FAQ: IPL/Laser Treatment
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light, also know as BBL)
Q. What is an IPL
A. An IPL, also known as an Intense Pulsed Light, delivers light energy into different depths of the skin and is absorbed by light sensitive molecules (chromophores) to induce a change.
Q.Can I be in the sun prior to my treatment?
A. No! IPL technology is attracted to pigment (light sensitive molecule) so any darkening of the skin within 4 weeks of a treatment including spray tans, and tanning beds may cause complications like blistering and permanent discoloration.
Q. How many treatments will I need?
A. An IPL/BBL should never be considered a one-and-done treatment. Typically multiple treatments are needed to comfortably and safely reach a patient's desired results and as we are all aging and constantly exposed to the sun, a yearly treatment should be expected to keep up the results.
Q. Do I need topical numbing anesthetic?
A. No, topical is not used for IPL. It is important for patients to communicate what they are feeling throughout the treatment. That level of patient feedback ensures that each treatment can be done safely, comfortably, and effectively.
(CLEAR + BRILLIANT)
Q. What is Clear + Brilliant?
A. Clear and Brilliant is a unique treatment that uses safe fractional laser technology to address and help prevent early signs of aging skin such as fine lines, pigment irregularities, and loss of radiance.
Q. How does Clear + Brilliant work?
A. Clear + Brilliant is a gentle laser that refreshes your skin from the inside out. The laser energy creates millions of microscopic treatment zones in your skin, replacing damaged skin with healthy, younger looking tissue. This technology is attracted to water in the skin, not pigment or skin color, and can therefore be performed year round.
Q. What kind of results can I expect?
Visibly illuminated skin tone
• Renewed, ultra-soft and smoother texture
• Naturally radiant and glowing skin
• Improved tone, texture and radiance
• Reduction in the appearance of pore size
Q. Is the treatment safe?
A. Yes. Reaction™ is a safe, effective and non-invasive treatment with no adverse effects involved.
Q. How do I know if Clear + Brilliant is right for me at my age?
A. No matter how old you are, sun exposure, environmental conditions and lifestyle can contribute to lack-luster skin. Whether you want to extend the younger look of your skin or even need to reverse these early signs of aging, Clear + Brilliant can help.
Q. How long does it take and how many treatments will I need?
A. Each treatment takes approximately 25-40 minutes, depending on whether you choose to treat just the face, or your face plus neck or chest. The number of treatments is tailored to your concerns and skin care desires. In recent studies, consumers reported visible improvements after 3-6 treatments. However, patients will likely see better looking skin after only one treatment. We will discuss a personalized treatment regimen with you.
Q. Can I get Clear + Brilliant Laser treatment during the summer?
A. Absolutely! The technology of the Clear+Brilliant is attracted to water in the skin and not pigment or skin color like other laser technology. It can be done all year. Fun fact, Florida, California and Arizona have the highest numbers of people receiving treatments all year.
Q. Is Clear + Brilliant safe for my skin? What are the potential side effects?
A. Clear + Brilliant is safe for all skin types when used by a trained expert who will evaluate your skin and recommend the best course of treatments for your unique concerns. The most common side effects include redness/heat sensation and mild swelling that may last 1-6 hours, but up to 24 hours, after the procedure, and dry/rough skin that persists 5-7 days as old tissue sloughs off and new tissue replaces it. In very rare cases, an acne flare, pin point bleeding or petechiae may occur.
Q. When do results appear and how long do they last?
A. The results of the treatment are both immediate and progressive. A few days after the treatment your skin will start to feel softer, look brighter and show more even skin tone. Results can last for months depending on your age, skin condition and how you protect your skin. Results are also cumulative and long lasting after multiple treatments.
Q. What will you look like immediately after the procedure? Can you go right back to work?
A. Clear + Brilliant treatments are very gentle and are specifically designed to minimize the side effects of typical laser treatments. You may experience some redness and subtle inflammation right after the treatment. This generally resolves within a few hours, but may last until the following day. You will be able to wear makeup immediately after the treatment if you choose, and yes, you can go right back to work. We recommend Oxygenetix Make-Up, which is specificially formulated to help skin breathe and heal post-procedure. It contains a broad spectrum physical sunblock and is also great for everyday use. It is best to be color-matched prior to your laser treatment.
*The owner of Renew Skin Care, Sherri Nassar, has had a laser treatment during her work day. Here are photographs showing the slight redness after her treatment. She applied makeup to half of her face, then to all of her face in the middle two photographs. The far right photograph is the day after her treatment without makeup.*
Q. Does what the treatment feel like?
A.Most patients describe a sensation of heat during the treatment. You will apply a topical numbing cream before the procedure, which helps minimize the discomfort during treatment. We may also ice the skin after, helping to minimize redness and inflammation.