IPL

Austin, TX

 

 
REQUEST A CONSULTATION

 

Before and Afters

*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Providers at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery offer IPL solutions for patients in Austin & Sunset Valley, TX. Photorejuvenation is a noninvasive modern skin treatment that can scientifically improve a person’s appearance by creating changes within the dermis at the cellular level. The handheld device delivers an array of wavelengths based on patient needs, allowing more patients to benefit from this treatment. There are several factors that lead to damaged and dull-looking skin, many of which can be corrected with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) sessions, a form of Photorejuvenation. Additionally, the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery utilizes one of the very best systems for IPL/photofacial treatments, the Sciton BBL (Broadband Light Device). The providers at the Buckingham Center of Austin, Texas, are accepting new patients for this innovative laser skin therapy.

CANDIDATES FOR IPL FACIAL

Outpatient Intense Pulsed Light therapy, also called BroadBand Light (BBL) when the Sciton brand device is employed, can be performed to restore a youthful appearance to aging, sun-damaged skin that may display fine lines, prominent vessels and age spots. The broad-spectrum technology is so precise that it can also target broken blood vessels and rosacea that may result from the natural process of skin maturity, genetics, or even illness. Freckles and birthmarks can occur in skin of any age, and may also be improved through this technology. These treatments are commonly employed on the face, neck, décolleté, hands, and body and typically require three to six appointments for optimal results. Patients seeking extensive correction, such as lifting of the facial skin, may be better treated with a surgical treatment like Facelift, Neck lift, or Blepharoplasty (upper or lower eyelid surgery).

The technology behind the handheld device is a controlled heating of the surface layers of the skin, promoting underlying collagen and elastin formation, while adjusting discoloration and reducing the size of capillaries. It is because of these deeper structural changes that skin laxity can be improved. Intense Pulsed Light treatment is best suited for individuals with light to medium skin tones to prevent the melanin-targeting wavelengths from causing damage in darker complexions. A consultation with one of our providers will provide patients a platform to voice their aesthetic concerns and learn more about the benefits of IPL technology.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE PROCEDURE

Prior to the procedure, patients will apply a topical anesthetic to the treatment areas. After a thorough cleansing of the skin, these sites will also be prepped with a cooling gel, which helps to ensure patient comfort during treatment. Patients are fitted with eye covers to protect their eyes from the pulsed light. A practitioner will adjust the settings of the handheld equipment and apply it to the skin. The pulsed light is then aimed over problem skin. Often, the full face is treated, while larger area regions of the body may be spot-targeted. The entire session can last between 30-45 minutes. Because patients are not medicated for the procedure, they are free to return home once released from the care of the Buckingham Center medical staff.

IPL RECOVERY

The IPL facial can be thought of as a lunchtime treatment for the working professional. There are no reported side effects aside from some temporary discoloration and sensitivity, and makeup can be applied right after an appointment. Sunscreen must be worn after a session, and treated skin should be cleansed and moisturized for the following week with products designed for sensitive skin. Results become visible over the coming weeks as deep cell renewal is accelerated.

INTENSE PULSED LIGHT TREATMENT EXPECTATIONS

Intense Pulsed Light treatments are very effective due to the practitioner’s ability to adjust the wavelengths from 400-640 nm for a wide-ranging dermatological approach. Shorter light rays aim to combat dark pigmentation issues, the effectiveness of which has been clinically proven. Each sitting for IPL improves the skin, and patients can undergo monthly procedures (more specifically, every three weeks) for up to six months. Though results may not be immediately noticeable, the skin will continue to improve over time and gradually appear healthier.

There is no downtime necessary following the procedure, which is convenient to a patient’s schedule. Ablative treatments and chemical peels create deep injuries to the skin that can take weeks to heal, but Intense Pulsed Light therapy creates minimal discoloration that typically resolves in a few hours, or in the next couple of days with shed skin cells.

MEDICAL EVIDENCE SUPPORTING THE EFFICACY OF INTENSE PULSED LIGHT TREATMENTS

Cosmetic medicine is an applied science that integrates new technologies into its practice on a regular basis, so contemporary approaches are commonly studied. Researchers at Stanford University published a study titled “Rejuvenation of Gene Expression Pattern of Aged Human Skin by Broadband Light Treatment: A Pilot Study,” where fifteen participants between the ages of 38 to 69 years with Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV (fair to medium) underwent at least one treatment over the entire face on an annual basis with an Intense Pulsed Light device (specifically, BBL). Participants were subjected to an objective evaluation through clinical photographs that were captured prior to the initial treatment and after the last session. The purpose was to invite viewers to determine the efficacy of treatment over a period of 5-11 years. The findings indicated that patients who received one to two annual Pulsed Light Treatment sessions over this time frame did, in fact, combat the cumulative effects of aging, such as photodamage, spider veins, fine line, and loose skin with natural results.

BBL LASER AFTERCARE/BBL LASER BURNS

Burns after BBL Laser are an infrequent but possible complication after therapy. It is important to work with an experienced practitioner when undergoing laser therapy. At the Buckingham Center, we have custom settings that help us minimize this risk as much as possible. It is always important to contact your provider should you be concerned that you have a burn, as the depth of the burn will determine the need for additional therapy.

What is the correct term for the procedure described above?

There are a number of names for Intense Pulsed Light technology, including the following:

• BroadBand Light (BBL), which is the name of the trademarked device for the company, Sciton; other brand names include M-Light, E-Light, ELOS
• Photorejuvenation or photofacial
• IPL facial
• Laser light therapy

Each procedure and device describes the same technique.

Common IPL Questions and Answers

WHERE IS THE INTENSE-PULSED LIGHT COSMETIC PROCEDURE PERFORMED?

Treatments are performed in a private treatment room at the Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery of Austin, Texas.

IS THE TREATMENT PAINFUL?

IPL treatment have some minor discomfort. While every effort is made to ensure a comfortable experience, the sensation created by the light pulses is often compared to that of rubber bands snapped against the skin. The anesthetic cream and cooling gel are sufficient in providing light cooling and numbing relief.

HOW LONG WILL THE RESULTS OF AN IPL FACIAL LAST?

While a laser light therapy can reverse certain imperfections in the skin, the aging process cannot be halted. As the skin matures, cell turnover slows naturally. It is recommended that patients undergo continued treatments or resort to more aggressive methods of skin rejuvenation if they seek extensive corrections that may not be possible through Intense Pulsed Light sessions.

WHAT CAN I DO TO EXFOLIATE WHEN GETTING AN IPL TREATMENT?

Biannual broadband light treatments, which is a type of IPL or intense pulsed light, is a great way to maintain your skin condition. If a patient is also looking to exfoliate the skin as well, they can combine BBL with a light erbium laser called Whisper-3G. We refer to this as the BBL ULTRA PEEL. A combination of BBL to treat the dermis as well as the erbium laser to treat the epidermis provides very nice improvement for dermal rejuvenation, brown spots, broken capillaries and skin tone and texture.

Buckingham Center of Austin, Texas

Our providers specialize in cosmetic treatments. This allows them to provide patients with a variety nonsurgical options.

Learn more about Intense Pulsed Light sessions by contacting the Austin, Texas, office today at 512-401-2500 – Se Habla Español, or by filling out and submitting this Contact Form.

Related Procedures

Contact Us