IPL
Offered at our convenient location in San Antonio, TX
Lumecca intense pulsed light (IPL) photofacial is a laser light treatment that targets pigment issues such as brown spots, sun damage, red spots, and rosacea. The bright light passes through the epidermis, drawing out the pigment-producing cells and dispersing the uneven pigment. Skincare specialists recommend the device for those with lighter skin tones. Though many patients see significant improvement in their skin complexion after just one treatment, a series provides the most optimal results.
If you have dealt with any of the above-mentioned cosmetic issues and have yet to see substantial results with a topical treatment, Lumecca may be the light therapy you need to attain the best skin texture and tone of your life.
At Alluring Aesthetics, you can speak with Dr. Wendie Grunberg about your concerns, and she will be able to determine if you could benefit from this form of treatment. To learn more about this innovative form of rejuvenation, call (210) 714-5390, fill out our contact form, or visit our office in San Antonio.
Contents
What is Intense Pulsed Light?
IPL includes wavelengths between 500 and 1200 nanometers (nm), the optimal frequencies designed to treat vascular lesions. (1) Lumecca relies on IPL technology to directly destroy unwanted chromophores– or pigment- in areas of hyperpigmentation. The most common chromophore is melanin, which is responsible for darker patches on the skin, freckles, age spots, birthmarks, and overall skin color. The chromophore that creates vascular spots from broken blood vessels is oxyhemoglobin, a pigment that IPL is specially equipped to remove. Lumecca’s arcs of light deliver this energy to these molecules, bypassing the surface layer of the skin, the epidermis. As a result of this unique technology, patients undergoing Lumecca treatments can expect a relatively quick recovery when compared to laser treatments. Once these pulses reach the targeted chromophores, they experience a process called thermocoagulation. This means that the molecules disintegrate, and the skin works to remove them. During the healing phase, the skin will push this excess pigment to the surface, where it will dehydrate and peel off while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed.
The outcome of this treatment can leave a patient’s skin looking clearer and more refreshed than ever with diminished signs of sun damage.
Benefits of Lumecca
Lumecca offers the latest, most effective IPL treatment to date:
- Treatments only take about half an hour.
- Many patients see significant results after just one session.
- It preserves the integrity of the epidermis, helping the skin heal faster.
- With a topical anesthetic and the application of cooling gel, treatments are comfortable.
- Patients can expect only mild sunburn-like effects for a couple of days.
- IPL energy stimulates the skin’s collagen regeneration process, reversing years of sun damage and improving overall texture.
- Lumecca is safe for use on the chest, legs, face, hands, and neck area.
- Lumecca has a larger spot size for better coverage over a shorter treatment period.
- Since 1995, IPL devices have been the gold standard for treating both red and brown discolorations and hyperpigmentation from injury or acne scars.
Ideal Candidates
Lumecca can be an incredible treatment for those who want to achieve clearer skin that highlights their natural beauty. Lumecca is fairly gentle compared to other light-based skin rejuvenation technologies, so it is suitable for a wide range of patients. Still, our aestheticians will only perform these treatments for those with light or medium skin tones. Those with darker skin should consult one of our professionals to find an alternative. The treatment may not be effective for those with melasma, which is a condition characterized by more widespread hyperpigmentation.
Personal Consultation with Dr. Grunberg
During your consultation at Alluring Aesthetics, Dr. Grunberg will evaluate your skin issues and ask you about your history of sun exposure and other aspects of your skincare routine. She will take note of any skin conditions you have and the overall tone of your skin to see if Lumecca can help you achieve your desired results. She will get an accurate idea of the specific improvements you would like to see and outline a treatment plan that may include multiple sessions.
While IPL can be a transformative addition to your skincare routine, it is mostly effective for freckles, birthmarks, age spots, spider veins, port-wine stains, and various types of rosacea. If you are looking for more comprehensive anti-aging rejuvenation, you may want to consider one of the laser treatments on the Sciton Joule X system.
