IPL

IPL—Intense Pulsed Light—Long Island, NY with Dr. Meredith Vandegrift

Non-surgical, non-invasive IPL—Intense-Pulsed Light, also known as a photofacial, is a gentle skin rejuvenation treatment that helps restore skin’s healthy appearance. By addressing sun damage, age spots, acne, and even unwanted hair, IPL procedures help restore your radiant glow and even skin tone to boost confidence and self-esteem.

The first step in achieving amazing results from your plastic surgery procedure is choosing a knowledgeable, compassionate provider. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Meredith Vandegrift can help you discover how versatile IPL treatments may provide the solution to achieving your aesthetic goals.

What Is IPL?

Intense-Pulsed Light, or IPL, is similar to a laser treatment; however, IPL is also different from laser treatments in that it releases different wavelengths of light at your skin at once like a photo flash. IPL treatments are virtually painless, leave skin only slightly red, and require no downtime. Patients can resume most normal activities almost immediately after an IPL treatment.

Without damaging the top layer of the skin, IPL penetrates deeply into the skin’s second layer to reduce the appearance of unwanted pigment cells. The heat from IPL treatments breaks apart the unwanted pigments, like freckles or sunspots, into fragments small enough for the body to process and eliminate over a few weeks. IPL is also effective at treating unwanted hair by breaking down hair follicles, preventing new growth.

With no downtime, versatile IPL procedures can help improve the appearance of many skin conditions, including:

  • Acne and acne scars
  • Birthmarks
  • Stretch marks
  • Sun damage
  • Broken blood vessels
  • Liver or age spots
  • Freckles
  • Redness from rosacea
  • Scars
  • Spider veins
  • Unwanted hair

IPL improves skin’s appearance subtly with a series of treatments. Generally, three to five sessions spaced a month apart with annual follow ups is recommended to achieve and maintain optimal results.During your Long Island IPL consultation, Dr. Vandegrift will review your aesthetic goals and recommend the number of IPL treatments required to achieve healthier, more radiant skin.

IPL is effective for many patients; however, it is not recommended for those patients with dark skin tones or who are likely to develop thick, raised keloid scars. Also, IPL is more effective at removing darker hair than light-colored hair.

What Are the Benefits of IPL Treatments?

Without downtime, IPL treatments aim to revitalize your skin by treating the visible signs of sun damage and aging, leaving your skin looking healthier and more radiant. Versatile IPL procedures can help you restore your skin and boost your self-confidence.

With no downtime, IPL can help create a more even skin tone and improve the appearance of:

  • Sunspots or age spots
  • Redness
  • Freckles

Often, IPL is used to improve the appearance of sun damage in areas people receive the most sun exposure, such as:

  • Face
  • Neck
  • Chest
  • Hands
  • Arms

While patients may notice visible improvements to their skin tone and texture after their first IPL treatment, patients typically experience the most improvement to their skin’s appearance after a series of IPL treatments.

See our gallery for before and after photos of Dr. Vandergrift’s IPL patients.

Am I an Ideal Candidate for an IPL Treatment?

With no downtime, IPL procedures are typically well-tolerated and safe for most patients. Candidates for Long Island IPL treatments include patients who are looking to address the visible signs of aging and improve the overall health of their skin.

Generally, good candidates for Long Island, NY IPL treatments should:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be generally healthy
  • Not be pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Not smoke or be willing to quit
  • Have realistic expectations and a positive outlook
  • Be prepared to closely follow pre- and post-procedure instructions

Meet Dr. Meredith Vandegrift

Dr. Meredith Vandegrift is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in breast and body rejuvenation that restores a youthful, supple appearance after pregnancy or weight loss.

While offering a full complement of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures including breast lift, tummy tuck, vaginal rejuvenation, and oncoplastic breast reduction, Dr. Vandegrift also has a special interest and expertise in both invasive and non-invasive facial rejuvenation. With a focus on keeping your look natural, she provides a holistic approach to each patient, specifically tailoring a treatment regimen that will leave you looking and feeling your absolute best.

