Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy can help with a variety of skin conditions and unwanted hair. Intense pulsed light also known as IPL is a kind of phototherapy for your skin that uses focused light pulses to penetrate deep into the layers of your skin and stimulate the synthesis of collagen, which reduces redness, spider veins, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, and big pores. Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, also known as a photo facial, is a way to improve the color and texture of your skin without surgery. It can undo some of the visible damage caused by sun exposure -- called photoaging. You may notice it mostly on your face, neck, hands, or chest. IPL may help if you have red, brown, or splotchy skin because of a health condition.
Both IPL and laser treatments can be used to improve a variety of skin issues. The main difference is that IPL therapy is gentler on the skin and usually requires more sessions than laser therapy for comparable results.
A Hollywood facial, also known as a carbon laser peel or carbon facial, is a non-invasive laser treatment that can improve the appearance of skin. A carbon laser peel, also called Hollywood peel or charcoal peel, is a facial treatment combining the benefits of charcoal and the Q-Switch laser technology. The main goal of this carbon laser peel facial is to rejuvenate the skin. This laser facial is indeed designed to reduce the signs of skin aging, big pores, or skin damage, such as acne and scars. It creates a softer, glowing appearance that will have your red carpet ready in no time!
First, the laser targets the pigmented areas of your skin to break up the cells so your body can naturally eliminate them, the laser light is super attracted to carbon particles, its energy and heat is absorbed by the carbon paste destroying the particles in your pores. Light from the laser is attracted to the carbon.
Second, the laser energy heats the deeper layers of your skin, which causes the cells to contract, creating an instant lift that smooths out lines and wrinkles. The energy also stimulates the production of collagen to improve skin strength and elasticity. The carbon paste absorbs dirt from the pores of the skin and exfoliates.
Our carbon laser peel has no downtime and creates a softer, glowing appearance that will have you red-carpet ready in no time! Patients may experience redness but it will go away within a few hours. Furthermore, It is a non-invasive procedure thus rather gentle to the skin.
Carbon Laser Peel Skin Benefits Exfoliates the skin Cleanses the skin Clears and tightens pores Brightens and evens-out skin tone. You can expect to feel your skin tightened, hydrated, and brightened immediately after your first treatment. Although, In order to receive lasting results, it is best to come in every 2 to 4 weeks for a treatment.
Avoid sun exposure including tanning beds for 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks after the treatment. A cold compress can be applied for 10-15 minutes prior to the treatment. Avoid pain medication such as Motrin, Aleve and aspirin 3 to 7 days prior to the treatment.
1. Discontinue medications or supplements that may thin your blood one week prior to vein treatments to minimize bruising and improve the success of your treatment. This includes fish oil, flax seed oil, Vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, anti- inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve), and red wine. If you are taking aspirin electively and not upon the advice of your physician, then you may stop it for 48 hours prior to your treatment. Do not stop aspirin if prescribed or recommended by your physician.
2. You may wish to bring a pair of shorts to wear during your treatment if you are having your legs treated.
3. If facial veins are being treated, there may be minor bruising and/or swelling following treatment. This can typically be covered using make-up. Plan accordingly since your face may show slight evidence of the laser treatment for a week or more.
4. If leg veins are being treated, there may be minor bruising, discoloration, and welting over treatment sites. Larger leg veins may appear bruised for a period of time after treatment. Full results can take weeks or months to be realized. Plan and schedule treatments accordingly, allowing for healing time and time for your treatment results to evolve to completion. The best time to treat leg veins are in fall, winter and spring when you are less inclined to wear shorts or be exposed to sun.
5. Plan treatments allowing for a period of no sun exposure, vigorous activity or use of hot tubs, saunas or spas for 48 hours after treatment.
Don't Pluck
Prior to a laser hair removal treatment, patients must abstain from tweezing,
Don't Tan
You should also avoid sun exposure in the 4-6 weeks prior to your laser hair removal treatment. Tanned skin has extra melanin, which attracts laser energy.
Don't Moisturize
Right before your laser hair removal treatment, avoid applying any lotion,
sunscreen, perfume, or other similar cosmetics to the surface of your skin.
