If you've noticed brown spots, sun damage, facial redness or an uneven complexion, IPL photorejuvenation may be a great option for improving your skin's appearance without an extensive recovery period.
At Bair Medical Spa, we use the Candela Nordlys® system to address common skin concerns caused by sun exposure, aging and visible superficial blood vessels. Its Selective Waveband Technology (SWT®) is an advanced form of IPL that uses narrow wavebands of light, so it targets unwanted pigment and redness with less heat on the skin and more comfort than traditional broadband IPL.
What can IPL help improve?
- Sunspots, age spots and freckles
- Uneven skin tone and certain brown spots
- Facial redness and visible broken capillaries
- Redness associated with rosacea
- Overall skin clarity and appearance
What should I expect during treatment?
Your provider will apply light pulses to the treatment area. You may feel a mild snapping or warming sensation, often described as a flick from a rubber band. A treatment generally takes about 20 minutes, depending on the area.
Afterward, some brown spots may temporarily darken and then flake away over the following days as your skin renews. Redness and mild swelling can also occur. Most patients return to their regular activities quickly.
How many treatments will I need?
Some patients notice improvement after their first treatment, but a series of up to three appointments is often recommended for the full effect. Many patients choose one or two maintenance treatments a year.
Nordlys® Acne Treatment
Nordlys® can also improve the appearance of acne. Short, gentle bursts of light reduce the blood supply to the oil glands, which helps slow oil production. It works best on inflammatory acne (red, raised, tender breakouts) and also improves the red marks and uneven tone acne can leave behind. A typical course is four treatments, about three weeks apart, and no numbing is required.
Light & Bright® Treatment
Light & Bright® combines Nordlys® IPL with Frax non-ablative fractional resurfacing in a single treatment to rejuvenate sun-damaged skin, reduce redness, lighten age spots and freckles, and improve texture. A typical course is three sessions of 30 to 45 minutes each. Learn more about Frax resurfacing.
Before and after your treatment
- Avoid sun exposure, tanning beds and self-tanners for one month before treatment, and wear SPF 30+ daily.
- Stop retinoids, glycolic acid and other photosensitizing products about a week before treatment.
- After treatment, avoid saunas, strenuous exercise and heat for 24 hours, don't scrub or pick the treated skin, and avoid direct sun for one month.
