Photorejuvenation with Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)

The Photorejuvenation process uses pulsed light to treat pigmented and vascular lesions, for overall improvement of skin tone.

• Solar Lentigines: More commonly known as sunspots, age spots or liver spots.
• Actinic Bronzing: Overall browning of the skin.
• Freckling

• Spider Veins: Tiny capillaries that appear near the surface of the face. They may appear red, blue or purple in colour.
• Rosacea: Redness, flushing and inflammation of the face which may also be associated with acne type breakouts.

The Photorejuvenation Process is performed using our Palomar Pulsed Light System. Pulsed light systems are similar to lasers but with a larger beam for wider coverage and faster, more comfortable treatments. To achieve a good, long lasting result the system used must be capable of delivering a high amount of energy to the skin safely.

During your treatments, pulses of filtered light are directed onto the skin and absorbed by the melanin for pigmented lesions and by the blood for vascular lesions. The target (pigment or vessel) is heated and broken down by the energy that is delivered, resulting in a reduction in the pigmentation or blood vessel.

The light pulse is directly absorbed by the pigment in the lesion. The light heats the pigment and breaks it up.

How does IPL reduce my visible capillaries and facial redness?

Photorejuvenation light pulses heat the small capillaries that cause Spider veins, rosacea and other vascular lesions. The heat from the pulsed light shrinks the blood vessel.

How long will it be before I see a result?

Pigmentation: The lesion darkens and crusts after treatment and is naturally shed from the skin after approximately ten days. You may continue to see further lightening of pigmentation over the following month.

Spider Veins: The vessels may redden or become gray after treatment. They will then fade after approximately ten days.

How many treatments will I need?

This will vary depending on your condition. Our registered nurse will discuss this with you prior to your treatment

Will photorejuvenation treatments hurt?

Photorejuvenation uses a unique long pulsewidth that delivers energy to the skin over a relatively long period of time without overheating the epidermis. This makes the pulses safer and more comfortable. You may experience a feeling similar to that of a rubber band being snapped on the skin and a small amount of heat with each pulse. Most people do not report this sensation as painful.

How will my skin appear following treatment?

You may experience temporary redness and a mild "sunburn"- like effect that may last a few hours to a few days. If you have a large amount of sun damage, freckling or pigmentation, you may experience significant darkening and crusting of your pigmentation in the days prior to it being shed from the skin.

How do I care for my skin following treatment?

You will need to use gentle skin care products in the days following treatment. A zinc oxide based sunscreen containing an SPF 30+ is essential. It is ok to apply makeup. Our registered nurse will give you more advice about effective skin care at the time of your appointment.

When can I return to work?

Most people return to work immediately following treatment.

$$$ Pricelist - IPL (Photorejuvenation)

Photorejuvenation: Before and After Photos

                          Pre-Treatment                                        Post-Treatment

(Photos courtesy of Haneef Alihbai)

(Photos courtesy of Palomar Medical Technologies) 

(Photos courtesy of Thomas McMeekin)

Pigmented Lesions: Before and After Photos

(Photos courtesy of Amir Bajoghli, MD)

All Photographs thanks to Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc