Sun damage often shows up gradually. Uneven patches of pigmentation, scattered dark spots, or a general dullness in your skin tone are all symptoms of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Most patients notice evidence on their face, chest, arms, and hands, especially after years of sun damage. Treatment in Waterloo at SPRY Skin & Wellness focuses less on clearing the past and more on restoring the health of your skin for the future.
Rejuvenation, Not Erasure
Our expert providers use Lumecca by InMode as an intense pulsed light (IPL) facial. Lumecca works by targeting pigment directly, helping break apart areas of discoloration so the skin can gradually and naturally clear them. It’s especially effective for sunspots, where overexposure causes uneven tone.
Because Lumecca can treat multiple areas in a single session, patients will often address sun damage across their face, neck, décolletage, arms, and legs. The result is not a completely different complexion, but a healthier, more even skin tone.
The Lumecca Treatment Process
Your Lumecca treatment with SPRY begins with an intake appointment for new patients. We’ll assess your skin health and discuss your aesthetic goals. From there, we customize your treatment schedule based on the depth and extent of your pigmentation.
Most patients complete a series of 3 treatments spaced about 2 to 3 weeks apart. This gives your skin time to respond and fully clear pigment before you arrive for your next appointment. These initial 3 appointments are a great starting point, but many patients require or request continued care to see optimal results from Lumecca IPL.
In between your scheduled appointments, areas of discoloration will darken, flake, peel, and fade. This is a completely normal response to treatment that you should account for when scheduling. Your results will build progressively. The timeline for seeing improvements varies from patient to patient, depending on their starting point and their skin’s unique response to treatment.
Alternatives for Deeper Skin Tones
For patients with deeper skin tones, especially Fitzpatrick types IV-VI, Lumecca may not be the most appropriate option. Lumecca IPL targets pigmentation, so you may benefit more from a treatment that addresses textural concerns and other blemishes.
Patients with pigmented skin that rarely burns with UV exposure will often see better results from a chemical peel or SkinPen microneedling. To find a treatment that suits your complexion and concerns, contact our office or request a skin assessment.
Dermal Renewal With No Recovery Time
Lumecca IPL is a popular sun damage treatment in Waterloo because our patients want a brighter complexion with no downtime. Patients see immediate results and can expect continued improvements for up to a year after they finish their initial appointments.
A delayed, gentle peeling process will begin about 1 week after your Lumecca IPL facial. This will probably last up to two weeks. It’s really important not to pick at or peel away your flaking skin. Let the treatment continue to work on its own for the best possible results.
Sustain Your Results
Maintaining the results of your sun damage treatment in Waterloo comes down to proper planning and prevention. We especially recommend scheduling Lumecca IPL appointments in the Fall, as this treatment can leave your skin especially sensitive to UV rays. That being said, it is still possible to try Lumecca in the Summer.
For patients who are looking to try Lumecca IPL, or are recovering from a recent treatment, preparation and downtime look very similar. Protect your skin with a ball cap or sun hat, and wear a minimum of SPF 50.
Daily SPF is incredibly important to prevent new pigmentation from forming. Your SPRY provider may recommend a medical-grade SPF product during your treatment schedule. We often suggest our Simply Sheer sunscreen, or the “Wessy Boy” moisturizing sunscreen.
Starting Your Care Plan
If you’re considering a Lumecca IPL treatment, start with a consultation to determine the best approach for you. Request a skin assessment to explore the best treatment options for your complexion and concerns.
