One of the top concerns we hear about this time of year is “what do I do about these dark spots?” Once our summer tan starts to fade, we may notice more brown spots, uneven tone, and redness left behind. Fall is a popular time to target and correct these concerns as we naturally spend less time in the sun. One of favorite treatments to target these concerns at Thistle is the Lumecca IPL Photofacial.
How Lumecca IPL works
Lumecca is an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment, which is different from a true laser. Both use light energy to improve skin concerns, but the technology is actually not the same! A laser uses a single, focused wavelength of light to target one specific concern, such as pigmentation, blood vessels, or resurfacing. IPL uses a broad spectrum of light with multiple wavelengths.
With Lumecca, that light is absorbed by melanin, the pigment in brown spots, and by hemoglobin in blood vessels, through a process called photothermolysis. This helps reduce the appearance of sun damage, pigmentation, redness, vascular lesions, and even rosacea.
The most common areas that Lumecca IPL can treat include:
- Face
- Neck
- Décolleté
- Hands
- Arms
- Upper back and shoulders
Why Choosing a Licensed Provider Matters
The right IPL settings vary from person to person. We highly encourage you to look for a knowledgeable provider with experience treating a range of skin tones who knows how to tailor settings to each patient. At Thistle, our Aesthetic Nurse Practitioners have completed rigorous training and continually pursue ongoing education in treating different skin tones. The best way to find out whether Lumecca is right for your skin is a consultation with one of our aesthetic professionals.
Before Your Treatment
Your provider will review your pre-treatment instructions with you. In general, patients are asked to avoid sun exposure and to stop using products containing retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) one week before treatment. For melanin-rich skin types, a pre-treatment period of 4 weeks may be recommended. If you are unsure about any product in your routine, please ask one of our aesthetic professionals.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your appointment begins with a thorough review of your medical history and pre-treatment questionnaire. We will then cleanse the treatment area and provide protective goggles (which look very chic, we promise). To keep you comfortable, a cooling gel is applied to the skin. The gel allows the handpiece to glide smoothly and helps cool the surface of the skin with each pulse of light.
A test patch is performed first to make sure the treatment is tolerable and we can make adjustments if needed. During the treatment, you may feel a slight stinging sensation similar to a rubber band snap.
What’s the Recovery Process Like After Lumecca IPL?
Immediately after treatment, your skin may appear flushed and red, similar to a mild sunburn. Some swelling is common and typically resolves within a few days. Over the following days, areas of pigmentation will darken and take on a “coffee ground” appearance. This is a normal part of the process, and these spots will naturally slough off to reveal a smoother, brighter, and more even complexion. If you have any questions about your recovery or aftercare, our aesthetic professionals are happy to help.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Most clients notice an improvement in their tone after their first treatment. Since everyone’s skin is different, a series of at least 3 sessions spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart may be recommended for the best results. After that, a yearly maintenance treatment helps to optimize your results. Your aesthetic professional will help you map out the plan that is right for you.
Start Your Fall Skin Reset
If brown spots, redness, or sun damage have been on your mind this fall season, schedule a consultation with our team at Thistle Medical Aesthetics. One of our aesthetic professionals will evaluate your skin and help you decide on the right treatment plan based on your goals, lifestyle, and schedule. We invite you to book your consultation online here or giving our studio a call at 540-783-8209.
