Décolleté, neck and hands
Imagine a treatment that simultaneously reduces wrinkles, dark spots and spider veins on the skin?
Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL “Intense Pulsed Light,” is a leading non-invasive photo-rejuvenation treatment. Typically, it is done on the face, hands and décolleté.
IPL has multiple applications. Depending on the filter we use, it can range from hair removal and treating superficial redness, to acne treatment, and even the removal of dark spots. At Clínica de San Pío, we use it mainly for dark spot treatment. We have a very high-quality Ellipse IPL device.
Dark spot removal is achieved by applying a spectrum of filtered light so that it targets the spots. The dark spots absorb the energy provided by the light and darken. After 2–3 weeks, they gradually disappear. Since it does not cause an open wound on the skin, you can use makeup from the very first day to camouflage the spots until they flake off. The treatment usually requires 2 to 4 sessions, with an interval of 3–4 weeks.
Thanks to IPL treatment, it’s already possible. Naturally combat the signs of aging, correct fine wrinkles, dark spots, freckles, and superficial redness.
In addition, it softens wrinkles, restores skin brightness, improves skin texture and elasticity and overall skin quality. Results are natural and start to be visible at around 3 weeks.
Do we consider Ellipse IPL, a safe rejuvenation method?
Yes. It is a medical-quality IPL with a water filter and very advanced technology as of today. It’s important to regulate the intensity correctly to get a good result with the fewest possible sessions, while also avoiding the complications that can occur if we give too much energy.
Is this treatment painful?
It depends on the energy that is administered. It’s usually a good idea to go slowly during the first session, since the more dark spots you have, the greater the energy absorption. You’ll only feel a slight sensation of heat in the treated area, which will disappear once the session is over.
We have a Zeiss device, a machine that provides a jet of cool air, making the treatment more comfortable.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the skin phototype and the type, grade and number of lesions. Dark spots often come back or new ones appear over time and with sun exposure. In the first dark spot treatment, more sessions are usually recommended. Once the skin is cleared, we move on to maintenance, typically in winter after the summer in which spots usually appear. In many cases, maintenance may be done with a single session.
Do I have to do the treatment on the face, décolleté and hands, or can I choose just one specific area?
IPL rejuvenation treatment can be done in all three areas: face, décolleté and hands—or only in one. It’s even possible to treat just one dark spot and not necessarily the entire face.
How long do the effects of this treatment last?
Everything depends on how you care for your skin (use of sunscreen factors, hydration, etc.), and it varies based on the quality of each patient’s skin, their lifestyle and their frequent habits. Dark spots must be maintained, and in many cases, an annual touch-up is done or every 2 years.
When can I get back to normal life after the treatment?
Depending on the energy used. Usually, the next day. You’ll be able to resume your usual activities immediately after the treatment. You can even use makeup without any problem if you want to apply it to your face.
It is recommended to avoid sun exposure of the treated area in the days following the treatment and to use mineral protection factor. However, after a few days, you can go back out in the sun.
What advantages does IPL treatment offer?
You’ll be able to correct, above all, dark spots and superficial vascular lesions on the face, hands and décolleté without the need for surgery, peels or dermabrasion.