Renew Your Skin's Appearance with IPL™ Therapy

IPL™ therapy at our New Orleans, LA, practice can treat common skin concerns such as hyperpigmentation, enlarged pores, scars, and fine lines without any downtime. Common environmental factors, age, hormone imbalance, and genetics can all have a negative effect on the appearance of your skin. But with this proven cosmetic procedure at Northshore Plastic Surgery, Dr. Benjamin Boudreaux and Dr. Jeffrey Claiborne can help you achieve a more even skin tone and improved texture. 

What is IPL™ Therapy?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL™) therapy, also known as photorejuvenation, is a gentle, non-ablative dermatological procedure that rejuvenates skin with pulsating, specialized light waves. This high-energy light penetrates the skin and causes collagen and blood vessels to constrict, reducing age lines and redness.

This minimally invasive procedure can be completed on the face, neck, chest, and hands through a series of treatments.

To determine if you are a good candidate, Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne will perform a detailed skin evaluation and consultation to review your skin and cosmetic concerns. Patients with naturally tanned skin, darker skin tones, or who take Accutane® may not qualify for this procedure, due to the risk of permanent pigmentation complications.

Viable candidates to receive IPL™ therapy include patients with the following skin concerns on their face, neck, chest, or hands:

• Hyperpigmentation from sun or hormones
• Broken blood vessels
• Acne scars
• Rosacea 
• Diffuse redness 
• Fine lines
• Enlarged pores

Patients with lighter skin tones and healthy skin elasticity are the best candidates for IPL™ therapy.

The IPL™ Therapy Procedure

For optimal results, patients generally undergo three to five sessions about a month apart. Each session will last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the area being treated.

Before beginning your treatment, Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne will place protection over your eyes to shield them from the flashes of light. They will then apply a cooling gel to the treatment area for optimal comfort. The IPL™ therapy is performed with a small handpiece that emits flashes of bright, pulsed light. During treatment, patients typically experience a warming or snapping sensation, similar to a rubber band hitting the skin. You should not experience any significant pain after the procedure, but icing the area can relieve any discomfort. 

What to Expect After IPL™ Therapy

Due to the gentleness of IPL™ therapy, there are generally few to no side effects, and only a minimum recovery time is required. Depending on the patient’s skin type and the extent of treatment, patients may experience minor redness or dark spots for a few days.

To attain desired results and a smooth recovery, Dr. Boudreaux and Dr. Claiborne will recommend that patients avoid the sun and wear sunscreen diligently for at least two weeks following treatment. Patients can achieve maximum results with IPL™ therapy if they continue to take care of their skin through a routine skincare regimen that includes sunscreen and a moisturizer.

Smooth the Texture of Your Skin

IPL™ therapy is a proven treatment for patients interested in rejuvenating the texture and appearance of their skin without undergoing surgical procedures. Contact our practice today to schedule your consultation.