To get started today, call Alluring Aesthetics in San Antonio at (210) 714-5390 or fill out our contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Preparation
In the days leading up to your treatment, you should refrain from using exfoliating or harsh products. Make sure you do not use depilatory products or wax the treatment area in the 2 weeks before your Lumecca procedure. Dr. Grunberg will ask you about the products you regularly use and recommend which ones to avoid before your session. You should also keep your skin well-protected from the sun and hydrated. You should use a daily water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen to ensure you do not expose your skin to UV rays. Dr. Grunberg will advise you to stop taking anti-inflammatory medications and other substances that could thin the blood. These medications can delay healing. If you have any condition that affects wound healing, a tendency to develop keloid scars, or a history of viral outbreaks in the treatment area, please tell Dr. Grunberg so that she can customize your plan to suit your needs.
Treatment Steps
Every session takes about 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. First, you and your aesthetician will put on protective eye goggles. Then, your aesthetician will lather on a topical anesthetic cream to numb the area. Once it settles in, they will apply a cooling gel to further reduce discomfort. Then, they will apply the light-emitting window of the Lumecca handpiece directly to the skin and begin administering pulses to each area. These flashes of light will penetrate the dermis of the skin, leaving the epidermis completely intact and unharmed. By targeting this layer of skin, the device will also stimulate the production of collagen. You will be free to go home and resume all your normal activities as usual after your appointment.
Recovery and Results
Immediately after your treatment, your skin may feel sensitive and look reddened. You may notice that your skin will feel a bit smoother and firmer, and your pores may appear smaller. The tenderness will dissipate within a couple of days, depending on your skin’s sensitivity.
After a few days have passed, you will notice darkened pigment rising to the surface of the skin, appearing to look like coffee grounds. You will need to avoid scrubbing your face; you should allow this exfoliating process to happen naturally. After a week, you may be able to resume your usual exfoliating routine and/or use retinoids, but you should consult Dr. Grunberg beforehand. You will also need to avoid direct sunlight and continue to apply your sunscreen every day. You will want to make sure that your skin has time to heal and that you do not cause hyperpigmentation to develop.
For more intensive skin resurfacing treatments, like BBL Forever Clear or Contour TRL, you will need to wait a few weeks. Dr. Grunberg typically recommends a Lumecca treatment series of 3 to 5 sessions, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Still, your recommendations will depend on the severity of your discolorations and your unique goals for rejuvenation. Patients love that after each treatment, their uneven, patchy spots flake off naturally and reveal a smoother, more radiant complexion underneath.
Cost of Lumecca in San Antonio
The cost of your Lumecca treatments will depend on the number of sessions, the size of your treatment area, and any additional appointments. Dr. Grunberg has the aesthetic expertise to give you an effective treatment plan for your particular concerns and will provide you with a total cost estimate during your first appointment at Alluring Aesthetics.
Achieving the best results with IPL has never been easier with the technological advances that Lumecca offers. To learn more about this device and other treatment options at our practice, call (210) 714-5390 or inquire online today. You can also find more information on Dr. Grunberg’s other services and procedures on the Alluring Aesthetics blog.
FAQ
Is Lumecca FDA-approved?
Lumecca was FDA-approved in 2022, making it one of the latest IPL devices available on the market today.
Does Lumecca have anti-aging benefits?
Though Lumecca triggers collagen production and provides mild tightening effects, it is mostly designed to remove unwanted chromophores from within the skin. Over a treatment series, patients can erase liver spots, freckles, birthmarks, spider veins, and other spots caused by broken blood vessels.
How long do Lumecca results last?
Lumecca results can be long-lasting if patients stay committed to applying sunscreen every day. This will decrease melanin production and prevent unwanted spots from developing.
Is Lumecca safe for all skin types?
Lumecca is safe for those with light or medium-toned skin. Clinicians often perform a “patch test” to see if the skin is well-suited for this type of IPL treatment.
References
- Piccolo D, Fusco I, Tiziano Zingoni, Conforti C. Effective Treatment of Rosacea and Other Vascular Lesions Using Intense Pulsed Light System Emitting Vascular Chromophore-Specific Wavelengths: A Clinical and Dermoscopical Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2024;13(6):1646-1646. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13061646
- Gade A, Vasile GF, Rubenstein R. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580525/