Choosing Dr. Vandegrift as Your Long Island, NY IPL Provider

Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Meredith Vandegrift specializes in breast and body rejuvenation procedures and also offers a full complement of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. With a special interest and expertise in both invasive and non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatments, Dr. Vandegrift continually follows the latest trends and offers effective services in skincare, including IPL procedures in Long Island, NY.

With a focus on keeping your appearance looking naturally beautiful, Dr. Vandegrift offers a comprehensive approach to each patient, specifically tailoring each treatment to leave you looking and feeling your absolute best. Dr. Vandegrift will take the time to ensure you fully understand your treatment so that you know what to expect throughout the IPL treatment process.

What Can I Expect During an IPL Treatment?

To achieve optimal results for each patient, Dr. Vandegrift customizes all Long Island IPL treatments. However, here are some general steps you can expect.

Prior to Your Procedure

In the two weeks before your IPL procedure, Dr. Vandegrift may recommend that you avoid:

  • Direct sunlight or tanning beds
  • Waxing
  • Chemical peels
  • Collagen injections
  • Blood thinning medications, like aspirin or ibuprofen
  • Skincare products that contain vitamin A

Check-in

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by our team. We will make sure you are comfortable and answer any last questions. Before beginning your IPL procedure, your skin may be treated with a topical anesthetic that takes 10 to 15 minutes to numb your skin.

IPL Procedure

First, you will be given dark glasses for eye protection. We will clean your skin, then apply a thin gel. The IPL device will be directed across the treatment area. IPL treatments are typically well-tolerated; however, some patients will experience a slight stinging sensation, like that of rubber band snap.

Most IPL procedures last 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.

IPL Aftercare

IPL procedures require no downtime, and following the procedure, patients can return to most normal activities. You may experience mild redness, like a sunburn, or slight swelling; these effects should subside within one to two days.

However, you should avoid strenuous exercising or other activities that can make you sweat for 24 to 48 hours as sweating may be irritating to the skin. Also, you must also avoid being in the sun for at least two weeks; when direct sunlight is unavoidable, protect your skin with sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher and sun-protective clothing.

How Soon Will I See My Long Island IPL Results?

With no downtime, you’ll see subtle improvements to your skin’s appearance in one to two weeks following your first IPL treatment. Your IPL results continue improving for three to six months as your collagen production improves. It typically takes a series of three to five IPL treatments to achieve your desired results. True results appear four to six weeks following your last treatment.

Thoroughly following Dr. Vandegrift’s post-procedural instructions regarding physical activities, cleansing skin, and avoiding sun exposure will help ensure your results from your IPL in Long Island, NY last for years.

Schedule Your IPL Consultation in Long Island Today!

Renew the appearance of your skin and restore your youthful glow with IPL treatments! Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Vandegrift is dedicated to every step of your journey to healthy, younger-looking skin—schedule your consultation at Vandegrift Plastic Surgery today!

Get ready for younger-looking skin with an IPL from Long Island’s Dr. Vandegrift! Contact us today or call (631) 935-0303 to learn more!

Long Island, NY IPL FAQs

As each series of IPL treatments is customized for individual patients, the cost of IPL in Long Island, NY is determined by your unique needs, aesthetic goals, and treatment areas. Following your consultation with Dr. Vandegrift, you will receive a breakdown of the cost of your Long Island IPL treatment.

With no downtime, IPL procedures are typically well-tolerated and safe for most patients. Patients can resume their normal activities immediately following an IPL treatment; however, you must stay out of the sun for at least two weeks before and after treatment.

Your IPL treatment results should last for years with proper skincare, sun protection, and follow up maintenance appointments annually. Each patient will experience varied results, however.

Typically, the skin is treated with a topical anesthetic to help minimize discomfort during and after your IPL procedure. Also, IPL procedures are quick, only lasting 20 to 30 minutes and are typically well-tolerated. Be sure to discuss your pain concerns with Dr. Vandegrift during your IPL in Long Island consultation.

Following your Long Island IPL procedure, you should avoid strenuous exercises for 24 to 48 hours.