IPL in NYC
Schedule your IPL photofacial treatment at The Dermatology & Laser Group to treat sun damage, broken blood vessels, acne, and rosacea.
Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL treatment, is a versatile skin treatment where concentrated and powerful light is used on the skin, mostly with the purpose of improving skin discoloration. IPL treatment is also referred to as a photofacial treatment. Sun damage spots and dilated blood vessels are the primary targets of IPL therapy. Redness from old acne spots, and even active acne, can be improved with certain IPL devices, including the ones we use in our clinic. Dr. Arash Akhavan of The Dermatology and Laser Group has over 20 years of experience performing IPL treatment in NYC, and performs each IPL treatment at our office personally.
On This Page:
We explain here why The Dermatology and Laser Group is the best practice in New York City for IPL treatment. We go over benefits and potential risks of the procedure, as well as the mechanism of action for IPL treatment. Benefits of IPL include improving skin tone including sun spots and sun damage, as well as treatment of broken blood vessels. We also elaborate on the use of IPL for the treatment of rosacea and acne. For patients interested in having an IPL treatment at our office we describe what it is like to have an IPL procedure.
What is IPL Treatment?
Unlike lasers that use a single wavelength of light, IPL utilizes multiple wavelengths, allowing it to target different skin issues simultaneously.
For Redness: The light energy from IPL is absorbed by the red pigment (hemoglobin) in the blood. When this light is absorbed, it generates heat, which then damages the walls of the blood vessels causing the redness. Over time, the body naturally removes these damaged vessels, reducing the appearance of redness and giving the skin a more even tone. This process is especially effective for conditions like rosacea or broken capillaries.
For Brown Spots: When targeting brown spots (such as sun spots or age spots), the IPL light is absorbed by the melanin (the dark pigment in the skin) that makes up these spots. The heat generated breaks down the melanin, dispersing the pigment and lightening the spots. The body then naturally eliminates the fragmented melanin, leading to clearer and more uniform skin.
For Acne: When it comes to treating acne, IPL therapy offers a multifaceted approach:
- Killing Bacteria: The light from IPL can kill P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne, reducing the number of acne breakouts.
- Reducing Inflammation: IPL helps to decrease inflammation and redness associated with acne, making the skin look less irritated.
- Regulating Oil Production: By targeting the sebaceous (oil) glands, IPL can reduce the skin's oil production, which is a key factor in the development of acne.
Benefits of IPL Treatment
Everything from skin discoloration to acne is treated by IPL. The procedure is best for:
1. Improve Skin Tone and Sun Damaged Skin on the Face and Body
IPL therapy excels in treating sun-damaged skin by addressing a wide array of concerns caused by prolonged sun exposure. This includes reducing the appearance of sun spots and evening out skin tone, as well as diminishing visible blood vessels that can emerge from sun damage. IPL is effective on various parts of the body, making it a versatile option for those looking to improve their skin's appearance and reverse the signs of sun damage. The most popular areas we treat include the face, neck, chest, shoulders, arms, and legs.
2. Improve Broken Blood Vessels and Redness from Rosacea
IPL therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing redness, rosacea, or broken blood vessels. The light energy targets the underlying blood vessels without harming the surrounding tissue, reducing the appearance of redness and the visibility of broken capillaries. For many patients, IPL can significantly improve the symptoms of rosacea, providing a more even and clearer complexion.
3. Improve Sun Spots or Lentigo
Sun spots, also known as lentigines or lentigo, are effectively treated with IPL therapy. These spots, typically caused by sun exposure, can be visibly reduced as the light energy targets the melanin, breaking down the dark spots and promoting a more uniform skin tone. IPL therapy offers a non-surgical approach to diminish the appearance of these pigmentation issues, enhancing the skin's natural beauty and leading to a clearer, more rejuvenated appearance.
4. Improve Acne and Redness from Old Acne
For individuals battling acne and the redness associated with past acne outbreaks, IPL therapy provides a dual-action solution. The treatment can reduce active acne by killing the bacteria that cause acne breakouts in the sebaceous glands, while also working to decrease inflammation. Furthermore, IPL helps in fading redness and scars left from previous acne.
Before and After Results
Great IPL Results on the Chest (Décoletté)
Before and After IPL Treatment of Broken Blood Vessels
Photofacial Treatment of Uneven Skin Tone Before and After
Expertise of The Dermatology and Laser Group
At The Dermatology and Laser Group every IPL procedure for our NYC patients is performed personally by board certified dermatologist Dr. Arash Akhavan. Dr. Akhavan is an expert in laser procedures with over 15 years of experience. He has been rated one of the top cosmetic dermatologists in New York City..
