Struggling with acne scars and wondering if IPL photofacials can help? IPL is effective for treating certain types of scarring, particularly redness and discoloration, though it works best on flat scars rather than deeply textured ones. This popular procedure uses light energy to reduce unwanted pigmentation and create a more even skin tone.
At Ageless Rituals Med Spa in Frankfort, IL, our team helps patients understand what IPL can and can’t do for scarring. If you want to know whether IPL can work as an acne scar treatment, call now to book a consultation.
Why acne scars form
Acne scars form when breakouts penetrate deep into the skin, damaging the tissue beneath. As your skin heals, it produces collagen to repair the damage. If your body produces too little collagen, you’re left with pitted or depressed scars. If it produces too much, raised or hypertrophic scars can develop.
There are different types of acne scars, including flat red or brown scars (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), pitted or depressed scars (atrophic scars), and raised scars (hypertrophic scars). IPL works optimally on discoloration rather than deep or textured scarring.
What is IPL treatment?
So, what is IPL treatment? IPL delivers multiple wavelengths of light to the skin, which allows it to target different concerns at once, including redness, pigmentation, and sun damage.
IPL is most effective for treating flat red or brown scars caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It won’t fill in pitted scars or remove raised scars, but it can significantly improve discoloration and create a more even skin tone.
Inside a photofacial session
IPL photofacials are performed in-office and typically take 20 – 30 minutes. Before the procedure, a cooling gel is applied to your skin to protect it and improve comfort.
During treatment in Frankfort, IL, the IPL handpiece is passed over the skin in a series of pulses. You may feel a snapping sensation along with warmth. Most patients tolerate it well, though some areas may be more sensitive than others.
Afterward, the tissue may appear red or swollen, similar to a mild sunburn. This usually resolves within a few hours to a day. You may return to normal activities, though you should avoid UV exposure and wear sunscreen to protect your skin.
IPL results and recovery timeline
Results from IPL photofacials develop gradually. You should notice some immediate improvement in redness, but the most significant changes appear over the following weeks as pigmentation fades and your skin tone evens out.
Most patients need a series of 3 – 5 treatments spaced 3 – 4 weeks apart. The exact number depends on the severity of your scarring.
Results from IPL can last several months to a year, especially with proper skincare and sun protection. Maintenance sessions may be suggested to help sustain your improvement and address new discoloration as it develops.
It’s important to have realistic expectations. IPL is an excellent acne scar treatment for flat discoloration and creating a more even skin tone, but it won’t get rid of deeply textured or pitted scarring. For those concerns, other treatments may be more effective.
Clear up acne scars with IPL
If you’re dealing with flat acne scars or discoloration and want to know more about IPL photofacials, Ageless Rituals Med Spa in Frankfort, IL, is here to help. Do you have questions such as, “What is IPL treatment?” or “Can IPL help with brown scars?” Our team provides personalized acne scar treatment to improve skin tone and help you achieve clearer, more even skin. Call today to schedule your consultation.
