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Did You Know…
The word “Cosmetic” is derived from the Greek word “Kosmos” which means “of this world.”
Just before the laser is fired, a jet of frozen air is sent to the skin to protect the skin from the laser energy and to decrease the pain.
The idea behind the CoolSculpt machine started after doctors noticed that children who sucked on popsicles lost the fat in their cheeks without damage to the skin. It is amazing what can develop from a simple observation.
The light from a hair removal laser passes through the skin and is absorbed by the hair follicle. The laser energy is absorbed by the hair follicle and is destroyed. Since people have different skin colors, we need to have lasers with a variety of colors of laser light.
A tan can absorb some of the energy of laser light and prevent the laser light from reaching the hair follicle. Do not get a tan before laser hair removal.
Neurotoxins are medications developed from the bacteria known as clostridium botulinum. Researchers noticed that people infected with this bacterium had suffered muscle weakness. Dysport and Botox have been developed from this discovery.
In the past some doctors tried to dye the patient hair dark so that more of the laser energy would be absorbed by the hair and thereby the laser would more effectively remove the hair. Unfortunately, it did not work because the dye did not reach the hair follicle.
The same laser that is used for hair removal, can get rid of toe nail fungus.
In the 1450s, women would shave their pubic hair to get rid of lice. And then they would have a pubic hair wig made as a replacement.

What is IPL?

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Your IPL Photofacial Questions Answered

                [not an actual client]

If you happen to have skin that’s discolored, blotchy, too freckled or sun-damaged, you might be thinking long and hard about an IPL (intense pulse light) photofacial treatment. There are plenty of different skin treatments around, but IPL photofacials have been hailed for their effective results, speedy session time and little recovery time.

IPL photofacials are a popular treatment at Fremont Laser & Skin Care. Our trained and certified staff discusses the benefits with patients during their complimentary consultations. We’ve taken the most commonly asked questions and answered them here.

Q: Who are the best candidates for IPL photofacial treatments?

A: Anyone who’s bothered by their skin because it’s discolored, freckled, blotchy and/or sun-damaged should consider the treatment. IPL photofacials also work for wrinkles, acne, rosacea, and large pores. Sometimes patients with dark or very tanned skin can have complications, so if your skin is darker, our staff can determine whether the treatment is right for you and offer alternatives that would give you the results you want.

Q: How does the IPL photofacial process work?

A: Our trained, certified team members use a hand-held instrument to send intense pulses of light deep into the skin. These pulses of light lure pigmentation to the surface, and over the next few days, the pigmentation gets darker and then sheds away. The intense light causes blood vessels below the epidermis to constrict, reducing or eliminating common effects of aging such as redness, age lines, broken capillaries and skin discolorations. The intense light also stimulates the growth of collagen, which fills in wrinkles, making the skin smoother and younger-looking. The result is more evenly-toned skin with a fresh, healthy glow.

Q: Why do people choose IPL photofacials over other treatments?

A: Many people choose intense pulse light therapy because it’s a comprehensive treatment that can take care of several problem areas at the same time. It’s also less expensive than some other laser procedures.

Q: How long does each session take?

A: Not long at all. The procedure can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, making it a very convenient option for those with busy schedules.

Q: What happens during the IPL photofacial procedure?

A: Because of the bright flashes of light, you’ll be given protective eyewear to wear during the procedure. You’ll most likely have your face washed to get rid of any oil, and a gel is applied to the area to be treated. This keeps your skin cool during the process. During the treatment, the hand-held instrument delivers brief, powerful pulses of bright light into your skin. Following treatment, ice packs or a cream can be applied to soothe any discomfort. Many patients don’t find this necessary, however.

Q: Is the procedure painful?

A: Many IPL photofacial patients find the procedure to be more uncomfortable than painful, comparing it to the pain of plucking nose hairs or having hot rubber bands snapped on their skin. It’s like a brief pinch.

Q: How much recovery time would I need?

A: The downtime and recovery period will depend on how intense the treatment was. You’ll likely have temporary discoloration for 3-4 days afterward, which will flake off slowly. You may also experience splotchy or red skin, and some patients see brown speckles—like pepper—all over their skin for a few days, too.

Q: How long does it take to see results of IPL photofacial treatments?

A: Most benefits of a IPL photofacial treatments happen gradually, over the next couple of weeks following treatment.

Q: How many sessions would I need?

A: This depends on the size of treated areas, but generally a few sessions—one every three weeks, and then maintenance twice a year is a good rule of thumb. If you have stubborn problem areas, it will take a few sessions to treat them. With each treatment, the results of the IPL photofacials become more and more evident.

To learn more about IPL photofacials, contact us or schedule a complimentary consultation.