Like many women and men, you may have hyperpigmentation in the form of sun spots or age spots.
It’s also possible to experience larger patches of dark discoloration that resemble a mask. This condition is called melasma and often occurs during pregnancy or while taking birth control pills.
While skincare products and superficial treatments can certainly help fade unwanted spots, they can only do so much.
Luckily, IPL is able to dramatically reduce hyperpigmentation, without surgery, incisions, or downtime.
Continue reading to learn all about IPL for dark spots, including how it works, the number of treatments needed, and what to expect from the procedure.
Why Consider IPL for Dark Spots?
As a noninvasive, light-based treatment, IPL is equipped to target excess melanin under the skin and neutralize skin tone in a way that other modalities cannot.
What’s more, IPL is quick (most sessions take 15-30 minutes) and requires zero downtime.
Best of all, patients can actually see the pigment coming up to the surface and sloughing off to reveal fresh, clear skin.
How Does IPL Eliminate Skin Discoloration?
IPL applies short pulses of broad-spectrum light to the face, neck, chest, hands, or other parts of the body. This energy is attracted to melanin in dark spots and aims to break it up.
The treatment can also be used to target hemoglobin in blood vessels and improve rosacea and broken capillaries.
What Happens After Undergoing IPL for Dark Spots?
Immediately after IPL for dark spots, hyperpigmented lesions will appear darker.
In the coming days, excess melanin will rise to the surface and slough off. Patients often report that it looks like coffee grinds on the skin that simply flake away.
How Many Treatments Are Recommended?
For optimal outcomes, most individuals need a series of three-to-five IPL treatments, spaced four weeks apart.
This number can vary and depends on the extent of damage and patient goals.
Interested in IPL for Dark Spots?
If you are considering IPL for dark spots, please call our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with one of our highly skilled and talented providers.
