IPL Therapy in Palm Desert

Long-term exposure to harmful UVA and UVB rays can cause lasting skin damage. At Desert Med Aesthetics, IPL therapy has been successfully used to correct sun spots and produce a radiant, even-toned complexion.  

Cutera’s Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, is a skin rejuvenation procedure designed to tackle the effects of redness, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation that can occur as the result of age or sun exposure. As the name suggests, this innovative technique uses a high-powered, hand-held device to apply an intense pulse of broad-spectrum light to affected areas. As a result, the light only targets specific features, such as the melanin spots or dilated capillaries that are the source of skin discoloration. Once these discolorations are broken down, the skin is returned to an even tone.

 

What is IPL Therapy?

IPL stands out from other laser rejuvenation solutions by delivering light at different wavelengths rather than a single one. This ensures the laser only penetrates the top layers of skin, minimizing risk to the deeper tissue structures. 

At Desert Med Aesthetics, we’ve successfully used IPL to address the concerns of patients suffering from:

To provide our patients with the best care possible, Dr. Cosgrove’s practice has some of the latest technologies. Desert Med Aesthetics features Cutera Limelight IPL, a state-of-the-art laser with a proven history of success. This device can safely treat a wide range of skin types, unlike other IPL devices.

Cutera Limelight Therapy: A New Approach to Sun Damage

Developed for patients looking to improve skin complexion without requiring surgery, Limelight therapy was designed to restore the skin’s radiance by eliminating the appearance of damage. This treatment relies on IPL technology to diffuse damage from the skin without harming the surrounding tissue, and it is set to custom wavelength spectrums based on each patient’s specific needs. This high-level customization makes it possible for individuals with diverse needs to receive an effective solution tailored to them.

During the treatment, you’ll be given a pair of eye shields to protect your eyes throughout the session, which takes 30-60 minutes.

Choosing Cutera Limelight and IPL Therapy in Indian Wells

When you visit Desert Med Aesthetics for IPL facial rejuvenation, your personalized care starts during the consultation phase. Our goal during your first visit is to identify the right rejuvenation solution for your specific needs. Once we’ve determined that Limelight is the best treatment to help you reach your goals, Dr. Cosgrove will take a series of images using our advanced VISIA technology. This high-quality technology provides our Indian Wells cosmetic specialist with an idea of the best spectrum light to use during your procedure and will shape your final treatment plan. 

During the treatment, you’ll be given a pair of eye shields to protect your eyes throughout the session, which takes 30-60 minutes. 

Depending on the depth and scope of treatment necessary to eliminate all dark spots or sun damage, patients may need to return for follow-up sessions. Patients can expect to see the final results of their treatment within 1-2 weeks following their appointment.

As Limelight therapy is minimally invasive, the treatment requires little downtime. In fact, many patients come into Desert Med Aesthetics for treatment over their lunch breaks. The non-invasive nature of this facial photo-rejuvenation option also means patients don’t need anesthesia during their treatment. In the weeks following Limelight treatment, we do require patients wear and reapply sunscreen regularly in order to preserve their newly enhanced complexion.

Frequently Asked Questions about IPL Therapy

Considering IPL therapy? You’re not alone – this form of facial rejuvenation is quickly becoming one of the top requested procedures at Desert Med Aesthetics. To help you determine if this treatment is the right solution for you, Palm Desert cosmetic specialist Dr. Doriana Cosgrove has curated a list of frequently asked questions and answers about Intense Pulsed Light therapy from patients at every stage of the process. Explore these and call 760-777-8772 to schedule your consultation today.

 

As IPL targets the uppermost layers of skin, this treatment can be adapted to address a number of skin blemishes. At Desert Med Aesthetics, this form of facial rejuvenation is a popular solution for men and women looking to minimize the effects of aging and sun-damage. While effective on its own, the procedure also works well when combined with other anti-aging cosmetic procedures. To provide the best results possible to all patients, IPL at Desert Med Aesthetic is done using the Cutera limelight system. This revolutionary technology allows Dr. Cosgrove to effectively treat blemishes for patients with all skin tones and types.

As IPL is completed with pulsed light rather than an ablative laser, patients who opt for this treatment don’t have to worry about lengthy recovery. Instead, most patients are able to get back to their daily schedule immediately after their treatment. Some individuals may notice their skin is slightly pink and experience some mild swelling – both of which dissipate on their own within a few days. Following your visit, Dr. Cosgrove will provide you with a list of post-treatment remedies to help you remain comfortable until you’re fully recovered.

