IPL / ResurFX™
by Lumenis®

At Complexion Med Spa

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology is a safe, non-surgical, non-invasive and versatile treatment that uses light energy to rejuvenate the skin. Because IPL is capable of emitting light at various different wavelengths, different types of skin conditions can be treated by using different filters in the machine.

Complexion Med Spa offers state-of-the-art technology with our Lumenis® Stellar M22 operating system. Lumenis® developed and patented IPL technology first used for cosmetic purposes, and remains a leader in the industry. Our certified state-licensed estheticians along with our board-certified registered nurses, performs all the IPL/laser treatments in our facility and have extensive backgrounds working with IPL and cosmetic laser technology.

Developed by the pioneers of aesthetic medicine, the Lumenis® Stellar M22 IPL treatment eliminates freckles; vascular or pigmented birthmarks; rosacea (redness of the skin); broken capillaries; telangiectasias (abnormal pigmentation of the skin) telangiectasias; and we have even had success with treating vascular lesions resulting from cancer-related radiation treatments! The FDA cleared Lumenis® energy based light treatment works with your skin to remove these imperfections over a series of treatments, while stimulating collagen and elastin fiber production.

There are damaging effects of aging, the sun’s UV rays, and environmental factors such as pollution and free radicals which can result in hyperpigmented age spots, sunspots, and broken blood vessels. Unlock your skin’s potential with the our Lumenis® Stellar M22 Intense Pulsed Light Photo Facial. This customizable energy-based light treatment brings your skin back to a healthier, younger-looking, even tone with minimal to no downtime or discomfort.

Lumenis
Stellar-M22

/ How Does It Work?

The IPL Photo Facial allows treatment of pigmentation and vascular imperfections, while improving overall skin appearance. Lumenis® IPL with Optimal Pulse Technology (OPT™) enables us to customize your treatment according to your skin type and desired results, with maximum safety. The treatment works as light penetrates the tissue and is absorbed by either blood (when treating vascular lesions) or melanin (when treating pigmented lesions). This technology damages the unwanted blood or melanin, while protecting the surrounding healthy tissue. The body’s natural processes of “shedding” then removes the treated tissue, while collagen and elastin fiber stimulation occur, resulting in a visible improvement in skin tone and overall appearance, giving the skin a more even tone and youthful appearance. The energy produced by IPL works directly on the top layers of the skin without penetrating deep enough to harm deeper structures.

What type of skin problems can be treated with IPL?

Rosacea (redness of the skin)
Vascular or Pigmented Birthmarks
Age Spots
Spider Veins
Uneven Skin Texture
Freckles
Broken Capillaries
Telangiectasias (abnormal pigmentation of the skin)
Vascular Lesions/Small Blood Vessels Resulting from Cancer-Related Radiation Treatments
/ Frequently Asked Questions
WHICH AREAS CAN BE TREATED WITH IPL?
The Face is the most commonly treated area along with the Chest and the Back of the Hands considering these areas are most often exposed to sunlight and its damaging effects.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING AND AFTER TREATMENT?
Immediately following your treatment, you can expect to see mild redness, and it may feel like a slight sunburn in the treated area. This should dissipate after a few hours, but in some cases, it could last 1 to 2 days. You can start to see healthier looking skin just several days after treatment. Sunspots, age spots, and/or broken blood vessels usually begin to clear up in 1 to 2 weeks. Patients can expect mild redness and/or a sensation of warmth during and shortly after the procedure. Freckles, areas of sun damage, and hyperpigmentation may become darker temporarily (similar to the appearance of coffee grounds dusted on the skin), but this will resolve gradually over the next 7-14 days. IPL-generated pulses of light are very short in duration, so discomfort is minor, and no pain medication is necessary for the treatment.
WHAT WILL I FEEL DURING AND AFTER TREATMENT?
The procedure is gentle, non-invasive, and safe. While everyone’s tolerance is different, there is usually no need for a topical anesthetic.
To ensure your utmost comfort, our technician will apply cold coupling gel on the treatment area. You may experience a warm sensation as the light is applied to the skin, but the treatment is gentle and should not feel too uncomfortable.

Immediately following treatment, you may experience some redness, depending on your customized treatment settings. The redness will usually disappear within a few hours.

