Cincinnati Plastic Surgery Specialists in IPL Photo Facial
Thank you for considering UC Health Plastic Surgery for your plastic surgery procedure. We offer a safe, comfortable atmosphere in our modern, state-of-the-art facility located in West Chester, Ohio, convenient to both Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio. The (IPL) Intense Pulsed Light Photo Facial procedure is conveniently performed right in our well-equipped procedure rooms. We offer a friendly staff of nurses and administrative support to help with your scheduling issues and questions.
What is IPL for Vascular and Pigmented Lesions?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) using the Palomar StarLux® System treats pigment-related issues such as sun spots and small blood vessels on the face and body. Pulsed light is absorbed and converted to heat by blood in the veins or pigment cells in the skin. This shrinks the vessels and dissolves the cells responsible for abnormal pigmentation. StarLux® incorporates a photon-recycling process that uses mirrors within the individual handpieces to recapture scattered energy and send it back to the target area, increasing treatment effectiveness. The StarLux® has additional features which add to the comfort and safety of the patient. Sun damage, brown spots, capillaries, red spots and rosacea can all be treated with IPL.
Procedure Benefits
- Balanced skin tone
- Enhanced skin clarity
- Improved sun-damaged skin
- Reduction of rosacea
Private Consultation
Your physician, in our conveniently located cincinnati offices, will examine the potential area you wish to improve and will evaluate the vessels and brown spots to determine treatment potential. Your sun exposure and outdoor habits will also be discussed. You should be prepared to discuss your complete medical history, including any medications you are taking (including vitamins). You will also discuss the cost of the procedure and how many treatments may be needed to achieve best results.
Preparation
A sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher should be worn for 4 weeks before receiving treatment. Herpes I and II within treatment area may require suppression with medication prior to treatments. All tretinoin products including Retin-a, Renova, Differin, and Avage should be discontinued 2 weeks prior to treatment. Although not an absolute contraindication, all other exfoliants should be reviewed prior to treatment. A test spot may be performed prior to the procedure to assess skin reaction and appropriate settings for treatment.
Procedure Overview
The skin is cleansed and a special lotion is applied over the treatment area. Goggles are placed over the patient’s eyes. During the procedure, the doctor or doctor’s assistant will place the hand piece on the treatment area to a deliver series of pulses which feel similar to very light rubber band snaps. Minor discomfort and/or warm sensation may be experienced during treatment. The vessels and lesions may undergo immediate greying or blanching or exhibit a slight purple or red color change. Skin cooling is done with the Starlux® special handpiece during treatment and ice treatments are used immediately after the procedure.
Recovery and Healing Time
A mild sunburn-like sensation is expected and usually lasts no longer than 2-24 hours, but can persist for 72 hours. Mild swelling and/or redness may be present, but usually resolve in 2-3 days. Application of ice or gel packs is recommended. Until redness is resolved, you should avoid makeup, swimming, aggressive scrubbing and the use of exfoliants on treated area. Avoid sun exposure to treated areas and apply an SPF30 or higher sunscreen to prevent skin color changes. Vessels and/or lesions may become darker before they gradually fade over a period of 2-4 weeks. Vessels may continue to improve over the next 6-8 weeks. It usually takes 3-4 weeks until the effect of the treatment can be evaluated.
Procedure Risks
Although rare, possible risks include:
- Prolonged itching
- Redness, blistering, bruising, peeling, or rash
- Lightening or darkening of skin color
- Ingrown hairs
- Removal of freckles
- Crusting, swelling, infection, or scarring
UC Health Plastic Surgery in West Chester, has three nationally recognized Cincinnati plastic surgeons.
Located north of Cincinnati, we serve West Chester, Mason, Loveland, Indian Hill and the rest of Greater Cincinnati and Dayton for all of their plastic surgery procedure needs.
