Lumecca™ in Raleigh & Cary, NC

Lumecca is an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) device. This is a non-invasive treatment that uses a bright light to improve red and brown pigment.

This light therapy treatment minimizes pigment variations in the skin, providing a brighter appearance in the overall complexion.

At CARE, we aim to provide the safest and most effective treatments. We find that the spring, fall, and winter seasons are better for corrective treatments. During the summer months, we focus on skincare maintenance. Because of increased sun exposure, there is an increased risk for hyperpigmentation due to the skins photosensitivity post-treatment.

Most patients tolerate Lumecca very well. The sensation is typically described as a “rubber band snapping the skin.” Our Lumecca device also has a cooling tip which improves comfort during treatment. Treatment areas may have a mild sunburn sensation for a few hours afterward, which is normal.

Total treatment time will depend on how many areas are treated, and the size of each area. Most treatments take between 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Lumecca is considered to be a type of light therapy energy delivery device. As a general rule, Lumecca should be used with caution on those with higher Fitzpatrick skin types (Types IV-VI) and darker skin tones.

Darker skin types may NOT receive Lumecca as the risk for burning and hyperpigmentation is much higher. The best candidates have a pale to medium skin tone. The energy level and settings will be adjusted based on your skin type. Additionally, IPL is controversial for patients with certain skin conditions such as melasma because it may result in further hyperpigmentation without improvement. All patients are carefully screened and educated prior to treatment to ensure they are a good candidate.

Lumecca helps to even out the tone of your skin and may help your complexion appear brighter. It addresses sunspots, broken capillaries, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation from scarring.

No! Lumecca is approved to treat all body areas including the face, neck, chest, arms, back, legs, etc. Many patients even like to treat the back of their hands to help fade brown spots.

Final results are achieved at 2-3 weeks. The brown spots and red capillaries will appear darker initially and gradually fade until that time.

This varies from patient to patient and depends on what is being treated. Capillary treatment is considered permanent u2013 however, new capillaries are likely to form over time requiring additional sessions. Additionally, brown spots may be effectively reduced after a few treatments u2013 however, new brown spots may appear over time and with sun exposure. For this reason, we typically recommend “maintenance” treatments every year. You can “extend” the life of your results by avoiding excessive sun exposure, wearing SPF >30 daily, and adhering to a good skincare routine.

The treatment areas will appear red (like a sunburn) and slightly puffy. Some brown spots may appear to have a “coffee-grind” appearance, and red capillaries may initially appear dark blue or purple after being treated. Bruising is possible when treating capillaries but not common.

You may resume all normal activities immediately after treatment including light exercise. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work within 1-3 days after most of the redness and swelling have resolved.

Lumecca is the most advanced non-surgical, intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment. Lumecca mainly treats sun damage and age spots at the face, neck, and chest. These spots are typically red or brown in pigment.

To optimize results, we require patients to have strict sun restrictions prior to and following Lumecca treatments. Patients must stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen SPF 30+ daily for 2 weeks prior to treatment and two weeks after treatment. Patients must stop any type of harsh topicals for one week prior to the appointment. This includes, but is not limited to, retinols, glycolic, salicylic acid, and sunless tanner. We also recommend prophylactic Valtrex if a patient has a history of cold sores. We instruct patients to take Valtrex the day before, the day of, and the day after treatment. For the first 5 days post-treatment, patients should only use gentle cleansers to avoid further skin irritation.

We do not typically recommend patients combine aggressive or ablative skincare treatments while completing a series of Lumecca treatments. However, patients can still receive aesthetic services, such as Botox and fillers, during a series of Lumecca treatments. It is important to discuss your comprehensive, customizable treatment plan with your provider to suit your specific needs.

There are no limitations or contraindications for using Lumecca on certain areas of the body. Common areas treated with Lumecca include the face, neck, chest, and hands (areas that are more exposed to the sun). We do not recommend Lumecca for patients with Fitzpatrick skin types above 3 due to the increased risk of hyperpigmentation.

Lumecca may improve the appearance of pigmentation. In many cases, we recommend trying a test spot due to the unpredictability of how some patients may respond. Patients may respond differently to light energy, and spot treatments can be very telling. Lumecca is not typically the best recommended treatment for melasma, as it can sometimes worsen the appearance. Lumecca can also be used to treat rosacea. Lumecca has not been proven to help treat vitiligo because Lumecca addresses red and brown pigmentation.

Lumecca is the gold standard and most powerful intense pulsed light (IPL) to treat pigmented and vascular lesions. After just one treatment, patients notice significant improvements in the complexion and clarity of the skin. Lumecca operates using photothermolysis, which provides a photofacial through the delivery of a comfortable light treatment.

Improvements in sun damage and skin complexion can be seen a few days after the first session. The skin will continue to look younger and more brilliant over time with most visible results after 1-2 weeks. Having multiple sessions will improve the final result.

Lumecca specifically targets sun damage, age spots (brown/red pigmentations), freckles, and rosacea (redness)

Most patients do not experience any side effects and any skin reaction usually resolves within a few hours. Patients may find they are sensitive to sunlight immediately after treatment. It is recommended to avoid direct sunlight and tanning.

Each patient and skin tone is treated uniquely based on Fitz type. Lower Fitz scores are often times able to be treated on a higher energy level