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IPL at Richard H. Lee Plastic Surgery

At Richard H. Lee Plastic Surgery, IPL is applied with the same level of clinical judgment and aesthetic precision used in surgical care. Dr. Richard H. Lee, a board-certified plastic surgeon, evaluates IPL as part of a broader skin health strategy, selecting it only when it aligns with the patient’s skin type, degree of photoaging, and long-term goals. Treatment planning is deliberate and conservative, prioritizing improvement that appears natural rather than overcorrected. Schedule your consultation today to learn whether IPL is the right approach for your skin concerns.

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What Is IPL?

Intense Pulsed Light is a light-based technology that delivers controlled, broad-spectrum light to target pigment irregularities and vascular concerns within the skin. Unlike single-wavelength lasers, IPL emits multiple wavelengths simultaneously, allowing it to address sun damage, redness, broken capillaries, and uneven pigmentation during the same treatment session. Targeted pigment and vascular structures absorb the light energy, which leads to gradual fading as the skin renews over time.

Benefits of IPL

  • Improved skin tone and clarity: Corrects visible sun damage and pigment irregularities to restore a more even complexion.
  • Reduction in redness and visible vessels: Diminishes facial redness and broken capillaries through targeted light absorption.
  • Non-surgical skin refinement: Enhances skin quality without incisions or procedural downtime.
  • Gradual, controlled improvement: Produces subtle changes over time that maintain a natural appearance.
  • Versatile treatment areas: Commonly performed on the face, neck, chest, and hands.
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IPL vs. BBL Treatments

IPL and BroadBand Light (BBL) are both used to address pigmentation and redness, but they differ in precision and clinical application. IPL delivers broad-spectrum light in controlled pulses, making it particularly effective for diffuse sun damage, generalized redness, and overall photorejuvenation.

BBL allows for more narrowly defined energy control and parameter customization, which can be advantageous when treating more focal concerns or when greater specificity is required. In clinical practice, IPL is often selected for widespread photoaging requiring gradual correction, while BBL may be chosen when higher precision is necessary. Treatment selection is based on physician assessment of skin characteristics and treatment objectives.

Am I a Good Candidate for IPL?

IPL is commonly used for individuals seeking improvement in sun damage, uneven pigmentation, redness, or visible blood vessels. Skin tone, degree of pigmentation, and overall skin health are key factors in determining suitability. While IPL has traditionally been used more often in lighter skin tones, modern technology and careful parameter selection may allow treatment in select darker skin types when clinically appropriate. Recently tanned skin, certain medical conditions, or specific pigment patterns may limit candidacy, which is why professional evaluation is essential.

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Why Choose Richard H. Lee Plastic Surgery for IPL?

Dr. Lee is a board-certified plastic surgeon recognized for precise technique and disciplined aesthetic judgment. IPL treatments at his Newport Beach practice are physician-directed and integrated into comprehensive treatment planning rather than offered in isolation. This approach emphasizes appropriate patient selection, careful parameter control, and results that enhance skin quality without drawing attention to treatment.

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Your Consultation

Your IPL consultation involves a detailed skin assessment and clinical discussion focused on appropriateness, expected improvement, and long-term skin management. Treatment options are reviewed in the context of your overall skin health, allowing decisions to be made with clarity and realistic expectations.

How Much Does IPL Cost?

IPL pricing is based on the treatment area, the number of sessions required, and the complexity of the concerns being addressed. Costs are discussed transparently during your consultation after a tailored treatment plan has been developed.

What to Expect During IPL Treatment

IPL treatments are performed in-office and typically last 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the treatment area. A cooling gel is applied to protect the skin while light pulses are delivered in a controlled manner. Sensations are generally brief and well-tolerated, and treatment does not require anesthesia.

IPL Recovery and Results

Temporary redness or darkening of pigmented areas is expected and typically resolves within several days. Pigmented lesions gradually fade as the skin renews, while vascular redness diminishes progressively. When performed as a series, IPL delivers controlled, cumulative improvement that becomes more apparent over several weeks.

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Related Skin Rejuvenation Options

Depending on skin condition and treatment goals, IPL may be compared with or incorporated alongside other physician-directed treatments, including:

  • Laser skin resurfacing: Used to address texture irregularities, fine lines, and more advanced photoaging.
  • Microneedling: Supports collagen stimulation to improve skin texture and resilience.
  • Chemical peels: Provides controlled exfoliation to enhance tone and surface clarity.

FAQs

How many IPL sessions are typically needed?

Does IPL treat active acne?

How soon can makeup be worn after IPL?

Can IPL be used on areas other than the face?

Will IPL damage or thin the skin?

How long should I wait before a special event?

How long do IPL results last?

How many IPL sessions are typically needed?

Most treatment plans involve a series of sessions spaced several weeks apart, depending on the severity of sun damage and redness.

Does IPL treat active acne?

IPL is not intended for active acne treatment but may help improve residual redness from previous breakouts.

How soon can makeup be worn after IPL?

Makeup is typically resumed within 24 hours, provided the skin has settled.

Can IPL be used on areas other than the face?

IPL is commonly performed on sun-exposed areas such as the neck, chest, and hands.

Will IPL damage or thin the skin?

When performed appropriately, IPL supports skin renewal and does not thin the skin.

How long should I wait before a special event?

IPL should be scheduled several weeks in advance to allow full resolution of temporary skin changes.

How long do IPL results last?

Results are long-lasting with proper sun protection, though maintenance treatments may be recommended.

Begin Your IPL Treatment Plan

If you are considering IPL, your care should be guided by experienced clinical judgment and aesthetic restraint. Dr. Lee approaches IPL as part of a broader skin health strategy rather than a standalone service. Schedule a consultation today to receive a personalized evaluation and thoughtful guidance toward clearer, healthier-looking skin.

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