts of the skin (dermis) and leaves the superficial aspect of the skin (epidermis) untouched. We use the Lumenis Quantum IPL Brand.

What Are the Advantages of IPL?

IPL can eradicate red facial veins & flushing, improve acne rosacea, treat irregular pigmentation, dark sun spots, and reduce fine facial lines. If you want skin TIGHTENING & LIFTING we suggest you visit our ULTHERAPY page.

Who Is A Good Candidate For IPL?

Patients with rosacea, red flushed faces secondary to acne rosacea, facial blood vessels and capillaries, sun damaged skin, pigmented facial spots and enlarged pores.

Who Is NOT A Good Candidate For IPL?

Darker complexions, tanned skin, spray tans or recently tanned skin individuals are generally not good candidates for the treatment. Men who wish to have facial treatments, should note the beard /mustache area can have patchy hair loss after a session, so may not want to treat this area where regular facial hair grows.

What Areas of the Body Can Be Treated?

Face, neck, chest and hands.

When Do Patients Have Treatments?

Patients should undergo a series 3-4 IPL treatments. Treatments are administered every 3-4 weeks. Each treatment session takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on treated areas.

How is the Treatment Performed?

During treatment, a cool gel is applied to the treated area, then a pulse of light similar to a rubber band snap is emitted from the handpiece. Generally no local anesthetic is required as most individuals tolerate the treatment well. After the session you may have some redness and feel like a sunburn for the rest of the day, but there is no downtime and the individual can return to work the following day.

How Quickly Do Patients See Results?

After one or two treatments, your skin will have more even tone and a smoother look and feel. Sunspots will start to fade and pores can become less apparent. Fine lines and wrinkles may soften over time. These improvements continue with each treatment. Patient with acne rosacea will see a reduction in facial redness as a result of each treatment.

What Are the Side Effects?

Post-treatment pinkness and mild discomfort like a sunburn sensation for a few hours . Areas treated may be prone to hyperpigmentation ( darking of the skin). Avoidance of the sun and wearing sunscreen daily are advised. Because all individuals are different, we generally will begin your sessions at a more conservative level then progressively increase the treatment levels. This will minimize any unwanted side effects and any potential skin burns, yet develop an ideal treatment protocol for each individual.


For additional information and appointment availability, please feel free to contact us at our Vancouver, WA location any time.