Hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and other complexion concerns can make your skin appear uneven and aged, but they don’t have to be a permanent part of your appearance. At Fundamentals Med Spa in Indianapolis, IN, we are here to help our patients with specific concerns that they have about their skin.
Intense pulsed light therapy with Lumecca is a treatment option we offer to help address these skin concerns effectively. This technology uses light therapy to target and diminish the appearance of blemishes, leading to a clearer, more even complexion. As downtown Indianapolis’s only wellness med spa, we’re dedicated to providing you with access to advanced treatments like IPL to help you achieve healthier-looking skin.
What Is Intense Pulsed Light Therapy?
Intense pulsed light therapy is a dermatological treatment that addresses various skin conditions by emitting multiple wavelengths of light onto the skin. Unlike lasers that use a single wavelength, this method covers a broader area and targets multiple types of skin issues simultaneously. The treatment is non-invasive and designed to improve the skin’s color and texture without significant downtime.
How Does IPL Therapy Work?
IPL light therapy involves delivering a broad spectrum of light to the skin, which penetrates deeply without harming the surface layer. Pulsed light therapy aims to treat brown pigmentation, redness, and sun damage by boosting the skin’s healing abilities. The energy from the light targets specific pigments and structures within the skin, helping to break down unwanted pigmentation and promoting a smoother, more even appearance.
Pending staff image using Lumecca
What Are the Benefits of IPL Therapy?
- Treatment of Hyperpigmentation: This therapy acts as an effective hyperpigmentation treatment, targeting and lightening dark spots caused by factors like acne, sun exposure, and hormonal changes. The result is a more uniform skin color.
- Enhanced Skin Texture and Tone: Through intense pulsed light therapy, patients experience refined pores and improved skin texture. This treatment smooths roughness and enhances the skin’s overall tone, making it look more vibrant.
- Reduction in Sun Damage and Age Spots: Regular sessions can reduce the appearance of sun damage and age spots. This age spot treatment helps you achieve clearer skin that looks more youthful.
- Decrease in Facial Micro Vessels: IPL treatments are adept at diminishing the visibility of small blood vessels on the face. By targeting these vessels, the skin achieves a more homogeneous appearance, free from red streaks or blotches.
- Treatment for Rosacea: For those struggling with rosacea, IPL therapy offers a comforting solution. This form of pulsed light therapy reduces the redness and flushing associated with the condition, leading to a more balanced skin tone.
- General Facial Rejuvenation: As an effective anti-aging treatment, IPL promotes collagen production and revitalizes the skin. You can enjoy the comprehensive benefits of IPL therapy as it enhances your skin’s natural beauty, resulting in a fresher, younger-looking complexion.
IPL Therapy vs. Other Skin Rejuvenation Treatments
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy is a powerful solution for improving skin tone, reducing hyperpigmentation, and restoring a youthful glow. IPL offers a unique balance of effectiveness, minimal downtime, and comfort compared to other treatments.
IPL Therapy vs. Laser Resurfacing
- Gentler Treatment: Laser resurfacing can be more intense, often requiring downtime due to redness and peeling. IPL is non-invasive and typically results in only mild redness that fades within a few hours to a day.
- More Versatile: While laser resurfacing targets one skin issue at a time, IPL treats multiple concerns—like sun damage, redness, and dark spots—all in one session.
IPL Therapy vs. Microneedling
- No Needles Involved: Unlike microneedling, which uses tiny needles to trigger collagen production, IPL relies on light pulses, making it a gentler option for those who prefer non-invasive methods.
- Great for Pigmentation and Redness: Microneedling is excellent for texture and scarring, but IPL shines when it comes to treating discoloration, age spots, and visible blood vessels.
IPL Therapy vs. Chemical Peels
- No Peeling or Flaking: Chemical peels exfoliate the skin by causing it to peel, which can be uncomfortable and requires downtime. IPL improves skin clarity without visible peeling.
- More Controlled Results: IPL allows for precise targeting of skin concerns like brown spots and redness, while chemical peels treat the skin more broadly and may be less targeted.
IPL Therapy vs. LED Light Therapy
- More Intense & Targeted: LED light therapy is gentle and relaxing, but its effects are usually subtle and require multiple sessions. IPL delivers stronger pulses of light, offering faster and more noticeable results.
- Treats Deeper Concerns: While LED is great for calming inflammation and supporting skin health, IPL penetrates deeper to tackle sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and vascular concerns.
What to Expect After IPL Therapy
IPL therapy is designed to rejuvenate the skin with minimal downtime, but it’s still important to understand the healing process and how your skin may respond in the days and weeks following your treatment. Here’s a detailed timeline of what to expect after your IPL session at Fundamentals Med Spa:
Immediately After Treatment (Day 0)
Right after your IPL session, your skin may feel warm and appear slightly red or flushed, similar to a mild sunburn. Some patients also experience a light tingling or tight sensation. These reactions are completely normal and typically subside within a few hours. We recommend avoiding hot water, intense exercise, and direct sun exposure for the rest of the day to protect the treated area.
1–3 Days Post-Treatment: Initial Skin Response
During the first few days, pigmented spots—such as sunspots, age spots, or freckles—may appear darker or more pronounced. This is an expected part of the healing process, as the IPL energy brings the pigmentation to the skin’s surface. Mild swelling, redness, or a sensation of dryness may persist but usually begins to fade during this window.
