Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

Dr. Arons has brought the technology of intense pulsed light, which uses the heat energy of visible light to improve skin damage from aging, sun damage, and acne, to his New Haven office. This same technology can also be used to remove unwanted hair.

As we age and our skin is exposed to the sun, smoke, and other pollutants, it undergoes fundamental changes that result in uneven and blotchy pigmentation, redness, and brown spots. These very visible signs of aging can now be addressed with this breakthrough treatment.

The type of IPL used in our office is known as photo-pneumatic therapy (PPx). It is an innovative new therapy that combines administration of heat energy by gentle suction of the skin into the device so as to more efficiently deliver the heat energy in a fashion that corrects the appearance of damaged skin, leaving skin looking healthy and youthful. Multiple treatments are needed. PPx has now been specifically FDA approved for the treatment of acne. It is a painless procedure that requires no anesthesia, performed in our office, sometimes at the time of your initial consultation, if so desired. Treatments are gentle, painless, and fast. Sometimes, there is some temporary redness.

There is no downtime. You can resume your normal activities immediately. Usually at least six treatments are needed, once a month over six months. Acne is treated on a more frequent basis. Unwanted hair is usually treated at four-week intervals above the neck, and at eight-week intervals below the neck. Up to an 80% permanent reduction in unwanted hair can be anticipated. While hair growth may not be completely eliminated, its growth can be permanently slowed. Usually, ongoing maintenance treatments are recommended. Prior to treatment with IPL, patients should not be tan, they should not be in the sun, and they should not be on medications that cause photosensitivity (such as tetracycline), and they should not have used Accutane within the last six months. The treatment is usually not indicated for darker skinned patients. Intense pulsed light is a safe and cost effective, minimally invasive method for skin rejuvenation and unwanted hair.