Light Pulse Treatment to Erase Age Spots and Sun Damage

Broad-spectrum light energy in a hand-held computer controlled laser tip sounds like next generation science, but it’s here already. The Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics uses the Intense Light Pulse (IPL) to target and remediate pigment imperfections to erase age spots, freckles, sun damage, redness and enlarged pores. This treatment can also help with fine lines and wrinkles.

Results are usually seen after one treatment, according to Jessica Santi, CMA and Medical Director of the Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics in Cherry Creek North at 3773 Cherry Creek North Dr., Suite 132, Denver, CO 80209. Usually a series of treatments, three to five, is needed to completely correct imperfections.

IPL treatments run from $350 for a single session to a series of treatments from $1,500 upward, depending upon the patient’s individual needs. Photorejuvenation skin treatments are usually recommended to treat a variety of problems such as unwanted hair, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, Rosacea, freckles, age spots, acne scarring and spider veins.

The treatment delivers pulses of broad-spectrum light energy through a computer controlled hand piece. A cooling gel or numbing cream may be applied to the treatment area. With each flash of light, colored pigments are broken up to be small enough so they may be absorbed by your body. New collagen is also produced. After the procedure, an antibiotic ointment or sunscreen may be applied to the treated areas. Several sessions over a period of weeks may be required to reach your desired results.

Your initial consultation is extremely important, explains Santi. At that appointment, the technician will evaluate your skin type and skin condition to determine if you will be a good candidate for this procedure.

Benefits of using the IPL are that because the light pulses are so short and precisely target the dermis, damage is limited. There is very little pain with this procedure but you might feel a slight sting, like a soft snap of a rubber band on your skin.

Post treatment, patients can return to work the same day and may experience sun burnt sensation and temporary redness on the treated area that may last up to several hours. Anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil may be taken. Make-up can be applied approximately 30 minutes following treatment; however be extra gentle to your skin until it returns to normal. Results can be seen gradually over the treatment schedule and generally range from good to excellent although a certain percentage do not achieve the results they are looking for.

IPL treatments are just one of the many treatments offered at the Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics. Here, highly trained medical technicians remove hair, tattoos and wrinkles using a variety of laser treatments. The clinic has more than 10 different kinds of lasers, each designed to address the extreme differences in individuals’ skin and hair color and texture.

“That’s one of the reasons patients recommend the Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics to their friends,” says Santi. “They know that when they come into our clinic, they are not just a number, but that their specific issues and concerns are addressed individually and with great concern. What is appropriate for one patient may not be appropriate for another. Some clinics may tell you that it’s all the same, one laser does what another can. At the Rocky Mountain Laser Aesthetics, we have a saying: All lasers are not created equal.”