See The Light

Though it's been around for years, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is still a popular treatment choice of skin professionals - probably because it works! The intense pulsed light penetrates down through the layers of the dermis to break up hyperpigmentation caused by the sun. The pigment is brought to the surface of the skin and begins to naturally exfoliate, leaving behind a more even skin tone.

BENEFITS OF IPL – PhotoFacial

The benefits of intense pulsed light therapy are significant. When performed by a qualified, licensed skincare specialist, a series of IPL treatments can improve nearly all aspects of skin aesthetics, including:

Improving sun spots or other pigmentation irregularities, such as hyperpigmentation. Helping repair small blood vessels/capillaries that have become visible. Combating acne and improve the appearance of large pores. Treatment of rosacea or other types of diffuse redness in the skin. By treating a slightly deeper layer of the skin, IPL stimulates collagen growth, thereby helping to improve skin texture. The cost of IPL is often less than other laser procedures. Another benefit of IPL/photorejuvenation procedures is they allow for additional treatment with microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and other skincare procedures that target the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. Since IPL treatments target deeper layers of the skin, they can be safely performed in conjunction with other, more superficial treatments.

RISKS OF TREATMENT

Another reason IPL / photofacial treatments have become so popular is that the benefits heavily outweigh the risks. The side effects of IPL, such as swelling, redness, facial flushing, are very minor and typically disappear within a few hours or a day of the procedure. Although there are some cases of blistering and hypo- or hyperpigmentation, these instances are very rare.

If patients are honest and forthcoming with their physician and aesthetician regarding their medical history, the risk of a serious complication with IPL is very low. Some factors that would prevent a patient from undergoing treatment with IL are: Pregnancy Open skin lesions Skin cancer Keloid formation (excessive raised scarring) Patients should be sure to discuss medical history, including any current medications, with his or her skincare specialist before undergoing treatment.

To find out how IPL could be beneficial, patients should contact Medical Day Spa of Chapel Hill at 919-904-7111 for a free consultation with a physician, nurse, or medical aesthetician.

Until October 31, 2012, Medical Day Spa is offering a treatment package we believe will offer a successful outcome for most patients:

• PhotoFacial (IPL) Treatment followed by a microdermabrasion treatment 2 weeks later.

The regular price for this treatment combination would be $310, which is a savings of $185. If patients purchase a series of 3 treatments (recommended), the price would be reduced 10%.