The Ellipse IPL
The Ellipse IPL treats pigment (brown, patchy areas) or broken capillaries and general redness. It is also used to treat the symptoms of Rosacea that cause redness. The treatment works by directing well-controlled light pulses into the upper skin layer. The light is absorbed by two of the body’s own natural chemicals – melanin in the pigmented areas and hemoglobin in the red blood cells.
Both these pigments convert the light energy into heat. This heat is used to destroy the parts of the cells in which the melanin is stored and to damage the walls of the vessels supplying blood to the areas where vascular damage is seen. This technique is called “Selective Photothermolysis”.
The visible light produced by the Ellipse IPL system is carefully controlled to produce the correct pulse length and the right amount of energy to destroy the targets without damaging surrounding tissue.
FAQ
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive and non-ablative treatment that uses high-intensity pulses of visible light to improve the appearance of vascular lesions including spider veins, port wine stains, broken facial veins, rosy cheeks, thread veins of the legs, mild acne spots, freckles and age marks, and facial lines and wrinkles. The procedure of rejuvenating aged skin is called photorejuvenation and may consist of a series of IPL treatments.
IPL systems work on the same principles as other lasers in that light energy is absorbed into particular target cells with color (chromophores) in the skin. IPL systems are different lasers in that they deliver many wavelengths (or colors) in each light pulse instead of just one wavelength. Most IPL systems use filters to refine the energy output to treat certain areas.
IPL therapy is considered a non-ablative resurfacing technique, which targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) without affecting the top layers of skin (epidermis). The advantage of IPL therapy is its minimal downtime – patients can often have the procedure done during their lunch break and return to work immediately afterward.
Redness and swelling of the skin are normal. They are harmless effects that usually disappear within half an hour but can occasionally be visible for two to thirty hours. Tightening of the skin can sometimes be felt for one or two days. In extreme cases, blistering may occur, which heals in a few days. Cooling, healing gel, or ice packs should be applied frequently to alleviate discomfort. Treat this situation as you would for sunburn.
In most cases, you will need more than one treatment to see drastic improvements. Most practitioners recommend between 3 and 5 treatments, though it really depends on the area and type of condition being treated.
IPL is a unique treatment option that can be used to treat a wide variety of cosmetic concerns including:
- Uneven skin pigmentation
- Vascular birthmarks
- Facial redness
- Freckles
- Age spots
- Broken capillaries
- Rosacea
- Sun damage
Tolerance of pain varies greatly from person to person. No anesthetics are required; many patients describe it as a rubber band snap.
On average, it is highly recommended to have one to five IPL treatments. The amount you need depends on how severe your broken capillaries are and their location. Broken capillaries are usually found on the face, neck, and chest. However, it is possible to have them on the back of your hands, arms, legs, and back.
There are numerous benefits of getting IPL Laser Therapy. The treatment is meant to target various skin irregularities. The benefits of IPL Laser Therapy include treating unwanted body hair, age spots, wrinkles, tattoo removal, and vascular birthmarks.
Before anyone can receive IPL laser therapy, you need to be considered an ideal candidate by Dr. Smith. You are an ideal candidate for IPL Laser Therapy if you are concerned about your skin quality or have skin damage.
Candidates will benefit from IPL Laser Therapy if they have the following skin conditions:
- Melasma
- Rosacea
- Sunspots
- Acne discoloration
- Fine lines
- Enlarged pores
- Acne scars
Dr. Smith will assess the current condition of your skin and determine whether or not IPL Laser Therapy is right for you.
Upon completing your IPL Laser Therapy, your skin may appear and feel as if you have just contracted a sunburn. This sensation will linger for a few hours before dissipating. However, it is important to note that some redness may continue to appear for a few days. Your pigmentation may also become slightly darker, but this is only a temporary side effect. Your skin will peel away after a few weeks. If any of the side effects do not go away or worsen, contact Dr. Smith immediately.
Ellipse intense pulse light is available for those in Lake Charles, Sulphur, Moss Bluff, Jennings, LA, Orange, TX, and surrounding areas. Call our office to learn more, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation.
