Portland patients benefit from IPL treatment to get rid of brown spots on skin

Are those stubborn brown spots standing between you and your goal of beautifully flawless skin? If so, talk to Thrive in Portland, OR about IPL therapy. This gentle light-based treatment involves little to no downtime, and it can correct a wide variety of common skin concerns.

IPL treatment explained

The name “IPL” is an acronym, meaning intense pulsed light. It has many of the same benefits as traditional laser therapy, but it is much gentler. The most notable difference between the two is that laser devices emit a single wavelength, whereas IPL works with broad spectrum light. Your provider can adjust the setting to filter certain wavelengths, depending on the specific concern being treated.

When used to treat brown spots, IPL targets skin pigment. Light energy works to break up excess pigment, but the results are not immediately visible. Instead, the treated spot gradually rises to surface as skin rejuvenates itself over the next few days.

Some patients are concerned if brown spots darken right after IPL. However, this is normal. When the spots reach the surface, they might initially look like coffee grounds on your skin. They flake off within a few days, leaving skin smoother, healthier, and more even-toned.

What to expect during the procedure

IPL is a nonablative therapy, meaning that it targets deep dermal layers without damaging the epidermis (surface). Therefore, side effects and recovery are minimal, and there is no downtime. In fact, many of our patients schedule during their lunch breaks, and return to work when the appointment is over.

What should you expect during the appointment?

• We will cleanse and prepare your skin, including the application of a soothing gel.
• You will be provided with special goggles to protect your eyes from the intense light.
• The procedure is performed by gliding the smooth handpiece gently across the treatment area. You will probably feel some tingling or stinging like the sensation of a rubber band snapping. Most patients find it easily tolerable.
• After the procedure is over, we remove the gel and cleanse the treatment area, then apply sunscreen and soothing moisturizer
• We may apply an ice pack, if you are feeling discomfort or experiencing swelling
• We will explain what to expect during recovery and provide instructions about caring for your skin. If you have any questions, you are encouraged to ask.

IPL recovery and results

You can resume normal daily activities immediately after treatment, but you will need to keep the area moisturized and protected from the sun. There may be some redness or inflammation, depending on your skin type and the intensity of treatment. However, it is easily camouflaged. Because there is no broken or injured skin, patients can safely apply cosmetic products right after being treated.

For the first few days, there can be some inflammation, your skin might appear red or mottled, and brown spots may darken. You will likely also experience some flaking as damaged cells surface and are eliminated. Although it may be tempting, don’t pick at skin or attempt to remove the flakes. It is essential to let your skin shed naturally.

Within about a week to ten days, any side effects should have faded, revealing younger, more even toned skin. Due to the gentle nature of IPL treatment, the results of each session are less dramatic than those of ablative laser resurfacing. Therefore, most patients require a series of treatments, usually over the course of two or three months. After each treatment, acne scars become less pronounced, and skin becomes smoother.

Are you a suitable candidate?

IPL therapy has an excellent record of safety when performed by a trained professional. In addition to brown spots, it can address several other skin problems. If you have facial redness, visible vessels, enlarged pores, rough skin texture, sun damage, or similar concerns, then you may be a great candidate for IPL.

The best way to find out if IPL is right for you is to visit Thrive. Like all procedures at our practice, IPL begins with a personalized consultation. Your provider will review your medical history, perform an examination, learn about your treatment goals, and then help you choose the best solution to meet your unique needs. Call us at (503) 928-6505 and schedule an appointment today.