Shave
Shave 1-3 days before your session. The idea is to have a nice, close shave, so that there is no hair outside the skin. It is best to have just enough hair to be visible so your laser technician knows what is to be treated. There may be some slight charring of the small amount of stubble that gets hit by the laser. So, if you notice an odor of singed hair, that's normal.
1. An accurate diagnosis by a physician is necessary prior to the IPL treatment.
2. Prior to the treatment, clean the treatment area. The treatment area should be free of any makeup, creams, perfumes and lotions. Male patients should shave just prior to treatment (the pigment in your beard could increase discomfort).
3. Discontinue sun tanning, use of tanning beds and any application of sunless tanning products one month before the treatment. 4. Always use an SPF 30 or greater sunblock on all exposed treatment areas. Wear sun protective hats and clothing.
5. Discontinue the use of exfoliating creams 1 week prior to the entire treatment
6. If the patient has a history of herpes outbreaks in the areas being treated, a prescribed medication, like Valtrex is recommended for one week prior to the treatment prior to the treatment to help prevent an outbreak.
Patients will need to have:
• A mild facial cleanser.
• A high quality sunblock SPF 30 (zinc and/or titanium dioxide > 10%)
• A good moisturizer available for your after-care.
• For discomfort, a pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used. If an open area occurs or if the treatment area is inadvertently picked an antibiotic ointment, such as Bacitracin can also be applied.
Carbon Laser Peel ‘aka’ Hollywood Facial Pre / Post Care Instructions:
Compliance with the recommended pre / post care instructions as well as recommended follow-up visits by your practitioner are crucial for the success of your treatment and to prevent unnecessary side effects or complications. It is your responsibility to inform your practitioner of any changes in medical history, medications, and most recent sun exposure before each treatment is performed.
Before Your Treatment
● You may not be pregnant or lactating.
● Patients who have used Accutane or similar products within the last 6 months CANNOT be treated.
● Avoid excessive sun exposure as well as the use of artificial tanning beds for 72 hours before treatment.
● Always use an SPF 30 or higher containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide for proper sun protection. ● Discontinue the use of any topical products that may be drying or irritating (e.g. AHAs, BHAs, retinoids) for at least 48 hours prior.
● Discontinue use of over-the-counter acne medications such as benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid for 48 hours prior.
● Refrain from waxing and use of depilatories for 48 hours prior.
● For men, shaving is not recommended on the day of treatment. If you choose to shave, please shave at least 3-4 hours prior (preferably shave a day before)
● Avoid other aesthetic procedures or cosmetic injections in the area(s) to be treated for 3 weeks before and after. Botox and fillers can be given on the same day but AFTER your treatment.
● If you are prone to cold sores, it is recommended to take antiviral medication for 2 or more days before and after.
● Stay hydrated by drinking 8+ glasses of water daily to improve results & healing time before and after treatment.
Day of Treatment
● Arrive with clean skin free of any lotion, oil, makeup, powder, or sunscreen.
● Notify your practitioner of any changes in your medication, or health status, or personal activities that may be relevant to your treatment. After Your Treatment
● Your practitioner will provide you with individual post-care recommendations after your procedure. General post-care information
● After your Hollywood Laser Peel Facial, you will be able to return home and continue your usual activity. There is no downtime or recovery process involved with this treatment.
● Avoid all direct & indirect Sun Exposure and always use SPF30 or higher containing zinc oxide for proper sun protection.
● Avoid using any exfoliants or harsh chemical products for about 7 days post- treatment.
● Avoid public pools, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms for the first 24 hours post- treatment.
● Depending on your skin care concerns, you may need multiple sessions to see optimal results.
● Do not have any other treatments for at least 2 weeks post-treatment.
● Rarely an itchy bump reaction can occur that looks like acne but itches and lasts for about 5-7 days. It can be covered with makeup, and you may take antihistamines like Claritin or Zyrtec if this occurs.
● It is important to inform your provider about the types of skincare products.
If you experience any side effects, such as prolonged redness or swelling, histamine reaction, blisters, burns, or signs of infection please contact your practitioner @ 760-249-7007 immediately for proper assessment and further care instructions.
