IPL Specialist
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Gould-Jacobson Dermatology
Dermatologists located in Menlo Park, CA
When age spots and broken blood vessels freckle your skin, it can cause you to appear older than you feel, making you uncomfortable with how you look. At Gould-Jacobson Dermatology, you can find a solution to sun-damaged skin. Elizabeth Gould, MD, and Sarah Jacobson, MD, offer patients in Menlo Park, California, intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments, creating soft and youthful looking skin. Call the office today to learn more, or go online to book your appointment.
IPL Q&A
What is IPL?
IPL is a cosmetic skin treatment that uses light to address skin issues related to dark pigmentation, sun damage, and the effects of aging. During an IPL treatment, your dermatologist harnesses the energy from multiple light wavelengths and directs it at your damaged skin cells. This energy breaks up the pigmentation in your skin — which is processed and removed via normal body processes — and stimulates a healing response.
Photorejuvenation is one of the most popular IPL treatments, as it gives your whole face a smooth, glowing complexion and eliminates minor skin imperfections. Dr. Gould and Dr. Jacobson also use IPL to treat a variety of skin conditions, including:
- Brown pigmentation
- Age spots
- Broken blood vessels
- Rosacea
- Superficial wrinkles
Along with the face, these treatments can be used on the neck, chest, and hands.
What happens during an IPL treatment?
About 30-60 minutes before your scheduled IPL treatment, you apply the provided anesthetic cream to your treatment area. A minor numbing agent, this cream protects you from any discomfort you may experience during the procedure.
At the office, IPL treatments begin with a cleansing of the area, and then your doctor applies a cooling gel, protecting your skin against any damage. They may give you a pair of glasses to block your eyes from the light.
Dr. Gould or Dr. Jacobson uses a handheld device to administer light energy directly to your skin. Depending on the scope of your treatment area, the procedure takes between 20-30 minutes.
In most cases, the dermatologists at Gould-Jacobson Dermatology recommend more than one treatment for optimal results. They often suggest 3-6, spaced about four weeks apart.
What should I expect after IPL?
A few days after your IPL treatment, you may experience some bruising or redness. If you have brown spots, they may become darker and then begin to peel off.
Protect your skin during this time by wearing sunscreen after your treatment and switching to a cleanser and moisturizer for sensitive skin. After a week, your skin heals and you can return to your normal skincare routine.
After you complete the entire treatment process, your dermatologist may recommend maintenance treatments once or twice a year to maintain the youthful look of your skin.
If you’re ready to erase the signs of aging, call Gould-Jacobson Dermatology or schedule your appointment online today.
