If you have begun to notice the formation of small brown spots on your face and the backs of your hands that get darker during the summer months, you may be seeing age/sun spots. In medical terms, these are the result of increased number of melanocytes (pigments cells) or of (melanin) pigment molecules which are located inside of the pigment cells. While these brown spots may not be your most attractive feature, in most cases they can be easily removed through the use of intense pulse light treatment.

What Is Intense Pulsed Light Treatment

Intense pulsed light (IPL) can be used to treat a number of skin conditions, unlike laser treatment that is typically focused on only one particular type of skin condition. The main goal of IPL is to treat areas of your skin in such a way to ensure that the skin becomes more easily colored. It does so by reducing the size and number of irregular red and brown areas that have developed as a direct result of exposure to the sun and aging.

How Does Intense Pulsed Light Treatment Work?

Dr. Sonny O uses an IPL wand to deliver a wide spectrum of colors of light simultaneously to the surface of your skin. He can adjust the color and intensity of the light to adjust the wavelength of the light. In doing so it allows Dr. O to adjust the depth at which the light penetrates, allowing him to target specific areas and adapt to the condition of your skin and the severity of the sun or aging spots.

During the treatment, Dr. O will move the wand over the entire area of your skin to be treated. The IPL will lighten the spots and damage caused by the sun. Rather than simply targeting the damaged areas, this form of treatment allows Dr. O to diffuse the brown/red pigmentation more evenly across your skin and more effectively remove them.

Intense pulsed light treatment typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete and require no anesthesia or needles. The only side effects you might encounter are slightly reddened skin something akin to a mild sunburn. You may also notice the spots turning darker during the first few days before they begin to fade. It can take several treatments over the course of a number of months to achieve optimum results.

A Consultation Can Help You Decide if Intense Pulsed Light Treatment Right for You

Dr. Sonny O. offers consultations that can help you decide if intense pulsed light treatment is right for you. The Dr. and his staff will do an extensive medical history and lifestyle inventory, as well as discuss your motives and expectations with you. Call us today at 843-388- 4939 to make an appointment for a consultation today.