 
Eyelid Rejuvenation  Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or Photofacial™ Treatments Intense Pulsed Light (known as IPL, or PhotoFacial™) is an advanced laser treatment used to correct sun damage and eliminate redness and rosacea on the skin of your face, neck and chest. Approved in 1995 for the treatment of these symptoms, Dr. Stout has been performing IPL procedures on patients for years and has witnessed how successfully IPL reduces age spots and sun spots as well as minimizes uneven complexions. IPL reduces the appearance of wrinkles, one of the main results of skin damage, through a non-invasive, laser technology conveniently performed in the privacy of Dr. Stout’s office. Background on Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) or Photofacial™ Many of the major skin problems that show up in adulthood, such as fine lines, blotchiness, age spots (liver spots, dark spots), surface roughness, wrinkles, and dull, lifeless skin, can be attributed to sun exposure. The sunny Los Angeles climate can be particularly damaging to the skin, and many of Dr. Stout’s patients seek IPL treatment not only for the face and eye region, but also for the neck, chest, hands, and rest of the body. Excellent for treating complexion problems caused by sun damage and rosacea, IPL diminishes the signs of aging by significantly reduces redness, the appearance of skin discoloration, and reduces broken blood vessels while stimulating the production of collagen. The treatment itself is non-surgical, convenient, and generally requires no downtime. In the experienced hands of Dr. Stout, IPL is an effective instrument against facial vascular disorders and skin that has been aged by the sun. Frequently Asked Questions about Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial™ Treatments How does the Intense Pulsed Light
laser work?
IPL technology uses a range of wavelengths to treat a variety of
conditions related to age and sun damage. The laser transmits light
through a small hand piece gently placed over the patient’s skin.
The light from the laser penetrates the tissue of the skin and is
absorbed into the blood (for vascular conditions like rosacea) or
melanin (for sun damage). The body reacts to the laser treatment
as it would a sunburn, removing the exterior layer of skin, revealing
a more youthful and refreshed appearance. Rosacea is a progressive vascular disorder that affects the skin and eyes, often causing a permanent blushing or flushed complexion. Patients with this condition have blood vessels that are overly dilated, resulting in excessive facial blushing, acne blemishes, inflammation, broken capillaries and broken blood vessels. Though many rosacea patients mistake their symptoms for skin that is merely sensitive or sunburned, rosacea is a medical condition. It is crucial not to delay treatment. The National Rosacea Society reports that, when left untreated, the chronic redness of rosacea becomes more permanent and tiny blood vessels may enlarge and become visible. Cysts and acne often develop and in advanced cases, especially in men, the nose may become bumpy, red and swollen from excess tissue. In some individuals, the eyes may feel gritty and appear watery or bloodshot. Fortunately, IPL is an effective laser treatment for patients with this condition. Dr. Stout treats patients suffering from rosacea with a series of laser procedures to eliminate redness and uneven complexion.
Patients may experience some redness of the skin or very mild swelling which can last from an hour up to 24 hours. Generally, the side effects after treatment are minor and limited to redness and slight swelling. If this occurs, there is no need for alarm, as it is a normal reaction to the IPL treatment. It is recommended that patients reduce exposure to the sun during treatment sessions and wear at least 30+ sunscreen when going outside.
Dr. Stout recommends three to five gentle light pulse treatments for the most improvement of sun damaged and aged skin. These treatments are typically scheduled approximately three weeks apart. With the addition of the new skin-cooling technology, IPL treatments are less painful than ever. The higher the intensity of the procedure, the more discomfort patients will experience, though it is often described as “flicking” sensation. Most patients are able to tolerate the discomfort, though for a more pleasant experience, Dr. Stout often administers a topical anesthetic or cold compresses.
Under Dr. Stout’s experienced hands, results often last up to 5 years, so long as the patient continues to use proper skin protection. For areas where muscle activity is strong, lines may start to appear sooner. Dr. Stout recommends a “touch up” treatment every 6 months to ensure the longest lasting procedure.
Dr. Stout uses state-of-the-art lasers like artist's brushes, tailoring IPL PhotoFacial™ rejuvenation to your individual goals and particular skin condition. Trained as an oculoplastic surgeon, he has the technical skills necessary to perform IPL treatments and over twenty years of surgical experience to ensure that patients receive the best quality care. |
© 2008 WARREN C. STOUT, M.D