IPL
Conveniently located to serve St. Louis, Des Peres, and Chesterfield
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy can help improve the appearance of darkening age spots, sun spots, rosacea, birthmarks, and freckles, and it can even improve the overall texture of your skin. IPL in St. Louis is used by dermatologists and aesthetic professionals to treat acne, to aid in hair removal, and to perform photofacials to reverse and prevent common signs of aging.
Intense pulsed light treatment tends to work best on those who have pale or light skin. It is also important to talk with your physician to see if you are a good candidate for IPL.
It is typically not recommended for those who have recently been in a tanning bed or have used tanning creams, sprays, or similar products; for those who currently take antibiotics for skin conditions; or for those who may currently have skin cancer.
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How Does Intense Pulsed Light Work?
To put it simply, IPL therapy uses light energy to target particular colors in your skin. The light is then turned into heat energy, where it targets specific cells in the skin. Unlike common laser therapies specific to hair removal, IPL emits more than one wavelength of light, which helps it treat a broader spectrum of skin concerns.
What Should I Expect From IPL Treatments?
IPL therapy can come with mild discomfort. Therefore, you may ask your administering medical professional for topical numbing prior to treatment to help soothe any sensations of pain.
After the area of skin is cleansed, there will be a thin coat of gel applied before the IPL device is applied to the skin. You’ll see flashes of light and feel a mild snapping sensation near the skin being treated, and the treatment typically takes around 30 minutes or less to perform.
After treatment in the area is complete, the skin will be cleaned off again. A cold compress may be applied to the area, and moisturizer and sunscreen may be applied.
How Do I Prepare For My IPL Appointment?
Prior to each treatment, please inform us if you are taking any antibiotics or medications. There are some medications that may cause your skin to be sensitive to light treatments, such as IPL. Therefore, the treatment will need to be postponed. We advise these medications to be avoided for at least two full weeks before treatment.
Treatment is not recommended for those that have recently been in a tanning bed or used self-tanning products. If self-tanning products have been applied, at least two weeks prior to treatment you will need to thoroughly cleanse the areas with an abrasive/exfoliating scrub to remove all product.
We advise against treatment on sunburned or recently sun-exposed skin and recommend that all patients wear sunscreen daily, with SPF of at least 30.
Please do not apply makeup, perfume, or lotions to the areas that will be treated.
After-Treatment Care
Always consult your physician for recommendations on skin regimens and products that can be used for after-treatment care to ensure the best results. Hydration with the right products will also help with the overall recovery of your skin. After treatment, it is common to notice subtle redness and swelling in the treated area.
K.L. ★★★★★
Emily was amazing! I always see Raquel and when I had my IPL yesterday Emily made me feel so comfortable! She was so calming and so sweet. She made the entire experience so much better than if I were to have gone anywhere else. I will definitely be getting this treatment again, thanks to her.
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How Many Treatments Are Needed and How Often?
It is common for patients to have anywhere from 3-6 IPL treatments, although this is dependent on the area of the skin you are treating, as well as what exactly is being treated. For example, treating age or sunspots may require fewer treatments than treating rosacea. Sessions should be done roughly 4 weeks apart to give the skin time to heal and rejuvenate between treatments.
Typically, patients begin seeing results just one week after treatment, with optimal results showing upon completion of the series.
At that point, we recommend one treatment per quarter, to continue to build and improve the skin. Patients who follow the one per quarter maintenance schedule report dramatic skin improvement over time.
How Much Do IPL Treatments Cost?
The cost of an IPL treatment varies by treatment area. Below are the costs of just a few of the most popular treatment areas.
- Face – $450
- Chest – $450
- Hands – $150
- Back/Shoulders – $550
- Full Arms – $450
- Half Arms – $300
- Full Legs – $550
- Half Legs – $450
- Neck – $250
Schedule Your Consultation
At Avani Derm Spa, we provide IPL and many other quality treatment options that offer lasting results. Contact us today to arrange your consultation regarding IPL in St. Louis.
