Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Are you struggling with sun spots, uneven skin tone, or signs of aging that make you feel less confident about your appearance? At Eye Physicians of Long Beach, we offer intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, a non-invasive technology that addresses multiple skin concerns simultaneously, providing patients with an easy path to smoother, more evenly toned, and youthful-looking skin.

What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)?

IPL utilizes a broad spectrum of light wavelengths that penetrate the skin at varying depths. When this light energy reaches targeted areas within your skin, it is absorbed by pigments like melanin and hemoglobin. 

This creates controlled thermal energy that stimulates your body’s natural healing and regenerative processes, improving unwanted pigmentation, uneven texture, signs of aging, and redness.

What Skin Concerns Can IPL Treat?

What sets IPL apart from other skin treatments is its ability to be precisely customized for each patient’s unique skin concerns, targeting specific problems while leaving surrounding healthy tissue unaffected, including:

Pigmentation and Sun Damage

Unwanted pigmentation, such as sun spots, age spots, and brown spots from acne scarring, responds particularly well to IPL treatment. The light energy specifically targets excess melanin deposits in the skin, breaking them down so your body can naturally eliminate them through its normal cellular turnover process.

Patients with melasma, freckles, and other forms of hyperpigmentation often see significant improvement after a series of IPL treatments. 

Vascular Lesions and Redness

IPL can treat vascular concerns, including broken capillaries, spider veins on the face, and mild to moderate rosacea. The light energy is absorbed by hemoglobin in the blood vessels, causing them to heat up, collapse, and naturally reabsorb into the body over time, resulting in clearer skin.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

IPL stimulates your skin’s natural collagen production, improving skin firmness, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and enhancing overall skin texture. The collagen-stimulating effects of IPL continue to develop over several months following treatment, allowing your skin to continue improving long after your session is complete.

Uneven Texture and Enlarged Pores

IPL treatment promotes cellular turnover and skin renewal, leading to improved overall skin texture. It can also help minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, particularly when combined with proper skincare maintenance.

What to Expect During IPL Treatment

Your IPL session begins with a thorough cleansing of the treatment area, followed by the application of a cooling gel that enhances comfort and light transmission. You’ll be provided with protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the bright light pulses.

The IPL device is gently pressed against your skin, focusing on areas of concern identified during your consultation. Most patients describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band snap or warmth against the skin. 

Treatment sessions typically last 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size and number of areas being treated. 

What is IPL Recovery Like?

IPL requires minimal downtime compared to more aggressive treatments, making it an excellent choice for busy professionals and active individuals. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days of treatment.

Immediately following treatment, you may experience mild redness and warmth in the treated areas, similar to a mild sunburn. This typically resolves within 3 to 5 days. 

During this period, treated pigmented areas often darken before naturally flaking off, revealing clearer skin underneath. Many patients notice initial improvements within one to two weeks after their first treatment, with continued enhancement over the following months.

How Long Do IPL Results Last?

For optimal and long-lasting results, most patients benefit from a series of IPL treatments. At Eye Physicians of Long Beach, we typically recommend a series of three treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. 

This treatment schedule allows your skin adequate time to heal between sessions while building upon the improvements achieved with each treatment. The longevity of IPL results varies depending on individual factors such as skin type, sun exposure habits, and the specific concerns being addressed. 

Many patients enjoy improved skin appearance for several months to over a year following their treatment series. To maintain optimal results, we recommend using proper sun protection, high-quality skincare products, and undergoing periodic maintenance treatments as needed. 

Take the first step toward radiant, rejuvenated skin by contacting Eye Physicians of Long Beach in Long Beach, CA, today to schedule your IPL consultation!