Intense pulse light (IPL) or Broad-band light (BBL) are two very effective and safe anti aging treatment options for sun damaged or aged skin offered at the Toronto Dermatology Centre.
This treatment is so popular because it has multiple benefits – it can improve the colour, texture, and tone of the skin by fading brown spots, reducing redness and blood vessels, and tightening the skin and reducing pore size.
Our anti aging doctors will discuss with you this light-based treatment along with other anti aging treatments to optimize the look and feel of your skin.
Our Toronto skin care clinic ensures that we have the top laser and light-based devices in the country, as well as top notch laser technicians and estheticians providing a safe and comfortable treatment.
What is intense pulsed light (IPL) or broad-band light (BBL)?
IPL & BBL technologies are synonymous. Photorejuvenation (sometimes called Photofacials) technology is a non-invasive procedure that improves the appearance of aging skin and gives it a more youthful look.
Since it treats skin damage without disruption of the skin’s surface, there is no recovery time and patients can return to regular activities immediately after rejuvenation treatment (sometimes a little makeup is required). In addition to treating the face, the neck, chest and hands are commonly treated as well.
How does IPL OR BBL work?
IPL antiaging treatment consists of a very bright, controlled light that is absorbed by various components of the skin. The colours in the light are attracted to the red and brown discolouration in the skin and by the collagen tissue. The body’s healing mechanism takes over and absorbs the reds, sloughs the browns and stimulates the production of new collagen.
At our Toronto skin care clinic, the light is customized to your specific skin condition and colour to effectively improve the cosmetic appearance of your skin. It will appear smoother and younger-looking, with a more even skin tone.
What is photorejuvenation?
Photorejuvenation using IPL or BBL is a safe and effective skin rejuvenation treatment for men and women to reverse sun-induced skin damage. It improves the texture of the skin, stimulates your own collagen to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, clears red blotches and spider veins, and fades brown spots, including brown age spots found on the backs of hands. It can also soften scars and reduce pore size, all with minimal recovery time.
*Results may vary from person to person
What areas can be treated?
Photorejuvenation is usually performed on the face, neck, chest, back, arms and hands.
How is the treatment performed?
Dark goggles are worn to protect your eyes from the bright light. A cold gel is applied to the skin to help the absorption of light and keep the skin cool. The pulse of light feels like a small sting, but it is well tolerated. The photorejuvenation treatment takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on the area treated. Usually 5 or 6 treatments, 3 to 4 weeks apart, are recommended to see maximal results. Improvement is natural and gradual. You must avoid tanning while undergoing treatment, so sunscreen protection is advised.
How will I look right after treatment?
If you have red, blotchy skin, you will probably have some temporary redness. If you have brown age spots or freckles, they will appear darker for a few days and then peel off. Immediately after treatment, most patients can carry on with their normal activities and must use sun protection. If you are prone to facial cold sores, the dermatologists at Toronto Dermatology Centre will prescribe antiviral medication to prevent a recurrence.
What conditions can be treated?
- Sun damage
- Redness, flushing and small veins
- Rosacea
- Red discolouration and enlarged pores caused by acne
- Brown pigmentation, age spots and freckles
- Dull complexion
- Fine lines and mild scarring
- Freckles treatment
What improvement can I expect?
Your skin will appear smoother, firmer and refreshed. Improvement in tone and texture will give a more polished look.
You will have a more even skin colour, with reduced pore size, softened fine lines and improved acne scarring.
How long will the results last?
The results can last for years, depending on the aging process and environmental factors such as sun exposure. A maintenance treatment every 3 to 4 months, the use of anti-aging products recommended specifically for you by the staff & physicians of the Toronto Dermatology Centre, and sun protection will give long-lasting results.
Can photorejuvenation be used in combination with other procedures?
Yes! This treatment complements and enhances other anti-aging treatments such as laser resurfacing with ProFractional laser™, Botox® Cosmetic injections, Injectable fillers (e.g. Juvederm, Restylane), chemical peels and microdermabrasion to keep skin healthy and attractive.
How do I know if photorejuvenation will improve my skin?
The dermatologists at Toronto Dermatology Centre are very skilled in the use of IPL and BBL and have many years’ of training and experience treating sun damaged skin. During your consultation, they will assess your skin and determine if this treatment is appropriate for you. A skin rejuvenation program can then be customized for your specific concern.
Photorejuvenation with the BBL system helps smooth and rejuvenate the appearance of the skin. Results include toned skin, with a reduction in the appearance of facial lines, rosacea, age and sun spots, and hyperpigmentation.
Phototherapy | BBL™ – BroadBand Light
Our dermatologist Dr. Benjamin Barankin was interviewed by Pauline Chan of CTV in August 2011 for a piece on how to find the right person and clinic to perform your laser treatments. Check out: Lifetime with Pauline Chan
Toronto Dermatology Centre is located in Toronto, Ontario, and serves men and women in North York, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, York, Aurora, Thornhill, Mississauga, Etobicoke, Scarborough, Pickering, Peterborough, Guelph, Kitchener, Barrie and all of Greater Toronto (GTA).
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