What is IPL?

IPL stands for “intense pulsed light” and is a treatment used to address many skin conditions (see below). IPL is a minimal downtime, non-invasive, proven therapy that triggers the body’s natural healing processes to effectively resurface the skin of the face and body where sun damage is present. 

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What Can IPL Address?

  • Red blood vessels 
  • Brown spots 
  • Redness and rosacea
  • Pigmentation
  • Birthmarks
  • Unwanted freckles
  • Poikiloderma
  • Melasma
  • Veins and broken blood vessels
  • Sunspots and sun damage
  • Scars and stretch marks
  • Unwanted body hair
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How Does IPL Work?

IPL selectively heats up pigment without damaging the surrounding skin — and then lifts the damaged area to the skin’s surface, where it will eventually be removed naturally. Treated brown spots will turn darker before gradually fading over the next couple of weeks. 

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“I feel that Dr. Jukes is one of the top in Austin and throughout the U.S., and would highly recommend her as a doctor.” 

Lesa R.

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What are the benefits of IPL treatments? 

IPL provides a range of benefits for patients who want to rejuvenate and refresh their skin, resolving a variety of skin flaws and aesthetic concerns. Benefits include the following:

  • Non-invasive skin treatment
  • Does not require a significant downtime or recovery period
  • Safe, effective treatment
  • IPL recovery period is shorter than it is for laser resurfacing
  • Suitable for all skin colors and types
  • Smooths and evens out the skin texture and skin tone 
  • Revitalizes the skin to achieve a luminous, glowing complexion
  • Resolves pigmentation concerns
  • Improves or resolves rosacea 
  • Smooths and improves the appearance of acne scars

Am I a candidate for IPL? 

IPL treatments are suitable for almost anyone who would like to resolve skin concerns and pigmentation issues. Patients of any skin color or type can safely benefit from IPL treatments to revitalize their appearance. Ideal candidates for IPL should meet the following qualifications:

  • Are physically healthy
  • Are not taking Accutane 
  • Are not using a retinoid cream
  • Are not pregnant 
  • Do not have severe scarring issues
  • Have no skin infections or outbreaks in the treatment area
  • Have not had a recent tanning session (either tanning bed or sun exposure)

What to Expect During an IPL for Body Treatment

Before your IPL treatment in Austin at Modern Women's Health, we will cleanse and prep the skin in the treatment area. Depending on where you are getting your treatment, you will be given protective eyewear to keep your eyes safe from the light flashes. Ultrasound gel will be applied. Next, the handheld IPL device will be scanned across the damaged skin, emitting strong pulses of light as it moves with each “stamp”. These light pulses deliver energy deep into the layers of the skin, which feels like a rubber band snapping on your skin. The discomfort level is so low that numbing cream is not typically needed. The treatment time will depend on how many areas you’re having addressed. To get the best results from IPL therapy, we typically recommend that patients undergo five sessions spaced four weeks apart.

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Downtime and Results

Your skin will feel hot and will look red — almost a sunburn sensation — for 1-3 hours following your IPL treatment. You can use ice if needed. Some patients also take on a “coffee ground” flaking off of the skin in pigmented areas. This is normal, but it’s very important to not pick or scratch this off. Allow it to come off naturally. This is a normal part of the healing process. 

Avoid sun exposure for two days following your IPL treatment, and when you do go outside, protect your skin with a good sunscreen. For one week after treatment, do not use any heavy exfoliators or retinols. Over the course of the next 1-2 weeks, you’ll notice that your skin is much softer and has a healthy glow which will last for up to one month. 

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IPL Treatments at Modern Women’s Health

As one of the top gynecology and women’s clinics in Texas, Modern Women’s Health offers comprehensive gynecological, wellness, and aesthetic services. Founder and board-certified gynecologist Dr. Lisa Jukes has expanded her practice to provide a 360-degree view of her patients’ needs in order to offer a modern, comfortable practice for women. Our sophisticated and modern practice offers female providers for female needs, and we welcome you to our compassionate, confidential, and comfortable environment. Our team develops warm, professional relationships and offers services based on the cutting edge of science and research, with always-evolving treatments and techniques. If you’re interested in IPL treatments in the Austin, Bee Cave and Westlake, TX area, we welcome you to book your consultation with us today.

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