IPL Treatment

Spots and blemishes can make your skin appear uneven or unhealthy, even if you take great care of it. With intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments by Joseph Sedrak, MD, at Texas Skin Center, you can treat certain skin features for a clearer skin tone without harming your skin. IPL treatments can also remove or reduce body hair in nearly any region.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IPL treatment?

Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments are professional skin care procedures that alleviate certain types of blemishes and discoloration. Some people mistake IPL for a type of laser, but this isn’t entirely accurate. Instead, IPL is a form of bright, scattered light that looks similar to a camera flash rather than a concentrated beam of a single wavelength of light. Dr. Sedrak performs the treatment safely in his office after a brief consultation and skin evaluation. He uses a handheld device that emits IPL in brief flashes or pulses. With each pulse, you may feel a snap against your skin as the energy penetrates the layers. Pigment cells within your skin absorb intense pulsed light, break apart, and scatter. This causes many pigmented lesions and blemishes to clear away. IPL can also target hair follicle cells to remove or reduce body hair.

What can IPL do for my skin?

IPL can eliminate or reduce several of the most common unwanted skin features. You should reach out to Dr. Sedrak to consult for an IPL treatment if you have:

Sun spots or age spots
Rosacea
Spider veins
Freckles
Birthmarks
Unwanted or excessive body hair

Due to the collagen remodeling that occurs because of the heat from IPL, you may also see some improvements in your skin’s texture and laxity.

How should I prepare for my IPL treatment?

You should visit Texas Skin Center for a consultation before you start improving your skin with IPL treatments. Dr. Sedrak asks about any preexisting skin conditions you have and assesses your skin type to make sure you’re a good candidate.

If IPL treatments are safe for you, Dr. Sedrak tells you to prepare for your treatment by:

Caring for your skin with cleansers, moisturizers, and other gentle products
Using sunscreen
Avoiding vitamin A skin care products
Avoiding waxes, chemical peels, and other harsh treatments
Avoiding blood-thinning medications

Right before your treatment, Dr. Sedrak applies a soothing gel to your skin. He also gives you safety eyewear to protect your eyes from the bright light.

How long does it take to recover from an IPL treatment?

One of the most favorable parts of an IPL treatment is the fast, easy recovery. Your skin might feel a bit sensitive, but you can go back to work or out with friends right after your appointment without complications. You should avoid direct sunlight to keep your skin comfortable as it heals. You may need several IPL treatments to make your skin as clear as you want it to be. Photorejuvenation with IPL takes 3-6 initial treatments and hair removal takes 6-12.