IPL Laser Treatments in San Luis Obispo County

Intense pulsed light (IPL), or often called broadband light (BBL), is a nonsurgical skin treatment. While it is not technically a laser, concentrated light uses certain wavelengths to penetrate the skin and result in various treatment effects, depending on the desired result.

For example, one wavelength of IPL laser treatments in San Luis Obispo County is used to target hyperpigmentation, or dark spots, on the face. Another wavelength is used to kill surface bacteria, therefore, improving active acne.

A different wavelength can be used to target hair follicles for hair removal. Finally, a different wavelength can be used to treat generalized vascular redness, rosacea, bruising, and small spider veins or dilated blood vessels (telangiectasias).

Book one of our premier medical spa services Schedule an Appointment

What Can I Expect From IPL Treatments?

While IPL in San Luis Obispo County is not technically a laser, it does generate heat and can be uncomfortable if used without numbing. We apply a numbing cream to the face and allow it to sit for about 1 hour prior to your procedure. During the treatment session, the IPL can feel warm, but the discomfort should be minimal. The treatment usually takes about 20 minutes. If treating acne, redness, or brown spots, you may decide that one treatment is enough, depending on results. Hair removal typically requires six to eight sessions.

What Is Recovery Like After IPL?

While there is no "downtime" per se, you may notice your skin is more sensitive, dry, pink, or flaky for the first few days after your San Luis Obispo IPL treatment. We recommend using a neutral emollient such as Aquaphor or Eucerin lotion to help with dryness. We ask that you discontinue retinol products for at least seven to ten days afterward to allow your skin to recuperate. It is important to apply SPF regularly during the recovery period, as your skin will be more sensitive to the sun and will be more susceptible to hyperpigmentation during this time.

How Long Do the Results Last?

This type of skin treatment does not reverse with time, but we cannot control the natural aging process or any additional skin damage you may experience in the future.

For example, treatment of certain hyperpigmented spots is usually permanent, but it does not prevent you from developing additional spots in the future.

For flawless skin for years to come, we recommend a medical-grade skincare routine and intermittent laser or IPL treatments in San Luis Obispo County to help maintain your results.

Are There Risks Associated With IPL?

All energy-based treatments will carry some risks. These include, but are not limited to, increased susceptibility to sun damage, burns, blistering, or scarring, prolonged redness or sensitivity, hair loss, pain, unsatisfactory outcome, or the need for additional procedures.

Our machines are only operated by our physician and a physician assistant to minimize these risks.

Schedule a Consultation

Can I Do IPL Myself at Home?

All of the above-listed risks are also applicable to at-home IPL treatments, but when operated by a non-professional, the negative results can be especially severe. At-home units can be powerful enough to inflict permanent, disfiguring scars and burns. Our trained medical professionals have extensive experience that minimizes these risks. At-home units are also often made in China and have not been through a rigorous testing phase to ensure their safety. Our medical devices have been FDA-approved to provide effective, safe medical aesthetic treatments without significant risk.

What Type of IPL Laser Do We Use?

Common carriers of IPL systems include Rohrer Aesthetics (our machine), Elysion-Pro, Spectrum Lumiere Pro, Lumenis, Palomar, Yperion, Syneron, Cynosure, Zemits, and Venus Systems.

Testimonials

“I feel free for the first time in so long, and the relief has been incredible. I always felt like I was in the best possible hands.”

– H.S.

“I am healing, I am HAPPY, and I know I can reach out to them for anything. They have taken such good care of me.”

– K.D.

“I am so completely happy with my body transformation. My life has already been transformed and it was completely worth it.”

– L.K.

“Great surgeon and office! Special shoutout to Angela that really advocated for me by arguing with my insurance to get coverage. Not only are the MAs and front desk nice but Dr. Cha...”

– S.

“As a mom of three little boys, I just wanted to feel like me again, like I did before years of nursing and pregnancy. Thanks to Dr. Chalekson and his amazing team, I now do. The re...”

– S.L.

“The whole experience from my first visit to today has been amazing. DR Chalekson and his staff are amazing. I highly recommend this surgical office. I am so impressed with the staf...”

– C.S.

“From the very beginning, at the initial consultation, I was greeted and treated with the upmost professionalism, and attentiveness. The beautiful, elegant, and private office made ...”

– M.S.

“I had the best experience with Chalekson Plastic Surgery. I was a bundle of nerves and Dr. Chalekson and staff made me feel at ease. I am 4 days post op and I’m already amaze...”

– A.C.

“The first time I walked into the office, it was like coming home to family. Everyone said hi and the nurse was fabulous. Kind and professional. Then the Doctor came in and made me ...”

– P.M.

“I had a great experience! Dr. Chalekson and his staff are kind, helpful and professional. My surgery and recovery went well, and I was delighted with the outcome. His office staff ...”

– D.M.

“He got me in to do my reconstruction with my mastectomy. He is an amazing plastic surgeon and his work speaks for itself.”

– C.M.

“Dr. Chalekson and his staff are very professional and caring. I have never had to wait very long at my office appointments. He did reconstructive breast surgery for me after I had ...”

– M.J.

“I had the best experience, from consultation to the surgery that was done yesterday. Very caring and attentive nurses. It’s the Second surgery that I’ve had on my breas...”

– L.N.

“I absolutely love Dr. Chalekson, Victoria, PA, and the amazing staff here at the Chalekson Med Spa. As an Ovarian Cancer survivor with BRCA mutation, I knew the importance of havin...”

– D.V.

“I recently had the pleasure of working with Dr. Chalekson to remove my 17 year old breast implants and a full lift. Not only was my experience exceptional from start to finish, but...”

– J.R.

“I cannot rave about Dr. Chalekson and his staff enough. He got me in to do my reconstruction with my mastectomy when we weren’t even sure our dates would line up, he worked i...”

– C.M.

Call Our Office to Schedule a San Luis Obispo County IPL Laser Treatment

IPL laser treatments in San Luis Obispo County are a great way to improve the texture, tone, and appearance of your skin without significant downtime or risk. To schedule yours or to learn more about your options for youthful, vibrant skin, contact our office today.

As a premier plastic surgery destination, we welcome patients from across the country and throughout California, including Paso Robles & Atascadero, Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Cambria, Santa Barbara, Templeton, and Santa Maria.