LimeLight in New Orleans, LA

IPL (photo rejuvenation) is a laser treatment that corrects the visible signs of aging on the skin. Our Metairie plastic surgeons use LimeLight IPL for patients who wish to improve the appearance of sunspots, age spots, Rosacea, broken capillaries and mild acne scars. IPL is a nonsurgical, noninvasive skin procedure that has shown to offer natural results for the face, neck, chest, and hands. IPL can be blended with other nonsurgical skin treatments for men and women who show signs of aged or sun-damaged skin. Some patients will see marked improvement with just one treatment, while others may need several. 

Before the laser treatment begins, a topical numbing cream is applied to the area being treated, and patients are given protective eyewear to wear throughout the procedure. Using the IPL hand piece, the trained medical aesthetician pulses light to the skin’s surface. Without damaging the skin, the laser is absorbed by the dilated vessels or pigmentation. The heat from the laser causes damage to the vessel or lesion, so the body begins a natural healing process. After the treatment is complete, patients can immediately return to normal activities. Redness or blotchiness may last for up to 1-2 hours after the procedure. 

A physician or trained medical aesthetician can perform an IPL Photo Rejuvenation laser treatment on patients. The procedure is gentle, safe and non-invasive, which allows for little to no recovery time. A full series of the laser treatment includes 3 to 4 sessions, with each session lasting 20 minutes every 4 weeks. Some patients may experience a slight sting, similar to the snapping of a rubber band, while the skin is being treated. All IPL treatments are customized to each patient’s skin type and condition to provide the best possible, long-lasting results.

Improvement can be seen within 7 to 14 days from the first treatment, but the best results can be seen a month after a full series of treatments is completed. It’s common for patients to respond differently to each treatment session. Patients will see a gradual improvement of redness, blotchiness, sunspots and age spots over time.

Most patients experience mild side effects like temporary swelling, redness, or symptoms similar to a sunburn. These subside within a day or two after the procedure.

Patients about to undergo an IPL laser treatment are usually asked to avoid self-tanners and excessive sun for 2 to 4 weeks prior to the procedure. They should discontinue the use of minocycline, tetracycline, doxycycline or Retin-A/Renova several days before each treatment. Patients should also protect the treated areas with sunscreen between sessions.

Patients will not be sun sensitive, but they should keep in mind that excessive sun exposure will affect the results of the procedure. Patients should always wear sunscreen to protect their skin, and decrease the appearance of redness, brown spots, wrinkles and skin cancer.

A full series of IPL Photo Rejuvenation sessions are required in order to provide gradual, natural-looking improvement with little to no risk of the patient’s safety. Multiple sessions also allow for longer-lasting results.