In most cases, makeup may be applied, and daily activities can be resumed within 24 hours. You should avoid direct sun for a few days following treatment and always apply a sunblock.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR AN IPL TREATMENT?
You should stay out of direct sunlight or tanning beds. After first consulting with your doctor, you should refrain from using certain medications that make you more sensitive to light. During the initial consultation, we’ll carefully review all of the information you need to ensure a comfortable, effective procedure.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS DO I NEED?
The number of IPL treatments will depend on your skin and your desired results. We’ll personalize a treatment plan tailored to you and your wants. In general, the heavier your skin blemishes, the more treatments you’ll need.

Typically, a series of 3-6 treatments which can be done 2-4 weeks apart is recommended to achieve optimal results. IPL photo-facials can truly create a marked difference in the patient’s skin over time, since the skin continues to improve for weeks after the actual IPL treatment.

WHY IPL?
Your face is one of the main areas of your body that immediately gives away your age. Years of unprotected sun exposure, harsh cleansers, acne, and the process of aging can do a number on your skin, making it look dull and wrinkled. IPL helps reverse the signs of aging by minimizing sunspots, sun damage, and more.
IPL POST-Treatment Instructions
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  • Be gentle to treated area. Do not scratch or pick at your skin.
  • Freckles and sunspots may turn slightly darker (pigment granules) initially and then flake off within 7-10 days for facial areas and 14 – 21 days for body areas. This is a desired and normal reaction.
  • Until the “pigment granules” have completely subsided, avoid all of the following:
    • Use of scented lotions or soaps, exfoliant creams (Retin-A, glycolic/salicylic and alpha- hydroxy acids), acne creams or gels, loofa sponges and aggressive scrubbing
    • Excessively hot or cold water – wash with tepid water
    • Shaving
    • Swimming pools and spas with multiple chemicals/chlorine
  • Skin may appear red, swollen and have a mild sunburn sensation. This is a normal reaction. It can last from a few hours to a few days after treatment. Applying an ice pack off and on for the first 24 hours will help minimize swelling. NOTE: Never apply ice directly to the skin. Apply through a cloth.
  • For minimum of 48 hours, avoid activities that cause flushing or excessive perspiration, including exercise, hot temperatures, consumption of alcohol or spicy foods, saunas, etc.
  • A cold compress can be used to provide comfort if the treated area is especially warm. This is typically only needed within the first 12 hours after the treatment.
  • Hydrocortisone cream can also be applied to provide comfort if the treated area becomes itchy.
  • Vitamin E or Aloe Vera applied to the treatment area may provide a soothing effect. Post treatment discomfort is typically minimal but if the area is very uncomfortable, oral pain relievers (Tylenol or Advil) may be used.
  • There may be redness and slight swelling around the treated vessels. Often, they appear lighter in appearance and are less defined.
  • Makeup may be applied immediately after the treatment, as long as skin integrity has not been compromised.
  • In the unusual case of crusting of the skin in the treated area, apply an antibiotic ointment twice a day to the affected areas. Do not pick at these areas, as this may result in infection or scarring.
  • If the skin is broken or a blister appears, apply an antibiotic ointment and contact your Ideal Image clinic immediately.
  • Keep the affected area moist and avoid direct sunlight.
  • Strictly avoid any sun exposure to the treated area for a minimum of 7-14 days after the procedure. The treated area is more prone to sunburn and pigmentation change. Keep the area covered and use a sun block with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and reapply every 2 hours. Delayed blistering secondary to sun exposure has been noted up to 72 hours post treatment.
  • If in the middle of a series of IPL Photo-facial treatments, sun exposure should be avoided between treatments and a sunblock should be used on a daily basis.
  • Subsequent treatments are based upon your Medical Professional’s recommendation and are typically 4 weeks apart.

/ Your Transformative Journey Awaits

At Complexion Med Spa, our goal is to provide each patient with exceptional, natural-looking results through the use of advanced technology and techniques through certified training. In addition, our certified state-licensed estheticians along with our board-certified registered nurses, perform all of the IPL/laser treatments in our facility and have extensive backgrounds working with IPL and cosmetic laser technology.

If you’re interested in learning more about our IPL Photo-facial treatments, we are inviting you to schedule a free consultation with us. Call 248-737-6912 or stop by our facility. We look forward to servicing you and remember, it’s all about your Complexion!