IPL

CSC Steil Dermatology

Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology located in Hinsdale & Downers Grove, IL

No matter the extent of your damage, you can achieve gorgeous skin with an IPL photofacial at CSC Steil Dermatology in Hinsdale and Downers Grove, Illinois. Christina Steil, MD, Paula S. Malhotra, MD, and Rachel Bognet, MD, offer this treatment to address and improve many common skin concerns without using medications, chemicals, or invasive procedures. To learn more about IPL treatments and find out if they’re right for you, call your nearest location.

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IPL Q & A

We are excited at CSC Dermatology to offer the new BBL HERO from Sciton- the world’s most powerful IPL device on the market. We follow the Forever Young + BBL protocol- a proprietary multi-pass approach to treating aging skin. The 3-4 pass procedure addresses the signs of aging on all levels of the skin. Your new treatments will be more comfortable, more effective and faster. There has been a price increase as of 1/1/2021 to reflect this new treatment, but if you combine multiple sites or procedures on your day of treatment - discounted services are available.

Intense pulsed light treatments, also called photofacials, use quick, bright pulses of light to penetrate deep layers of your skin. The energy from the light causes your skin to improve existing blemishes and form new structural collagen fibers to heal damage. 

Additionally, the light energy causes blood vessels to constrict to reduce redness and inflammation.

Before the IPL treatment begins, a member of the team at CSC Steil Dermatology cleans your skin before applying a cooling gel. You’ll be asked to wear dark glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from the intensity of the light. 

Then, you’ll sit comfortably as your provider targets your skin concerns with the IPL device for 20-30 minutes. 

Some patients describe the sensation as stinging or feeling like a rubber band snap, but it’s generally very tolerable.

How does IPL improve my skin?

IPL treatment can significantly diminish or eliminate a wide variety of common skin concerns. The CSC Steil Dermatology team often uses IPL to treat:

  • Age spots
  • Enlarged pores
  • Wrinkles or fine lines
  • Broken blood vessels
  • Varicose veins
  • Rosacea
  • Freckles
  • Cherry angiomas
  • Birthmarks
  • Unwanted body hair

You’ll see a notable improvement in your skin after just three to six treatments. If you’re using IPL for hair removal, optimal results usually appear after six to 12 sessions. 

How should I prepare for my IPL treatment?

Your CSC Steil Dermatology provider will give you thorough instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. You may need to avoid certain substances and activities to minimize your chances of side effects or trade your current skin care products for gentler formulas. 

For two weeks before your procedure, you should: 

  • Use sunscreen any time you go outside
  • Tell your doctor about any existing skin inflammation or flare-ups
  • Stop getting waxes to remove your body hair
  • Avoid chemical peels
  • Stop using vitamin A products (e.g. RetinA, glycolic acid)

Your CSC Steil Dermatology provider will give you more information about what to expect before, during, and after your IPL procedure.