What is MaxG IPL?
MaxG IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treats unwanted sun damage including freckles, brown spots or age spots, and addresses facial vessels including broken blood vessels, facial veins, and rosacea. It delivers light across a variety of wavelengths in the visible spectrum.The light is absorbed by both skin pigment and vascular lesions, allowing these areas to lift and clear from the tissue.
How is MaxG IPL intended to be used?
MaxG IPL offers a non-invasive approach to skin rejuvenation with minimal recovery time while delivering visible enhancements in skin tone, texture, and overall aesthetic.
How does MaxG IPL work?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology is a versatile approach that harnesses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths to address various skin concerns. Different systems can be employed, each of which filters light from distinct portions of the spectrum, with each portion having specific applications, such as sunspot removal or blood vessel clearance.
The Cynosure MaxG handpiece stands out by emitting light pulses simultaneously at both ends of the spectrum. This approach ensures treatment efficacy while minimizing potential side effects. The emitted pulses are absorbed by the pigment in brown spots and the blood in visible blood vessels. Subsequently, the absorbed light energy is converted into heat, which serves to shrink blood vessels and break down cells responsible for pigment formation.
IPL vs. Laser Therapy: Key Distinctions
- IPL treatment, like laser therapy, leverages light energy for skin rejuvenation. However, a fundamental difference lies in the type of light utilized. While laser therapy relies on a single wavelength of light energy, Cynosure IPL MaxG treatment employs multiple wavelengths.
- Multiple Wavelength Benefits: The use of multiple wavelengths enables MaxG IPL to effectively target pigmented or damaged skin cells and reduce or remove their appearance. The targeted light heats these cells within the skin, causing them to break down. Subsequently, the body’s natural processes come into play to eliminate these broken-down cells.
- Precise Yet Less Focused: IPL treatment, compared to traditional laser therapy, is less focused. This characteristic allows it to penetrate the second layer of the skin without harming the first layer. As a result, IPL treatment minimizes overall damage to the skin and offers a more comfortable experience for patients.
Targeted Treatment for Pigmented and Vascular Lesions
Pigmented Lesions:
In the case of pigmented lesions, MaxG™ IPL therapy reaches the deeper layers of the skin where pigment is concentrated. It effectively pushes the pigment to the skin’s surface, facilitating its shedding. This process results in a more even skin tone.
Vascular Lesions:
When addressing vascular lesions like spider veins and rosacea, the IPL light targets the redness beneath the skin’s top layer. It constricts the blood vessels, reducing redness and capillaries. Simultaneously, MaxG™ IPL therapy stimulates the skin’s natural collagen production, leading to a rejuvenating effect on the skin’s appearance.
What are the typical treatment areas?
MaxG IPL is primarily used on various areas of the face in order to treat a variety of skin conditions including, rosacea, general dyschromia, sun damage, vascular lesions, and etc.
Preparing for and Experiencing MaxG IPL Treatment:
Before the MaxG IPL Treatment:
- Prior to undergoing MaxG IPL treatment, it’s crucial to ensure that your skin is not sunburned or tanned, including artificial tans. Tanned or sunburned skin can interfere with the IPL procedure and heighten the risk of potential side effects.
- During the treatment, you may experience a mild warmth or pinching sensation on the skin, indicating when the laser is being pulsed. While the procedure typically does not require anesthesia, a topical gel is commonly applied to enhance comfort.
What to Expect After MaxG IPL Treatment?
- Following your MaxG IPL treatment, you might experience sensations akin to a mild sunburn, including minor redness and possibly some swelling. These effects typically subside within 24 hours and can be alleviated with the use of cold compresses.
- It’s worth noting that your brown spots may temporarily darken after each treatment. However, they will naturally shed from the skin within approximately 2 weeks.
- It is essential to apply moisturizer and sunscreen immediately after the treatment and continue this skincare regimen throughout your IPL Photofacial treatment process.
How many treatments will I need?
For most individuals, a complete IPL Photofacial treatment involves a series of 4 to 6 sessions, with each session spaced approximately 3 to 4 weeks apart. This approach optimizes the cumulative benefits and progress achieved throughout the treatment course.
Is the treatment painful?
For MaxG IPL treatment, you’ll receive appropriate local anesthesia before the procedure to make you more comfortable.
Can I receive an ICON Photofacial if I have a darker skin tone?
Darker skin types 5 and 6 are not candidates for IPL treatment. Consulting with a certified practitioner is recommended in order to receive a more personalized and tailored treatment.
How do I know whether ICON Photofacial Technology is right for me?
You can consult a qualified medical professional to see if ICON IPL technology is right for you. Our office is available for consultations at 31 East Darrah Lane, Lawrence Township NJ. To schedule an appointment, call the following number: 609-587-9944
Important Pre-Treatment Instructions
To reduce the chance of any adverse side effects, we recommend doing the following things (unless your physician says otherwise):
- Make sure to hydrate, and moisturize your skin well daily before the treatment (at least a week in advance).
- Keep treatment areas clean and free them of any substances such as lotion, makeup, sunscreen or any other cosmetic products.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight a week before the treatment.
- Follow the precise pre-treatment guidelines given by your healthcare provider to achieve the best outcomes and reduce the risk of potential complications.
(this section should only serve as additional information; it is NOT a substitute for your physician’s instructions).