Choosing the right clinic and specialist for your IPL procedure is crucial to ensure not only the best results but also the highest safety standards. While IPL is an excellent procedure with significant benefits for improving skin tone, including reducing brown sun damage and redness, it's not without potential risks if not performed correctly. Incorrect handling can lead to skin burns, worsening of some conditions, and undesired color changes in the skin.
At The Dermatology and Laser Group, under the expert care of Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD, you are assured a procedure that balances efficacy with the utmost safety. Dr. Akhavan's stellar credentials and extensive experience place him at the forefront of cosmetic dermatology. As a key opinion leader in the field, Dr. Akhavan has been recognized repeatedly for his expertise and contributions to cosmetic dermatology, including being featured in numerous prestigious publications and media outlets.
IPL Treatment Experience at The Dermatology and Laser Group
Consultation
During the consultation procedure Dr. Arash Akhavan will discuss the benefits and risks associated with IPL treatment. We will discuss alternatives therapies, as well as the number of treatments needed.
Comfort
We use a technologically advanced IPL device called the M22 made by Lumenis. This device has a chilled tip for comfort and attachments that make treatment as fast as possible.
IPL Treatment
A gel is applied to the areas to be treated. The IPL device glides across the skin in the area to be treated and the light energy is used to treat the target. Each session typically lasts between 10 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and condition of the area being treated. Many patients describe the procedure as minimally uncomfortable, with no need for anesthesia. Afterwards a cooling ice roller is used to decrease inflammation.
Aftercare
Immediately following the procedure you can use ice packs for symptomatic relief. Recovery from IPL treatment is relatively straightforward, with most patients able to resume their daily activities immediately after their session. Mild redness and swelling are the most common side effects, resembling a slight sunburn. It is very important to make sure you protect your skin from the sun until all inflammation has resolved.
Potential Side Effects
Redness and swelling are the most common side effects from IPL treatment. These signs are most prominent on the day of the procedure and decrease rapidly in 1-3 days. Minimal crusting can be visible over pigmented lesions for several days before peeling off. Bruising can rarely occur in treated areas of redness.
Rare side effects such as blistering, infection, and skin pigmentary changes can occur, but have never yet happened to patients treated by Dr. Arash Akhavan.
Frequently Asked Questions | IPL in NYC
The cost of an IPL session will depend on the area being treated and the number of sessions. Please contact us for exact pricing. As an example, a single session of IPL in NYC would cost $850 for the face in our office.
Typically several sessions are needed to achieve great results without putting your skin at risk of complications. We offer IPL as either packages of 3 sessions at a time or single sessions.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during IPL treatment, often described as a rubber band snap or flick against the skin with a rush of heat. Cooling mechanisms on the IPL device, along with topical numbing creams if necessary, help make the procedure more comfortable.
IPL is effective on a wide range of skin types, but it works best on individuals with light to medium skin tones due to the contrast needed between the pigment in the skin and the pigment in the target (sun spots, or blood vessels).
Post-treatment care involves protecting the skin from sun exposure with a high-SPF sunscreen, avoiding heat treatments, and using gentle skincare products. Dr. Akhavan will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results.
Instagram Posts- IPL at The Dermatology and Laser Group
IPL in NYC Office:
The Dermatology and Laser Group
110 E 60th Street, Suite 606
New York, NY 10022
Current Specials:
Up to 20% off available for patients willing to share Before and After Images after our recommended package. Contact us for details.
Ask About SpecialsContact us to make an appointment today!
Arash Akhavan, MD is founder and owner of The Dermatology and Laser Group, one of the top centers for cosmetic procedures in New York City for over a decade. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD is a Board Certified Dermatologist and an Associate Professor at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Akhavan is a Castle Connolly Top Doc, New York Magazine Best Doctor, and Super Doctor featured in The New York Times. Dr. Akhavan is a key opinion leader that has been featured on hundreds of media publications including The New York Times, Allure, Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, ABC News, Fox News, Fox 5, NY1, WPIX, and more. He has been featured on nationally syndicated television programs such as The Doctors.
Dr. Akhavan serves as an educator and lecturer for multiple aesthetic device and injectable companies. This allows his office access to newer technologies at an earlier date than other offices, as well as a higher level of expertise in the use of these devices. This, in turn, translates to more effective and safer treatments for our patients.