BBL Hero (Body & Face), IPL Photo Rejuvenation in Lubbock, TX

Intense pulsed light, also known as IPL, can give patients their best results with no recovery time and with no damage to the surface of the skin, which some patients experience during laser resurfacing or dermabrasion. IPL’s high-intensity pulses of light go straight to the deepest parts of the skin (the dermis), leaving the top layer (epidermis) untouched. IPL is an effective rosacea treatment. Also, compared to typical laser treatment, IPL can treat a larger area of skin at once. IPL typically treatments take about 30 - 45 minutes making it easy for the patient to return to work and normal activities later the same day. Several treatments (sometimes as many as 6) may be required to see the full benefit to the skin. Plastic surgeons, Dr. Schmid and Dr. Mooty of The Lubbock Plastic Surgery Institute uses Sciton broad band light (BBL) to treat acne scars, large pores, rosacea, fine lines, and wrinkles on their patients from West Texas and East New Mexico.

Before the laser treatment begins, a cold gel is applied to the area being treated, and patients are given protective eyewear to wear throughout the procedure. Using the IPL hand piece, the physician pulses light to the skin’s surface. Without damaging the skin, the laser is absorbed by the dilated vessels or pigmentation. The heat from the laser causes damage to the vessel or lesion, so the body begins a natural healing process. After the treatment is complete, patients can immediately return to normal activities. Redness or blotchiness may last for up to 1-2 hours after the procedure. 

A physician or trained medical staff member can perform an IPL Photo Rejuvenation laser treatment on patients. The procedure is gentle, safe and non-invasive, which allows for little to no recovery time. A full series of the laser treatment includes 3 to 4 sessions, with each session lasting 20 minutes every 3 weeks. Some patients may experience a slight sting, similar to the snapping of a rubber band, while the skin is being treated. All IPL treatments are customized to each patient’s skin type and condition to provide the best possible, long-lasting results.

Improvement can be seen after each treatment, but the best results can be seen a month after a full series of treatments is completed. It’s common for patients to respond differently to each treatment session. Patients will see a gradual improvement of redness, blotchiness, sunspots and age spots over time.

Most patients experience mild side effects like temporary swelling, redness, crusting, bruising or superficial blisters. These subside within a day or two after the procedure.

Patients about to undergo an IPL laser treatment are usually asked to avoid self-tanners and excessive sun for 2 to 4 weeks prior to the procedure. They should discontinue the use of minocycline, tetracycline, doxycycline or Retin-A/Renova several days before each treatment, and may be asked to take aspirin or ibuprofen a week before the procedure to help prevent bruising. Patients should also protect the treated areas with sunscreen between sessions.

Patients will not be sun sensitive, but they should keep in mind that excessive sun exposure will affect the results of the procedure. Patients should always wear sunscreen to protect their skin, and decrease the appearance of redness, brown spots, wrinkles and skin cancer.

A full series of IPL Photo Rejuvenation sessions are required in order to provide gradual, natural-looking improvement with little to no risk of the patient’s safety. Multiple sessions also allow for longer-lasting results.