Treat Skin Conditions
Our "Just Laser It!" podcast has an entire episode dedicated to Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), and how it can tackle broken red capillaries and benign brown pigmentation of the skin. It's quick and informative...it's like having your own personal consultation with Charlotte, NC area expert, Dr. Raminder Saluja:
"Just Laser It!" Podcast: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Lasers were first utilized in medical procedures in the early '60s. Since then, the technology has continued to evolve while various medical and cosmetic uses for lasers have expanded considerably. IPL emerged in the '90s as a treatment method for a number of dermatologic conditions. By converting light into heat energy, a hand-held device emits light waves that can target both color pigments in brown spots and freckles, protein molecules in acne bacteria, and hemoglobin in broken capillaries on the face.
Unlike laser beams, which typically have a focused target area that prolongs treatment time, IPL patients in North Carolina benefit from a larger target area, resulting in shorter treatment sessions. Additionally, IPL releases multiple wavelengths, as opposed to more traditional laser treatments, which offer a single wavelength. Perhaps most beneficial of all, this treatment option targets the multiple issues of sun damage such as brown spots (lentigines) and broken blood vessels so that the skin is rejuvenated.
What Are the Benefits of IPL for North Carolina Patients?
IPL treatments can be utilized to address a number of conditions, including:
- Freckles and sun spots on the face
- Sun spots on neck, chest, arms, and legs
- Poikiloderma of civatte of the neck
- Rosacea
- Vascular lesions (broken blood vessels)
- Stretch marks
- Acne
Because there are so many different potential applications, the length of an IPL treatment session will vary depending upon the size and location of the treatment area. However, appointments typically last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour, after which the patient can resume normal activities.
Most patients require multiple IPL sessions to achieve maximum results, and Charlotte, NC, patients interested in IPL can schedule a consultation during which we would be happy to provide a customized treatment plan that will include the estimated number of procedures required. For example, effective hair removal often requires five to 10 appointments with several weeks between each treatment. Eliminating fine lines and wrinkles requires fewer appointments—typically two to four, with one month between sessions. Treatment for conditions such as rosacea, acne, freckles, sun spots, and vascular lesions may require between two and six appointments, also at one-month intervals.
Patients with dark hair benefit most from the hair removal process, and those with fair hair might benefit from an alternative treatment option. The best way to determine whether you are a good candidate for IPL is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Raminder Saluja who can discuss available options.
IPL Safety & Risks
We advise our patients to avoid tanning for a minimum of four weeks prior to an IPL session in North Carolina. Discontinue any retinoic acid about 1 week prior to treatment to minimize any peeling and redness that you may have from topical Vitamin A products.
In the immediate 24 hours following an IPL treatment, patients should avoid tanning beds and sun exposure, saunas and hot tubs, extremely hot baths and showers, and perfumes or scented soaps or lotions. We advise all patients, regardless of their treatment, to wear sunscreen.
Some patients experience mild redness and swelling at the treatment location, although these reactions should disappear within two days. We encourage patients to discuss any concerns or skin sensitivities prior to treatment.
Fees for IPL in Charlotte, NC
Costs vary depending on the length and number of treatments. We provide all patients with a customized treatment plan that includes the estimated cost of treatments during the consultation.
We provide six-month financing options through CareCredit for patients whose treatment exceeds $300.
