Techniques for Pulsed Light Rejuvenation

Each pulsed light treatment lasts 20 to 30 minutes.

You can expect:

• A minimal amount of discomfort — most patients don’t require anesthetic cream, as the tool itself is chilled and makes the procedure quite comfortable (occasionally, we use topical anesthetic creams for particularly sensitive areas)
• Red and flushed skin after treatment, with tiny capillaries more visible. Brown spots may also appear slightly darker. All of these changes gradually fade over a period of hours to a few days.
• Some possible swelling

What to do after treatment

Following pulsed light therapy, you should apply:

• A cold compress or ice pack to the treated area if it's warm, for 10 to 20 minutes each hour — usually only needed for the first 12 to 24 hours
• Vaseline 3 to 4 times daily to skin that has eroded or blistered
• Sunblock with SPF 30 or greater daily during treatment and for 3 months afterward, to help prevent color or pigment changes.

Results of treatment

After receiving pulsed light therapy, you will see a more even skin color and improvement in problems like sun damage and facial flushing.

If you have visible signs of aging, you can expect smoother skin, relief from fine wrinkles and more uniform coloring. Even after the first treatment, your skin is likely to feel smoother and have a more even tone.

Pulsed light side effects

Side effects are uncommon, and most patients tolerate the treatment very well. But you may experience:

• Red and swollen skin (temporary)
• Bruising (uncommon)
• Lightened or darkened treatment areas (rarely — and, if it occurs, usually temporary)
• Scarring (very rare and avoidable by following instructions after treatment)