laser surgery
Intense Pulsed Light Treatment
Intense Pulsed Light treatment uses pulsed light to treat the following problems:
- Pigmented Lesions (Sunspots or Age Spots) - occur in response to sun-induced skin injury and appear as dark brown circles, known as Solar Lentigines.
- Vascular Lesions - superficial blue, red, or purple veins under the skin's surface. Some common types include Rosacea (facial inflammation) and Spider Veins (tiny vessels that appear near the surface of the face).
Frequently Asked Questions
What body areas can I get treated?
Any area, except directly around the eyes. The face is the most common area treated but other areas of sun freckling can also be treated such as the back of the hands.
What are Intense Pulsed Light sessions like?
Most people percieve the light as a gentle "snapping" sensation, which causes little to no discomfort.
What should I expect after treatment?
Pigmented lesions will darken slightly after treatment, and then fade away after about 10-14 days. Vessels (visible veins) generally undergo immediate graying or blanching and the surrounding area may redden. The vessels then fade after about 10-14 days. Most people experience some mild temporary redness and swelling, similar to a sunburn, in the treated area shortly after treatment. This does not interfere with normal activites and usually subsides within a day. In some cases the redness may last longer, but will still be mild and temporary. Dr. Berg will explain other, less likely side effects to you.
What is the difference between IPL and laser treatments?
Pulsed-light systems and lasers are very similar and treat lesions in basically the same way. However, the IPL process uses a new technology that removes some lesions much faster than lasers.