IPL in Largo, FL

If you're displeased with the uneven look of your complexion due to the presence of sun damage or dark spots, our team can perform a comprehensive examination of your skin at our cosmetic office to see if your condition could benefit from intense pulsed light therapy (IPL). IPL photofacial is a rejuvenating skin treatment for adult women and men with hyperpigmentation concerns on their face and neck. Although IPL is not an invasive procedure, it can still be incredibly effective and produce impressive, smooth results. Using the advanced Cutera LimeLight, board-certified physician Ginger L. Urbaniak, M.D. sends intense wavelengths of light that raise the temperature of the skin just enough to start a natural regeneration process that will boost your natural collagen production. In time, you will experience a healthier top layer of skin with a more even tone and fewer bothersome spots. If you live in or near the greater Clearwater, FL area, contact Urbaniak Plastic Surgery to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Ginger Urbaniak or a member of her skilled team.

A photofacial works deep within the layers of your skin to correct an array of complexion problems, especially sun spots and brown lesions. One positive of this treatment is that is requires little to no recovery time. The best candidates for IPL treatments at Urbaniak Plastic Surgery are those who have many issues with their skin, including sun damage, rosacea, hyperpigmentation (brown spots), rough texture, large pores, flushing, melasma, age and sun spots, or dilated capillaries. During your private consultation, Dr. Ginger Urbaniak will assess your skin to see if you could be a candidate for a photofacial with the Cutera LimeLight.

An IPL photofacial is completed inside our Largo or Clearwater, FL office in about 20 – 30 minutes if it's the only service you're receiving for the moment. The technology we use to complete the procedure is the Cutera LimeLight, which delivers a noninvasive light treatment that can be customized for different skin tones and aging skin conditions. To start the photofacial, the technician will clean and dry the skin to be treated before covering your eyes with special shields. The IPL photofacial is administered using a handheld device that passes over the skin while emitting pulses of laser energy. While most patients will feel some discomfort and tenderness during the IPL photofacial, it is generally tolerable considering how short the treatment session is.

There is no recovery time associated with a photofacial treatment, but you will leave your appointment with your skin minimally inflamed and red. This will subside on its own over the course of several hours. The discoloration can be concealed with makeup. Urbaniak Plastic Surgery suggests patients apply an ointment on the treated skin to decrease irritation and speed healing. It also helps to take an anti-inflammatory medication to ease swelling. Over the next several days, the blemishes that rested under the skin will come to the surface and then begin to flake off. It's critical to keep your skin protected from the sun at all times after a photofacial treatment and to not pick at the flaking skin. While you should see some results after the first session, your skin will achieve the best results after several IPL photofacial sessions. Dr. Ginger Urbaniak recommends to receive approximately 3 – 6 treatments about once a month at Urbaniak Plastic Surgery.

How much does IPL cost?
Your complexion issues are unique, which means the cost of a photofacial will depend on your unique concerns. Urbaniak Plastic Surgery offers specials on treatments like IPL often, and we accept many payment methods. During your initial visit, we can estimate your cost and determine the number of treatments needed to match your goals once your treatment has been developed. If you're interested in receiving exclusive offers, such as deal and discounts on a variety of laser treatments, ask about joining our Diamond Membership program.

How quick are the results from IPL?
Some results can usually be seen after your session, but optimal results are visible about one month after all of your treatments are done. It’s common for your skin to get varying results after each treatment. You should see gradual improvements of redness, blotchiness, age spots, and sun spots over time.

What are the possible side effects of IPL?
You may experience mild side effects like temporary swelling, redness, blisters, crusting, or bruising. However, these will fade within a few days. You will be sensitive to the sun for some time, so you should keep in mind that excessive sun exposure will negatively affect the results of your procedure. Whenever you go outside, you should always wear sunscreen to protect your skin and prevent issues like redness and spots from forming.

Do I need to prep for IPL?
Before getting IPL, patients are usually asked to avoid self-tanners and excessive sun for at least 2 – 4 weeks prior to the treatment. You may be asked to discontinue the use of certain medications several days before each appointment. Additionally, we may recommend taking pain relievers for one week before the treatment to decrease your risk of bruising. You should also use sunscreen since your skin will be more sensitive and prone to damage.

Why should I get multiple IPL sessions?
Multiple IPL sessions are better because they deliver gradual improvements to the appearance of your skin after every treatment. Each appointment helps to diminish surface irregularities and spots. A series of sessions also allow for longer-lasting results.

You probably didn't worry too much about your skin when you were young. However, now that environmental damage like spots and other issues are becoming visible throughout your complexion, you may be interested in seeking out procedures to improve the quality of your skin. If this sounds like you, we invite you to learn more about IPL photofacial treatments at our cosmetic practice. Contact our Largo or Clearwater, FL office and schedule a skin assessment with board-certified physician Dr. Ginger Urbaniak. IPL photofacial treatments performed at Urbaniak Plastic Surgery allow us to go deep within the layers of your skin restore a radiant glow and a healthy complexion.