Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)


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Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) in Washington, DC

What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)? 

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a highly effective zero-downtime treatment for reduction of irregular blotchy pigmentation and facial discoloration, freckles, sunspots, or redness (rosacea) of the face, extremities, or any part of the body.

Our state-of-the-art Starlux Intense Pulsed Light system delivers high intensity light of a wide range of wavelengths, which, through the principle of selective photothermolysis, targets both irregular brown pigmentation and redness of the skin. The Starlux IPL system is widely regarded as the safest and most effective Intense Pulsed Light system available today. Beware of the typical ‘light bulb’ IPL devices found in ‘med-spas’ that are both ineffective and potentially dangerous.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Procedure

While improvements can be seen after a single treatment, typically a series of 4-6 IPL treatments are administered at 3-4 week intervals for maximal results.  Lasting approximately 30 minutes, the IPL procedure is associated with only mild discomfort, and we do offer our patients a proprietary pre-procedure topical anesthetic cream if desired, however most patients find the procedure very tolerable. After the procedure patients generally have mild pinkness of the treated area, which may be covered with makeup before leaving the office. Patients can return to work or resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Who is a good candidate for Intense Pulsed Light? 

The best candidates for this procedure are patients with mild to moderate facial discoloration or irregular pigmentation, excessive freckling or sunspots, or rosacea/facial redness. Patients with facial redness combined with significant
facial telangectasias (blood vessels) often choose combination therapy along with our 532nm Versapulse KTP Laser which is highly effective in removing these larger facial blood vessels.

When compared to chemical peels, intense pulsed light treatment is generally more effective for improving mild to moderate skin discoloration. For patients with moderate to severe skin discoloration or who also desire a more dramatic improvement in skin texture we recommend a series of Fraxel Laser Resurfacing treatments, which are more effective than Intense Pulsed Light for the treatment of significant sun damage and aging skin.

For further information regarding Intense Pulsed Light or to schedule a consultation or treatment please contact us or call 202-966-8814. 


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*Results may vary for each patient.