3–7 Days Post-Treatment: Skin Renewal Phase
Over the next few days, the darkened spots will begin to flake or slough off naturally. It’s crucial not to pick at or exfoliate the skin during this time to avoid irritation or scarring. As these treated areas shed, you’ll see a clearer, more even skin tone emerge. Many patients report a noticeable “glow” as their skin looks brighter and more refreshed.
1–2 Weeks Post-Treatment: Visible Improvement
By the second week, most of the visible side effects have resolved, and you’ll see the full benefits of your session begin to take shape. Skin texture becomes smoother, discoloration fades, and redness is reduced. Your complexion will look more even and youthful, especially if your IPL treatment targets rosacea, sun damage, or vascular concerns.
Ongoing Results & Maintenance
While you may notice improvements after just one session, optimal results are often achieved through a series of treatments about four weeks apart. As your skin renews, you may also see enhanced collagen production, contributing to long-term skin firmness and vitality.
To maintain your results, we recommend wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and following a gentle skincare routine tailored to your skin type. Avoiding excessive sun exposure and continuing with maintenance treatments once or twice a year can help preserve your results.
A Closer Look at the Lumecca IPL Device
The Lumecca IPL device stands out due to its high peak power and optimized output. With the capability to deliver complete photo rejuvenation in just one or two sessions for most patients, Lumecca surpasses standard IPL devices, which typically require four to six treatments. Additionally, its large spot size and high pulse repetition rate reduce treatment time, while the advanced sapphire cooling tip improves patient comfort during the IPL treatment.
A Few IPL Therapy FAQs
How Much Does IPL Therapy Cost?
At Fundamentals Med Spa, radiant, healthy-looking skin should be within reach. Our IPL therapy treatments are competitively priced to give you the best value without compromising care, comfort, or results.
The cost of IPL therapy can vary based on the treatment area and the number of sessions needed to achieve your desired results. While individual sessions are available, most patients see the best outcomes with a series of treatments. We offer exclusive packages and membership pricing to help you save while prioritizing your skin goals.
Memberships & Packages Designed With You in Mind
- Customized IPL Packages: Bundle and save with multi-session treatment plans tailored to your specific skin concerns. Whether you’re targeting sun damage, redness, or dark spots, our packages are built to help you see consistent, visible improvements.
- Wellness Memberships: Enjoy ongoing savings, priority booking, and member-only perks when you join our Membership Program. It’s the perfect way to make skin maintenance a seamless (and budget-friendly) part of your routine.
What Can I Expect During Intense Pulsed Light Therapy With Lumecca?
During intense pulsed light therapy with Lumecca, you’ll experience a brief, light sensation as the device emits pulses of light to your skin. The treatment typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the area being treated. After the session, your skin may appear slightly redder and warmer, similar to a mild sunburn, but this usually subsides quickly.
Where Can IPL Be Used?
IPL light therapy is versatile and can be applied to various parts of the body, including the face, chest, and other areas of the body exposed to sun damage or showing signs of aging. This adaptability makes it an effective solution for improving skin tone and texture across different body regions.
How Many IPL Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions required for an effective skin rejuvenation and dark spot treatment can vary based on the severity of the discoloration and the desired outcome. While some patients see significant improvements in just one or two sessions, others might need a series of treatments, such as three or more, spaced about four weeks apart.
Does IPL Therapy Hurt?
While discomfort levels can vary, most patients describe IPL therapy as causing a mild snapping sensation against the skin. The treatment is generally well-tolerated, especially with the cooling technology of Lumecca, and other strategies can be used to minimize discomfort during the session.
How Should I Prepare for My IPL Therapy Session?
To prepare for your anti-aging treatment, avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners for at least four weeks before your session. You should also discontinue any skincare products containing retinol or glycolic acid a few days prior to treatment. Cleanse your skin thoroughly, leaving it free from makeup, lotions, or perfumes on the day of the treatment.
What Is the Post-Treatment Care for IPL Therapy?
After hyperpigmentation treatment, it is important to protect the treated area from the sun by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and wearing protective clothing. Avoid hot baths, saunas, and intense exercise for the first 24 hours post-treatment. It’s also advisable to continue avoiding skincare products containing harsh chemicals or exfoliants for a few days.
Is IPL Therapy Right for You?
IPL therapy is ideal for those with light to medium skin tones experiencing hyperpigmentation, sun damage, redness, rosacea, or early signs of aging. It brightens, evens skin tone, and improves overall clarity. However, it may not be suitable for very dark skin tones, active acne, recent tanning, or those on photosensitizing medications. At Fundamentals Med Spa, we assess your skin and goals to ensure IPL is safe and effective for your unique needs.
Explore Our IPL Therapy With a Consultation in Indianapolis, IN
Intense pulsed light therapy offers a versatile and effective solution for a variety of skin concerns, which makes it a beneficial treatment at Fundamentals Med Spa, your one-stop shop for aesthetic services in Indianapolis, IN. We take pride in providing advanced skincare solutions that meet the goals of our diverse patient base. If you’re seeking to improve your skin’s appearance and health, IPL may be the right option for you. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, please reach out online or call us at (317) 222-7546.
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