IPL Photorejuvenation

Conveniently located to serve the areas of New Jersey and New York

Photorejuvenation refers to the use of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to treat conditions related to sun-induced skin damage. This non-ablative treatment uses multiple wavelengths of pulsed light to gently and effectively penetrate the skin’s deeper layers. This broad spectrum of light is primarily absorbed by pigmented cells in the skin, such as melanin (brown pigment) and oxyhemoglobin (red pigment) and is effective in reducing the appearance of sun spots, age spots, capillaries, rosacea, freckles and fine lines. IPL offers a gentle, long-lasting solution for visible signs of skin damage that affect the way you look. It also combines dramatic improvement with virtually no down time.

Conditions treated:

  • Age Spots and Sun Damage
  • Uneven skin tone
  • Broken capillaries
  • Freckles
  • Rosacea
  • Birthmarks

What to expect during your IPL Treatment:

  • Protective eyewear is given to the patient
  • A topical anesthetic may be applied to the skin for added comfort prior to the procedure. (Optional)
  • A cooling gel, which reduces the sensation of heat from the hand piece, is applied to the treatment area
  • Cold air cooling to the skin may also be given during treatment
  • The smooth glass surface of the IPL hand piece is placed directly over the treatment area
  • Precisely calibrated light waves, which vary in intensity according to the type of skin, the location of the treatment area and treatment type, and the depth of energy penetration required for optimal results, are emitted by the hand piece
  • Treatment continues over a single, specified area (face, legs, neck, or arms) with a series of brief, even passes
  • The duration of treatment depends on the treatment area. For example, full face treatment takes about 10 minutes, whereas larger areas (legs, etc) may take about 30 minutes or more
  • The patient may experience a slight redness to the treatment area, which usually disappears in an hour
  • Over a series of treatments (usually 4-6, at 3-4-week intervals) the treatment area becomes clear of spots, birthmarks, discoloration or unwanted veins

As a pioneer in aesthetic medicine, Lumenis developed the first IPL technology and the first Photorejuvenation platform. The Company has established itself as long-standing leader in the field due to its vast knowledge and expertise in the market. The Lumenis M22 IPL is considered by many the ‘Gold Standard’ in photorejuvenation.

FAQ

What do I need to avoid before surgery?

If you are on “blood thinners,” you will be asked to stop them approximately one week prior to surgery. We also ask that you avoid certain over-the-counter medications. If you are taking some herbal supplements, you should stop those as well as they may contain blood thinning substances. Also, you have to completely quit smoking at least two weeks before surgery.

What about my daily medications before surgery?

You will have a preoperative appointment well in advance of your surgery when we will review all mediations with you. If you are on “blood thinners,” you will be asked to stop them approximately one week prior to surgery. We also ask that you avoid certain over-the-counter medications. You may continue taking most routine medications up until the morning of surgery with a small sip of water.

What happens after surgery?

You will go to the recovery room for a few hours until you are fully recovered from anesthesia. Once you are stable you will be taken home (or to a hotel) by your family member or a friend. You will want to stay relaxed for the first few days. You will need to keep your head elevated when in bed to help with faster resolution of swelling. You should begin to start walking, eating, and using the restroom the day after surgery. Your activity can slowly increase each day but it will take up to 2 weeks before you start to feel like your old self again. You should avoid any strenuous activity for 4 weeks. You will need to take medication prescribed to you by Dr. Ovchinsky, which usually include antibiotics, pain medicine, antibiotic ointment for the incisions, and occasionally anti-nausea medications.

Are there any dietary restrictions following surgery?

No. Patients can eat whatever they want. Advance your diet from liquids (fruit juice, milk shake, etc.) to soft food (pudding, macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, oatmeal, pasta) to solids as tolerated. To prevent dehydration, please drink as much juices and nutritional fluid as possible.

When will my stitches be taken out?

Stitches are normally removed five to six days after your surgery.

How soon will I be able to exercise?

Dr. Ovchinsky recommends that patients do not return to exercise for three weeks after their procedure.

When will I be able to see the results?

You may see the difference right away, and more so once the swelling goes down within the first one to two weeks. As with any surgical procedure, it takes anywhere from 6 to 12 months for the results to become final.

What is special about the way Dr. Ovchinsky does the surgery?

Dr. Ovchinsky tailors his surgical technique to an individual patient rather than using the same “run of the mill” surgery on everybody. The technique he uses causes minimal pain, has natural results, and is long-lasting. The vast majority of patients are quite surprised afterward at how little discomfort they have and how quickly they return to normal activity. Most patients have minimal bruising. Finally, with Dr. Ovchinsky technique and attention to details during skin closure, scars are typically minimal and are often difficult to see once they have fully matured.