Lumecca IPL

What is Lumecca IPL?

Living in Arizona, we are exposed to the sun’s UV rays on a daily basis, which typically leads to some form of sun damage – whether we are careful about it or not! Does that mean you need to give up enjoying outdoor activities, sports, hiking, and all of the endorphins the outdoors brings into your life? Does it mean you have to choose between doing what you love outside and having beautiful, healthy skin? Absolutely not! If you have collected sun damage over the years, the Lumecca IPL treatment is for you!

How it Works

Lumecca IPL (intense pulsed light) treats pigmentation in the skin and vascular lesions which can help give you clear, beautiful, bright, and younger looking skin. Lumecca™ IPL (intense pulsed light) is the newest and most powerful IPL technology to treat pigmented skin and vascular lesions. Lumecca operates by using photothermolysis which provides a photofacial through the delivery of a comfortable light treatment. While you may have tried IPL in the past, the Lumecca technology and delivery of light to the cell is different and more effective at treating sun damage, hyperpigmentation, freckles, aging skin, broken capillaries, vessels, rosacea, melasma and brown spots. Lumecca can be used on all areas of the body but the most common areas of treatment include the face, neck, chest, hands, arms, and legs. Lumecca is best suitable for fair-skinned individuals.

What to Expect

Lumecca IPL treatments are fairly quick (depending on size of treatment area), in-office procedures which do not require any numbing cream or medication. Clear ultrasound gel is applied to the treatment area in order to glide the handpiece, minimize discomfort, and to keep skin cool. There will be a bright flash of light from the IPL handpiece as pulses are delivered to the skin. This feels like a warm elastic band, snapping sensation on the skin. The Intense Pulsed Light heats the dermis and pulls pigment (brown spots, redness) to the surface of your skin. Redness, mild swelling, and a slight warming of the skin is normal right after treatment and usually subside within an hour or so. Pigmentation that was targeted by the IPL will darken and start to look sort of like a scab, something we call “Peppering” Peppering can last 7-14 days and will flake off on its own. Do not pick at these areas! (Yes – your freckles / sun damage will literally fall off your face!)

Who is a Candidate

This treatment is ideal for those looking to reduce signs of premature aging, rejuvenate the skin, improve the complexion and clarity of their skin, and to treat pigmentation caused by sun damage.

IPL works best on fair to medium skin tones, specifically Fitzpatrick skin types I-III. Because melanin in the skin absorbs light energy, olive and darker skin (Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI) are at risk for burns or hyperpigmentation.

At NK Aesthetics, a consultation and skin assessment is required prior to booking & treatment with Lumecca IPL. You can book your free consultation here.

Lumecca IPL Treatment Areas

Age spots

Brown spots

Rosacea

Small Broken & Visible Capillaries

Freckles

Uneven Skin Texture

Discoloration Due to Sun Damage

Pigmented Acne Scars

Can Treat Acne as the Heat Kills Acne Related Bacteria

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmented Scars

Possible Side Effects

IPL photofacials, including Lumecca, are considered safe and effective when performed by a trained technician. There are minor risks associated with this type of treatment, including

Flare-up of Hormonal Brown Spots

Scarring

Blistering

Swelling

Infection

Skin Discoloration

Pain

The risk of these complications is kept to a minimum by utilizing proper administration techniques and proper patient assessment.

Lumecca IPL FAQ's

Does It Hurt?

Lumecca IPL treatment in Scottsdale, AZ delivers quick bursts of intense pulsed light to the skin. As the trigger is fired, patients feel a warm snapping sensation on the skin, kind of like a rubber band. As treatment progresses, the total energy in the deeper layers of tissue can result in a warming sensation. Most patients describe these sensations as tolerable and only mildly uncomfortable, similar to a sunburn. There is no need for topical numbing cream or other anesthetics. The warming sensation can last for several hours, but usually dissipates significantly in the first hour after treatment.

What Do I Need To Do After My Treatment?

Avoid sun exposure. Apply a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen. We love Alastin Tinted SPF. Avoid hot showers, hot tubs, and saunas for at least 24 to 48 hours Do not exercise for at least 24 hours post treatment Avoid products containing retinoids, glycolic, salicylic acids, benzoyl peroxide as well as astringents for five to seven days after your IPL

How Long Does It Take To Heal?

Swelling, bruising, and redness is common immediately after a treatment. This typically resolves within a few hours, but may take a few days. A cool compress can be applied immediately after a treatment for comfort (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for about five times a day) The treated pigmentation will get darker and a peppering effect will occur within 24 to 48 hours post-treatment. This peppering effect will naturally slough off within about 1-2 weeks. Picking/scrubbing should be avoided!

What Are The Advantage Of Lumecca IPL Treatments?

Pretty much no downtime. Fewer treatments needed than other IPL machines. Improves the appearance of age spots, spider veins, rosacea, freckles, sun damage. Improves the complexion and clarity of skin.

How Long Do Treatments Take?

Treatments are fairly quick but depend on the area being treated! An IPL face treatment will typically take 30-45 minutes.

How Many Treatments Do I Need?

Although you will get great results from just one treatment, typically people need multiple treatments, on average 3. This also depends on the amount of sun damage / pigmentation being targeted. Vascular lesions usually take more sessions as well. Yearly maintenance treatments are also advised.

How Long Will My Results Last?

Results are pretty permanent as long as you avoid exposing yourself to more sun damage! Though avoiding the sun for the rest of your life is quite impossible, you can minimize your sun exposure with these tips! We also suggest an IPL treatment at least once a year to maintain results! Use sunscreen of at LEAST SPF 30 any time you are outdoors. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection, and water resistance. At NK Aesthetics, we LOVE Alastin Tinted SPF. You can buy it **here** Make sure to apply your sunscreen properly and frequently. Use at least one ounce every two hours when you’re out in the sun. Reapply after excessive sweating or swimming, even if the product is labeled waterproof. Apply your sunscreen BEFORE you go outside. It takes about 15 minutes for it to kick in! Protect your pucker! Apply a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher to your lip to protect them from sunburn and skin cancer, including two of the most common ones – basal and squamous cell carcinoma. Don’t forget other commonly missed areas, such as the ears and the tops of the feet. Block those UV rays with protective clothing and accessories: wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved clothing, and sunglasses labeled for UV protection. Don’t be fooled by a cloudy day. Up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can make it through the clouds and damage your skin! Stay out of the direct sunlight. Try to avoid the most intense sun from 10am to 4pm. Check the UV index. The Environmental Protection Agency rates daily UV ray intensity on a scale from 1-11. The higher the number, the greater your need for protection. Check your medications! Some medications can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun and cause you to burn more easily. Check this list of common medications that can make you more sensitive to the sun https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/photosensitivity/medications/