Last year, I introduced the Lumecca IPL Photofacial Platform as an alternative to intense laser therapy. IPL or Intense Pulse Light Therapy is used for the improvement of pigment discolorations due to the sun and aging, and imperfections such as broken capillaries, telangiactasias, rosacea, sun damage, brown spots, enlarged pores, and age-associated loss of skin tone and elasticity.
Lumecca IPL Overview
Unlike lasers, which emit one specific wavelength of light, the Lumecca IPL applies a broad spectrum of visible and near-infrared light to the skin. Prior to treatment, the appropriate wavelength is selected to customize treatments for the patient’s specific needs, be it the targeting of blood vessels or vascular lesions, or melanin, in the case of pigmented lesions. Over time, the body’s natural healing process removes the affected tissue, allowing the skin to rejuvenate itself for a healthier, more youthful appearance.
It is important to note that while a Lumecca IPL Photofacial is effective on skin tone and texture, including fine lines, it is not effective on deep wrinkles and sagging skin. Additionally, no IPL treatments are recommended for the management of melasma, and, in fact, are contraindicated.
Procedure Walk-Through
- Preparation: To prepare for your Lumenis IPL Photofacial, you should avoid exposure to the sun for several weeks before the procedure, as the pigmentation of a tan can interfere with the treatment and actually make dark spots worse. Additionally, in patient’s at higher risk for hyperpigmentation, I recommend the patient go on a skincare regimen with a short-course bleaching treatment 2 weeks prior to the treatment, followed by a maintenance program which includes Super CBE & Ferulic Acid Superserum.
- Anesthesia: Although anesthesia is not required, a topical numbing cream will be applied, sometimes followed by a cooling gel.
The IPL is applied to the area(s) to be treated. Each session lasts around 30 minutes, though this will vary depending on the size of the area to be treated. - IPL can be used to treat the following skin conditions:
- Chronic facial redness
- Dilated blood vessels
- Liver spots
- Brown skin discoloration
- Sun damage
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Indications for a Lumecca IPL?
You should consider a Lumecca IPL treatment if you suffer from skin discolorations and imperfections such as chronic facial redness, visible blood vessels, sun damage, and brown spots on the face, neck, chest, and/or hands.
What is the recovery time for the Lumecca?
There is minimal to no downtime with the Lumecca IPL Photofacial. Patients may apply makeup directly following the procedure and immediately return to normal activities. It is important to use a high SPF sunscreen on all treated areas following the procedure.
Are there risks or side effects with an IPL treatment?
You should expect some temporary redness and in some cases slight bruising, though these will quickly disappear. Lumecca IPL treatments carry very little risk and minimal side effects.
How long do IPL results last and how often are the treatments repeated?
For best results, I typically recommend an initial package of 3-5 photorejuvenation treatments. The procedures are performed at 3-4 week intervals. This generally produces marked improvements in the appearance of the skin, with low risk. Once a baseline is established, maintenance treatments may be recommended for optimal results. Most patients should undergo treatments every 4-6 months thereafter to maintain optimal results.
Additionally, an ancillary skincare regimen to optimize results may be recommended following the IPL treatments. For example, an alpha hydroxy acid skin peel may be recommended at two weeks following the ‘photofacial’ procedure. This acts to clear the skin by increasing cell turnover of remaining skin debris not removed by simple exfoliation. The result is improved skin tone and greater confluence. Other ancillary skincare procedures may include GVMD Skin regimen, and notably Lit AF Brightening Pads, SkinTite, and Mega CBE Serum with Ferulic.
Remember, IPL will not improve wrinkles or tighten skin.