IPL Treatment for Sun Damage in Portland

Are you seeing the unwanted effects of sun damage? Even if you are now diligent about protecting yourself from the sun’s rays, you can’t change your previous habits. However, you can improve the appearance of sun-damaged areas with a non-invasive light procedure called intense pulsed light (IPL). Portland’s Face Doctor, Dr. Peter Vila, is pleased to offer IPL to patients seeking an effective skin rejuvenation treatment with minimal discomfort. He uses the Lumenis Quantum IPL device, one of the safest and most effective systems available.

What Does IPL Laser Treatment Accomplish?

IPL treatment can be used on the face, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands to improve skin redness, tiny veins, and sunspots. The treatment reduces or eliminates the irregular pigmentation for a clearer, more even skin appearance.

Are You a Candidate for IPL Treatment?

Generally, suitable IPL candidates include patients who:

Are frustrated with the look of noticeable signs of aging and sun damage on the face, neck, shoulders, arms, or hands
Are perhaps frustrated with skin redness, sunspots, and / or tiny veins
Desire a clearer, more even skin tone and texture
Are in good overall health
Have realistic expectations for what IPL treatment can accomplish

What Happens During Treatment?

IPL treatments are performed in our office. Treatment does not require anesthesia, incisions, injections, or pain medication. IPL is typically a very quick procedure, depending on the treatment area.

The Lumenis Quantum IPL handpiece will be placed on the skin and deliver pulses of light energy into the area damaged by the sun. The handpiece’s filters can adjust the wavelength range and optimize the device for various applications and skin types. The light is absorbed by the melanin in the pigmented lesions and injures the tissue. Through its natural processes, the body then removes the injured tissue and the area starts to look even and healthy.

IPL treatment also causes new collagen and connective tissue to form, which improves the tone and texture of the skin and smoothes lines, wrinkles, and other skin imperfections. The Lumenis Quantum IPL device features optimal pulse technology, which monitors the pulse and fluency of each application for consistent, reproducible results. This technology also reduces the risk of skin damage during IPL treatment.

Most patients seek maximum benefits from a series of treatments, spaced several weeks apart. You will see your results continue to improve after the first treatment.

Recovering from IPL

IPL treatment does not require recovery or downtime. After treatment, the area is cleansed, and you can immediately return to your regular routine. You may have minor skin redness and swelling, which should resolve within a few days. We recommend wearing sunscreen on any treated area that might be exposed to the sun. We can also recommend products to use to nourish your skin.

In addition to the Lumenis Quantum IPL device, we also use the following lasers to treat sun damage:

Acupulse by Lumenis
BBL (Broad Band Light) by Sciton
Profile Pro-Fractional Laser by Sciton
Clear + Brilliant™ by McKesson
Varilite KTP Laser

What Results Can You Expect?

Patients who have undergone IPL treatment can expect healthier skin that is free of hyperpigmentation (dark spots) and has a more even skin tone. They can also expect a noticeable improvement in the look of fine lines, large pores, redness, and tiny veins. Skin is softer, smoother, and has a more even texture overall.

How to Schedule an IPL Treatment Consultation

If you’re seeking a non-invasive treatment for areas of sun damage, IPL with the Lumenis Quantum system may be right for you. Please contact Dr. Peter Vila’s office to schedule a skin care consultation and talk about IPL treatment in more detail.

If you have other skin care needs, we would be happy to sit down with you to evaluate your goals and explore your treatment options.