Depending on the condition of your skin and your aesthetic goals, it can take multiple sessions in order to get you where you’d like to be. During your pre-treatment consultation, our cosmetic specialist will evaluate your case and determine an appropriate treatment strategy and timeline. For most patients, we recommend completing at least two sessions performed about four weeks apart.

It can take several sessions before patients can see noticeable changes to the quality of their skin. During your pre-treatment consultation, Dr. Cosgrove will provide you with a personalized treatment strategy and will give you a good idea of the results you can expect. Following treatment, you’ll also receive tips for properly caring for your newly refreshed skin.

A flash of light is used to heat the pigmentation in the skin, causing it to break down and be absorbed by the body. Your skin expert at Desert Med Aesthetics will make sure that the surrounding skin doesn’t become damaged by setting the total amount of heat energy, the number of pulses that occur in a single shot, the time delay between shots, and the level of heat delivered as radio frequency energy. This will ensure that only the targeted areas are treated and healthy skin is left unharmed.

IPL treatments have been proven effective at treating common skin imperfections, including rosacea, broken capillaries, age spots, sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and even acne scars. However, some patients require multiple treatments spaced out about four weeks apart. The number of IPL sessions required depends on the extent of the patient’s skin damage and desired results. During your consultation, your skin expert at Desert Med Aesthetic will examine your skin and determine how many treatments are required to produce the desired results.

Not everyone is suitable for IPL Therapy treatments. For example, some darker skin tones can be unsuitable as they have too much melanin to treat safely. We also cannot treat skin that has been heavily tanned by the sun or suntan lotions, on skin currently being treated by Accutane, as this prescription causes extreme dryness and sensitivity to the skin. The best way to find out if IPL treatments are safe is to schedule a consultation with our experienced aesthetic nurses. They will listen to your concerns, examine your skin, and decide the best way to achieve your goals.

The side effects of IPL therapy treatments are generally both minor and temporary. You may experience the following:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Light bruising
  • Itching 
  • Peeling
  • Scabbing

Following the care instructions provided to you after treatment and choosing a reputable practitioner can decrease the likelihood of experiencing any undesirable side effects.

After receiving your IPL treatment and experiencing the amazing results it can produce in aged or damaged skin, you’ll want to protect this investment. The best way to protect your results is to keep your skin covered when out in the sun. You can do this by applying sunscreen of 30 or higher periodically throughout the day. You can also wear protective clothing like a stylish hat.

Another way to protect and maintain your results is by establishing a skincare routine. This routine can include a gentle cleanser, retinoid or glycolic acid treatment to assist in exfoliation, and a moisturizer. If you need assistance finding safe and effective products for the skin, feel free to discuss your options during your consultation or once your procedure is finished. You can also shop our skincare line to establish the perfect skincare routine.

Since IPL treatments are nonsurgical and non-invasive, this treatment can be performed roughly once a month or every four weeks until you’ve reached your desired results.

The cost of IPL sessions depends entirely on the size of the treatment area and how many sessions are needed. During your consultation, your provider will discuss the cost with you and can even help to work within your budget.

Yes! After completing your IPL treatment plan, there may be an opportunity to include chemical peels to achieve a more even skin tone. Chemical peels can be a great addition to IPL treatment, as they assist in accelerating skin cell turnover. As a result, you can achieve even more glowing skin by helping the skin to remove dead skin cells. 

IPL treatments can also safely be combined with injectable treatments as well, including Botox® and dermal fillers, to help smooth the skin of wrinkles, fine lines, and volume loss.

Schedule Your Limelight Consultation with Dr. Cosgrove Today​

Don’t let skin damage continue to affect your appearance. Contact our Indian Wells cosmetic specialist and discover how Limelight IPL rejuvenation can remove dark spots and fine lines. Call 760-777-8772 to schedule your consultation today.

Schedule a Consultation

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Dr. Doriana Cosgrove

Since opening Desert Med Aesthetics, Dr. Doriana Cosgrove has dedicated her career to providing men and women with comprehensive, personalized care in a welcoming environment.

Starting with your initial consultation, you’ll be welcomed by a staff that is genuinely committed to helping you achieve your goals. For new patients, your first visit is focused on identifying problem areas that are keeping you from feeling confident about your appearance.

Whether you’re visiting Dr. Cosgrove for the first time or returning for touch-ups, the team at Desert Med Aesthetics looks forward to providing you with the aesthetic care you deserve.