treatment

Photofacial (IPL)

This safe, non-invasive procedure can treat a range of conditions at one time, rejuvenating skin by evening out texture and tone. The process will leave your skin stronger and more supple. The process will leave you with a clearer complexion and more youthful, smooth appearance.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) uses specialized pulses of light to target brown spots, sun damage and vessels without harming the surrounding skin. The light delivered to your skin causes them to slowly disappear through your body’s natural healing process, improving your skin’s appearance quickly and easily. In addition to sun damage and uneven texture, the Photofacial can also treat age spots, freckles and rosacea.

How Photofacial (IPL) Works

Photofacial IPL utilizes optimized pulsed light technology which, unlike lasers, uses many wavelengths of light with special filters that deliver the best wavelengths to treat specific aesthetic conditions. As the handpiece glides over the area being treated, specialized pulses of light are delivered into your skin and target brown spots, sun-damage and vessels without causing harm to the surrounding skin. Once these targets absorb the energy they are destroyed and will slowly disappear through your body’s natural healing process. You will see your brown spots turn darker in color and flake off over the next few weeks. You may also see an immediate improvement in your vessels with continued clearance over the next few weeks.

benefits

Treat a range of conditions at one time
Results may be seen after one treatment
Quick and non-invasive
Minimal to no downtime

Photofacial (IPL) Procedure

Before the handpiece is used, a gel is applied to your skin where you will receive treatment. You will also be provided eye shields to protect yourself from the light during treatment. The treatment will begin with the provider guiding the handpiece over the treatment area. You will feel cooling while the handpiece is gliding over the treatment area to provide a comfortable session. You may also feel a slight rubber-band-like snapping when the energy is being delivered into your skin which disappears almost immediately, however, a warm sensation after the treatment is common. Depending on the size of the area, treatments can take just minutes.

After the treatment, the gel will be removed, and a calming and repairing cream may be applied to your skin. Bandages and ointments are not needed due to the nature of the treatments being so minimally invasive. For a few days after your treatment, you may feel like you have a mild sunburn but can resume your normal day-to-day activities immediately following treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Photofacial (IPL)

What types of conditions can IPL treat?

Photofacial IPL is designed to treat a range of skin conditions including but not limited to age spots, sun damage, freckles, spider veins, fine wrinkles, and other imperfections in the skin. IPL can be used on more than just the face – it can treat issues on the whole body!

What type of result can I expect?

You can expect to see a decrease in the appearance of brown spots, sun damage and vessels for a more even complexion. You will see a continued improvement after your treatment.

Are there any side effects?

Immediately after the treatment, it is common to feel a mild sunburn-like sensation around the treatment site, which typically lasts 2-24 hours. Redness and/or swelling may accompany this and usually resolves in 2-3 days. We will discuss any other possible side effects and the necessary post-treatment care with you during the consultation.

Am I a good candidate for Photofacial IPL?

Photofacial IPL can be safely used on most skin types. Not treatable on darker skin types such as skin types 4-6. During your consultation, we will determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure based on a variety of factors.

How long does the treatment take? What about downtime?

Depending on the size of the area and the condition being treated, the sessions could range anywhere from 5-30 minutes. You can resume normal activities immediately after treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

Depending on the condition being treated, 1-3 treatment sessions spaced 3-4 weeks apart, are recommended for desired results.

For more information on what to expect before, during and after treatment, view consent form here.