Pre-Treatment | Procedure | Post-Treatment
We use a highly-advanced and versatile Erbium Fractional laser and an IPL
(intense pulsed light) platform, all part of the Palomar Starlux 500™
system. Conditions and concerns commonly treated with this system are:
Brown Spots
These are known as pigmented lesions, sun spots, age spots or freckles. Areas treated are face, neck, chest, arms, legs and hands.
Rosacea, Vascularity & Red Spots
The Palomar Starlux is the most effective treatment for redness due to rosacea - a chronic skin condition characterized by facial redness, usually prominent on the cheeks, nose and chin. Areas of redness on the neck and chest as well as benign angiomas (red spots) on the body are also commonly treated.
Melasma
Melasma is a patchy brown discoloration on the face often associated with estrogen/progesterone hormones and/or sun exposure. This is a frustrating and difficult skin condition to treat. Pretreatment with topical medications is often recommended before beginning laser treatment.
Scars
Acne scars, surgical scars, traumatic scars, fine lines and enlarged pores
may be treated. These textural conditions are treated with our non-ablative
resurfacing laser. Fractional laser light penetrates into the dermis of the
skin while keeping the epidermis (out layer of skin) intact. This treatment
is safe and effective in diminishing scars.
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IPL Pre-Treatment Information (brown spots, rosacea, etc.)
Before beginning IPL treatments it is mandatory that the skin to be treated
has been protected from the sun either from avoidance of sun exposure or
adequate use of sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) for at least two weeks prior to
treatment. Additionally, the use of tanning beds and selftanning products
should be discontinued for weeks prior to treatment and throughout the
course of treatment. If the intended treatment site is over-exposed to the
sun, IPL can not be performed at that time in order to avoid complications.
If you have a history of herpes breakouts (cold sores) in the area of
treatment, an anti-viral prophylactic treatment may be indicated. Please let
us know if you have ever had cold sores. Please wait at least one week after
Botox injections and two weeks after injectable fillers before having an IPL
treatment. Additionally, the use of retinoids (Retin A), glycolics or any
type of topical creams/medications that irritate the skin should be
discontinued one week prior to beginning treatments and throughout the
course of treatment. The initial series consists of three to four treatments
which are spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart. After the initial series, maintenance
usually consists of one treatment every 6 to 12 months although this time
increment may vary with different skin conditions.
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The IPL Procedure
Appointment times for facial IPL treatments typically are 30 minutes.
Additionally, some areas to be treated (arms, chest, neck and hands) may
require a longer appointment. IPL treatments, and all laser treatments, are
performed by our registered nurse on staff. She will examine your skin prior
to lasering to determine your customized treatment course. Your eyes will be
covered by goggles, and a cool gel will be applied to the area to be
treated. The feel of the IPL treatment pulses is commonly described as a
rubber band snap sensation. The degree of discomfort varies widely by
patient as a patient's pain tolerance differs per individual. To say this
treatment is "pain-free" is an inaccuracy; however, patients do find it
tolerable and the nurse will monitor and assist you with discomfort.
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Post-Treatment Information
Upon finishing the treatment, the skin is red and inflamed. Cooling gel,
sunscreen and ice is applied to the treatment area.
Mild to moderate sunburn symptoms possibly accompanied with swelling is
expected for 2 to 72 hours after treatment. Redness and or swelling usually
resolve within 2 to 3 days but may persist for up to 1 week. In some cases,
prolonged redness and/or blistering may occur. If blistering presents, apply
antibiotic ointment 2 to 3 times per day until healed.
The treated area(s) may be washed with a gentle cleanser morning and night.
A sunscreen with an SPF 30 should be used and reapplied throughout the day.
It is fine to wear makeup after the first post-treatment day, however all
retinoids (Retin A), glycolics and topicals that are irritating to the skin
should be discontinued throughout treatment. For 24 hours after the
procedure, it is advised to avoid activities that cause excessive
perspiration such as heavy exercise and hot tubs/Jacuzzis. Additionally,
avoid swimming in pools with chemicals/chlorine. Be sure to wear protective,
light-occluding hats and clothing after treatment.
For treatments targeting pigmented lesions (sunspots, freckles, and age
spots) the brown spots will gradually darken over the next 24 to 48 hours.
These dark lesions will start to flake away leaving you with clearer skin.
For vascular conditions (capillaries, red spots, rosacea) swelling and
inflammation will be present and bruise-like symptoms may also appear which
are expected to resolve within 3 to 4 days.
It is important to not pick, scratch or remove scabs to avoid unwanted side
effects. There is a wide range of typical healing patterns with IPL
treatments. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our
office.
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