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IPL

IPL works against time to defeat brown spots, redness, and other discolouration brought on by sun exposure, aging, and genetics. Take years off sun-damaged areas with IPL. Skin tone plays a vital role in maintaining our youthful appearance, and in keeping the skin healthy.

Get The Facts

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, and it targets a variety of skin concerns such as photodamage, sun spots, freckles, acne, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, redness, flushing, broken capillaries, and rosacea. The IPL pulses send the light wave through the skin’s surface, targeting specific pigment (melanocytes) within the skin. The light wave is turned to heat and absorbed by the pigment, destroying the melanocytes in the treated area. The treated, damaged pigment is broken up and then flakes away on the surface of the skin during the healing process.

Pre-Treatment

Before You Arrive:
+ Please ensure you have filled out your Health History/Intake form before your appointment. If you are unable to complete it, please arrive 15 minutes early
+ We recommend eating a light snack or meal 30min- 1hr before your appointment
+ Remove makeup before the appointment
+ Ensure you wear medical grade SPF 50 in the treatment area 4-6 weeks prior
+ Let your provider know if you have a history of hyperpigmentation conditions such as melasma
+ Let your provider know if you have a history of cold sores and we will provide you with a prophylactic prescription of Valtrex

What To Avoid:
+ Please avoid the following:
+ Sun exposure 4 – 6 weeks prior
+ Tanning including spray tan and self-tanning products 4-6 weeks prior (if you have a tan at the time of your appointment it will have to be rescheduled for safety reasons)
+ Retinol or active exfoliants for 5-7 days prior
+ Neuromodulators for at least 2 weeks prior
+ Filler for at least 4 weeks prior
+ Must be off of oral isotretinoin (Accutane) for a minimum of 6 months prior
+ It is our policy not to provide treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Post-Treatment

Downtime:
+ Minor swelling, redness, bruising, dryness, and flaking are possible after treatment
+ Mild sunburn-like sensation may be present for 1 hour after treatment
+ Sun and age spots will darken after the treatment and will raise to the surface of the skin and flake off, do not pick them off
– Is dependent on the skin concern that is being treated

Post Care:
+ Cool compresses can be applied to the treatment area to soothe discomfort
+ Mineral makeup can be applied immediately
+ Ensure to stay out of the sun and wear SPF 50
+ Ask your provider for product recommendations

What To Avoid:
+ Please avoid the following:
+ Do not use active skin care products (AHA’s, BHA’s, retinol, and exfoliants) for 3 days
+ Avoid hot water, friction, and strenuous exercise for 3 days
+ No physical exfoliation for 1 week
+ Avoid direct sun exposure during the entire treatment plan and wear SPF 50 at all times

Follow Up:
+ Contact us immediately if you experience any blistering or increased pain
+ We recommend a minimum of 3 treatments 4 weeks apart for best results
+ Yearly maintenance treatments recommend

Treatment Info

Treatments Needed

3-6 sessions

Results In

2-4 weeks post treatment

Results Last

Up to several years

Benefits of IPL

+ Improvement of age and sun spots
+ Redness is reduced
+ Collagen is stimulated
+ Non-invasive with little downtime
+ Improvements visible within one week
+ Softer, smoother skin texture

Conditions It Treats

+ Brown spots
+ Sun Damage
+ Rosacea
+ Melasma
+ Flushing
+ Tired or Dull Looking Skin
+ Acne
+ Capillaries

Available At

IPL Calgary 403 764 7545
IPL Regina 306-545-7546
IPL Brandon 204-717-7546
IPL Steinbach 204-326-7546

Frequently Asked Questions

+ Is IPL painful?

Most clients describe the treatment as a quick snap of an elastic band or as a brief warm pinprick. We offer SkinCeuticals Phytogel Masque and ice to cool and comfort the skin post-treatment.

+ How long is an IPL appointment?

A typical treatment takes about 30 minutes. Because there is minimal downtime, you can receive IPL during your lunch break.

+ When can I see results?

Depending on the concern, several treatments are performed for desired outcomes. The week following the IPL treatment, the skin noticeably improved and continues to reveal a healthier complexion. Pigmentation may darken temporarily following treatment and will flake off during the week.

+ Is IPL treatment a permanent fix?

Results can last for several years if the client protects their skin efficiently with SPF all year long. Maintenance treatments are recommended for clients treating rosacea, rosacea-acne, acne, flushing, and photo-damage to maintain long-term results.

Are there any side effects of IPL treatment?

Temporary side effects of IPL treatment may include redness, swelling, mild discomfort, and temporary darkening or crusting of the treated areas. These effects usually subside within a few hours to a few days.

How many IPL sessions are needed?

The number of IPL sessions required depends on the individual and the specific concern being treated. Typically, a series of 3 to 6 treatments, spaced several weeks apart, is recommended for optimal results.