IPL Candidacy
IPL photofacials can effectively improve your skin’s tone and texture by addressing discoloration and blemishes, but the treatment isn’t suitable for everyone. IPL works by targeting pigment differences in the skin, so it’s typically best for patients with lighter skin types (Fitzpatrick I-III).
Intense pulsed light in Oak Ridge may not be the right treatment in the following cases:
- If you’ve recently tanned or have a sunburn, you may need to wait until your skin has fully recovered to proceed with treatment. Moles or any suspicious lesions will also not be treated.
- This treatment cannot be performed on brown or black skin as the dark pigment in the skin will attract so much light energy that the skin will burn.
- Patients must be off Isotretinoin (Accutane) for at least six months prior to treatment.
- Additionally, we recommend waiting to receive IPL if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, as a precaution.
If you’re not an ideal candidate for IPL, don’t worry—our team in Oak Ridge offers a variety of other treatments to help you achieve smooth, radiant skin. We’re here to guide you toward the best option for your unique needs and goals!
IPL, In Depth
When you visit Shea Aesthetic Clinic for your photofacial, our experienced team of aestheticians, led by Dr. Bass, will ensure you feel comfortable and well-informed before your treatment begins. We’ll take time to answer any last-minute questions and walk you through each step of the process.
First, we’ll cleanse the treatment area to prepare your skin. Next, we’ll apply a cooling gel, which enhances your comfort and helps the IPL device deliver light energy effectively to the targeted areas. To protect your eyes, we’ll place special shields before starting the treatment.
The IPL handpiece will emit bright pulses of light, which we’ll carefully administer across the treatment area. You may feel a mild snapping or warming sensation as the light targets discoloration or blemishes in your skin. Our team works methodically to ensure even and precise coverage, leaving you with smoother, more radiant skin.
Recovery From IPL
During your IPL treatment, you may feel a mild prickling or snapping sensation as the light targets discoloration, but this is typically well-tolerated by most patients. After your session, there’s little to no downtime, so you can return to your normal activities right away.
It’s normal to experience some mild redness or swelling in the treated area, but these effects usually subside within a few days. In the days following treatment, you may notice that pigmented spots appear darker. Don’t worry—this is part of the natural process. Over time, these spots will fade or flake off, revealing smoother, more even-toned skin.
Maintaining Results
Once IPL removes your blemishes, they’re gone for good—but that doesn’t mean new spots can’t develop. Sun exposure, aging, and environmental factors can still impact your skin over time. To maintain your refreshed look, it’s essential to have a proactive skincare plan.
A solid at-home skincare routine can help preserve your results. We recommend using medical-grade sunscreen daily to protect against UV damage and pairing it with high-quality skincare products tailored to your skin’s unique needs. At Shea, we carry a wide range of products designed to support your skin health—just let us know, and we’ll help you choose the perfect options.
Even with the best care, new discolorations may appear over time. To keep your skin looking its best, we often recommend ongoing IPL maintenance treatments. Depending on your skin and lifestyle, scheduling 3 to 4 sessions annually can help address new spots before they become more noticeable. For personalized advice and a plan that works for you, our team is always here to guide you.
