Intense Pulse Light (IPL)
in Connecticut

Acne and hyperpigmentation can often extend beyond the reach of topical treatments alone. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy offers a non-invasive solution by targeting deeper layers of the skin to rejuvenate the skin and reduce inflammatory acne and brown spots. In addition to addressing pigmentation concerns, IPL is commonly used to treat vascular conditions such as rosacea and telangiectasia (spider veins), while also enhancing overall skin texture and tone.

What is Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)?

Intense Pulsed Light therapy is a treatment that uses 4 broadband filters to target specific skin concerns. The light treatment is non-ablative, meaning the skin’s surface is left intact, resulting in minimal side effects and a quick recovery time. Using light energy, IPL therapy targets pigmentation in the skin to heat and destroy visible vascular lesions (like spider veins or broken capillaries) and pigmented lesions (like age spots), resulting in smoother, clearer skin.

Who is a Candidate for Treatment with IPL?

IPL treatments can be performed on patients who are classified as I-IV on the Fitzpatrick Scale. A skin assessment questionnaire will be completed during your consultation to determine if you are a candidate for this treatment. Alternative routes of treatment are available for most patients with higher Fitzpatrick scores.

For acne treatment, candidates for IPL therapy are those who suffer from acne and have not found relief with their regular skincare routine. IPL can be used to treat acne and hyperpigmentation as a result of acne and may be especially helpful to patients with cystic acne, which can be challenging to treat with topical products.

Those who have aging skin or unwanted dark spots, age spots, freckles, sun damage, and other pigmented areas can also benefit from treatment with IPL. The gentle intense pulsed light technology can be used to treat areas of concern on the face, chest, back, arms, and hands.

Those who have taken Isotretinoin (Accutane) in the last 12 months or are currently on Minocin or Doxycycline cannot receive IPL treatment. If a patient has an active herpes simplex outbreak in the treatment area, they should wait to have a treatment until it subsides. An antiviral will be prescribed for your subsequent treatment to minimize the chance of another outbreak.

We do not recommend IPL treatments for patients who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

How do I Prepare for Intense Pulsed Light Treatment?

You cannot be tanned, use self-tanners, or be sunburnt prior to or during the course of treatment. If you are using aggressive skincare products such as retinol, exfoliants, or other products, you must discontinue at least 2 weeks prior to treatment. You will also want to avoid aspirin or other blood thinners three days before treatment.

Your skin must be completely clean and free of any lotions, perfumes, or makeup on the day of treatment.

What is the Intense Pulsed Light Procedure Like?

Before an IPL treatment, a cooling gel will be applied to your skin, and you will be given eye protection. The IPL device will then be applied to the area, delivering a heating laser and visible light pulses to the treatment area. There is minor discomfort for most IPL treatments; most describe it as a rubber band being snapped against the skin or a slight pinching sensation.

A cooling system is integrated into the head of the device, which briefly chills the area before each treatment pulse is administered. When treating vascular areas, we do not want to constrict the blood vessels, so excessive cooling or numbing agents that can affect the blood vessels are avoided.

The number of IPL treatments needed and how quickly you will notice results depend on what you are being treated for and how responsive you are to the treatments. Acne usually requires multiple treatments, 1 week apart. Pigmented lesions and rosacea are usually treated 4-6 weeks apart and may require several sessions.

What are my Post-Treatment Care Instructions?

You can expect minor swelling and redness that can last a couple of hours. There may be a little discomfort which can be treated using ice packs or over-the-counter pain medications. Treated areas may appear darker and scabs may form. Do not pick or scratch the treated areas as this could cause scarring. Avoid submerging the treated area in water such as in hot tubs, pools, lakes, etc.

Avoid direct sun exposure and use a good sunblock to protect your skin during the healing process and between sessions. Shower with lukewarm water and avoid harsh facial products such as retinol, exfoliants, loofah sponges, and shaving. If you experience itchiness, a 1% hydrocortisone cream can be applied to the treated area.

What Results Can I Expect?

While some patients can see improvements after just one treatment session, several sessions are typically recommended for optimal improvement. Your skin will continue to improve with each treatment as IPL destroys acne-causing bacteria and reduces redness and brown spots.

IPL treatment must be performed by a registered nurse (RN), a physician’s assistant (PA), an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN), or a physician. In some cases, Dr. Stanislaw will perform this cosmetic procedure, while in other instances, it will be carried out by our registered nurse

To start treating your stubborn acne, hyperpigmentation, or other blemishes, schedule your consultation by calling our office.

At the time of your consultation, you will be provided a quote which will be honored for 1 year.