IPL Facial in Oklahoma City, OK

Hyperpigmentation can cause uneven toned skin due to dark spots, which can be treated with IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) photofacials. With this treatment, the cosmetic surgeons of Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates in Oklahoma City, Dr. Erik Nuveen and Dr. Courtney Caplin, will treat the area with an IPL device that uses its intense light to break up areas of hyperpigmentation. In the process, the pigmentation is destroyed, which causes the skin to begin a self-rejuvenation process. Resulting skin will be clearer, more even toned and brighter. IPL photofacials are a great treatment for sun damaged skin, freckles, age spots, rosacea, and broken capillaries.

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Photo rejuvenation is a non-invasive procedure. With IPL, the doctor utilizes pulses of light strong enough to damage skin lesions and initiates a healing process that will start production of new skin tissues. Typically, cold gel is applied on the skin to help with any discomfort. The eyes are also protected from the intense light. The treatment may only last less than 30 minutes as extended exposure to the laser may cause complications. Patients are able to return to their normal routine after a few hours.

Treatment can only last for 20 minutes or less depending on the skin condition. Several sessions are required spaced every 3 weeks. The results are gradual and optimal results may be seen after several months. There may be discomfort during treatment and pain may be present but tolerable – similar to a slight sting of a rubber band snap. After treatment, the skin may appear reddish with slight swelling and blotchiness. These normally disappears after a few hours. It is very important to adhere to doctor’s post-treatment advise when it comes to care. 

For a complete treatment, spanning several sessions of IPL Photo Rejuvenation, the fees can go as high as $ 2,000. There are options provided in which the fees are separated in single treatments or can already include the complete series for a one-time payment. Single sessions may cost an average of

$450. The fees do not include doctor and facility fees yet.

Improvements are noticeable even after the initial treatment but optimal results may be evident after several months. The positive results of this laser treatment are gradual as the skin must be given time to heal to avoid any complications of an aggressive approach. There is no standard recovery time as patient’s condition can greatly vary.

Side effects are mild. Redness, swelling, bruising are normal right after treatment. After a few days, blisters and crusting and skin peeling may be present. The patient must not pick on the skin as it is undergoing a normal process as it heals itself. 

It is recommended for patients who are scheduled for an IPL photo treatment to refrain from tanners and exposure to sun 1 month prior to schedule. There are also medications that must be avoided such as minocycline, tetracycline, doxycycline or Retin-A/Renova a few weeks before schedule. These precautions minimizes and risks of complications and reactions the laser light may cause. To help prevent bruising and excessive swelling, patients may be required to take aspirin and ibuprofen 1 week before treatment.

Although patients will not be as sensitive to sun exposure as one might think after undergoing the IPL, going out under the sun must be a limited activity especially in between treatments. Doing so may significantly affect the outcome and may cause complications. Sun protection must be regularly applied. This also helps in minimizing possible recurring skin issues like sun spots, wrinkles and skin cancer.

A single session can’t last more than 30 minutes as extended exposure to IPL may be risky to the patient. An aggressive approach may bring negative effects instead of correcting skin irregularities. Several sessions are spread in between at least weeks so the resurfacing is gradual and results are also longer term as the skin heals naturally.