Palomar StarLux™ Pulsed Light Therapy
Smooth, Beautiful, Healthy Skin.
StarLux™ Pulsed Light Therapy offers an “intense pulsed light” (IPL) device that delivers energy to targets and destroys vascular and pigmented lesions. Some of these lesions and conditions include facial, neck, and chest telangiectasias or “broken capillaries” (such as those seen with Rosacea), tan or brown “sun spots” and sun damage on the face, neck, chest, arms, legs and “cherry angiomas” of the face and body. It is also the treatment of choice for poikiloderma (red/brown mottled pigmentation from the sun on the sides of the neck). It is also used, in combination with other treatments, to help reduce the dark pigmentation seen with Melasma.
A “photo-facial” using the StarLux™ IPL is a non-abrasive and non-invasive rejuvenation of your skin using the remarkable technology of Intense Pulsed Light. IPL photo-facials can significantly improve the signs of sun damage, along with the overall appearance of not only your face, but also help rejuvenate your hands and body. In many patients this light based device is also used for hair removal on larger body surface areas. It has also been used to reduce the appearance of pink acne scars.
Palomar StarLux™ Pulsed Light Therapy
StarLux™ Pulsed Light Therapy offers an “intense pulsed light” (IPL) device that delivers energy to targets and destroys vascular and pigmented lesions. Some of these lesions and conditions include facial, neck, and chest telangiectasias or “broken capillaries” (such as those seen with Rosacea), tan or brown “sun spots” and sun damage on the face, neck, chest, arms, legs and “cherry angiomas” of the face and body. It is also the treatment of choice for poikiloderma (red/brown mottled pigmentation from the sun on the sides of the neck). It is also used, in combination with other treatments, to help reduce the dark pigmentation seen with Melasma.
A “photo-facial” using the StarLux™ IPL is a non-abrasive and non-invasive rejuvenation of your skin using the remarkable technology of Intense Pulsed Light. IPL photo-facials can significantly improve the signs of sun damage, along with the overall appearance of not only your face, but also help rejuvenate your hands and body. In many patients this light based device is also used for hair removal on larger body surface areas. It has also been used to reduce the appearance of pink acne scars.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does IPL work?
IPL use specialized hand-pieces that filter light from different parts of the light spectrum. Each band of the spectrum has a wavelength that is ideal for different treatments, such as sunspot removal and vessel clearance. The light emitted by IPL is absorbed by pigment in sunspots and blood in visible vessels, subsequently reducing their appearance.
What should I expect during treatment?
Your skin will be cleansed before the treatment. A cold tracking gel will be applied to your skin, and both you and your provider will wear eye protection. The IPL hand-piece will be moved over your skin and there will be several pulses of light. During the pulses you will notice a flashing light, an audible tone, and a mild sensation on the skin. A special contact cooling hand piece keeps the temperature of the skin low to minimize discomfort. Some patients say the treatment feels warm and “prickly” at times.
How long does treatment last?
The procedure can range between 20-30 minutes. Each patient’s treatment time can vary.
What should I expect after treatment?
Immediately after treatment, you can expect your skin to feel like it is mildly sunburned. Sometimes minor swelling can occur as well. This usually lasts 2-24 hours, and can be diminished with cold ice packs. Sunspots/brown spots may darken after treatment and be naturally shed from the skin within 1-2 weeks. If redness is being treated, skin tone will be more normal, with less pronounced redness within a couple weeks after treatment.
What precautions do I need to take before and after my treatment?
Avoid the sun 4-6 weeks before and after treatment. Patients who are actively tanning (natural sunlight or tanning bed use), or are sunburned, will need to re-schedule their treatment session. Additionally you cannot be treated if you have an artificial tan. Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen SPF 30 or higher should be used after treatments. Post treatment guidelines will be provided at after your treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
Usually 3-6 treatment sessions, scheduled about 4-6 weeks apart.
At University Dermatology we have a brilliant staff of providers with many years of experience waiting to hear from you. Make an appointment today and let us help you achieve your goals.