Find out why IPL treatments are an effective and safe treatment of vascular birthmarks.
There are two main types of birthmarks: pigmented and vascular. Pigmented birthmarks occur when somebody has more pigment in one part of the skin than elsewhere. Moles and café-au-lait spots are examples of pigmented birthmarks.
Vascular birthmarks occur when a bunch of small blood vessels clump together. The resultant clump can be on top of the skin or underneath it. Hemangiomas and Port wine stains are examples of vascular birthmarks.
What Is IPL?
IPL or Intense Pulsed Light is a device used for treating or removing some skin problems. As the name suggests, the machine produces light in pulses. It can be used to remove birthmarks or reduce pigmentation.
Before treatment, one of our treatment providers will give the patient protective eyewear and apply a cool gel to the area being treated. The technician then presses the IPL device against the skin, and it emits pulses of light. The process is painless, but some patients do find the light pulses uncomfortable. The technician can provide an anesthetic cream. Each treatment session lasts about 20 minutes, and a patient may need to undergo 4 to 6 sessions for complete results.
One significant advantage of IPL treatments is that unlike chemicals peels, dermabrasion, or laser resurfacing, they do not require a recovery period. People have even received these treatments during their lunch hour – and then gone right back to work.
IPL treatments close off the blood vessels forming the birthmark that eventually causes it to fade. They also work on flat pigmented birthmarks, but not on raised birthmarks.
Who Should Not Have IPL Treatments?
IPL treatments are not recommended for people with dark skin. Since IPL therapy targets melanin, people who have tans should also not undergo IPL therapy.
People with seizure disorders like epilepsy that can be triggered by flashing light may not undergo IPL unless they bring a note from their doctor within a week of their first treatment. People with diabetes should also not undergo IPL since their condition affects their body’s ability to heal wounds. People prone to scarring are also not good candidates for IPL.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you have a pigmented birthmark that you would like reduced or removed, IPL therapy at Spa Black in San Antonio could give you the results you want. At Spa Black, our staff will work with you to discuss your aesthetic concerns, and we will create a treatment plan designed to address your needs. Contact Spa Black today to schedule your consultation for IPL therapy.