INTENSE PULSED LIGHT (IPL) PHOTOFACIAL
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial is a laser light treatment that targets pigment issues, such as brown spots, sun damage and red spots, and Rosacea. The bright light passes through the epidermis, drawing out the pigment producing cells and dispersing the uneven pigment. IPL Photofacial can be used on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, back arms, legs and just about anywhere else. Photofacial is also an effective treatment for broken veins and spider veins. According to Stanford Medical University, the long-term effects of Photofacial actually reverse the signs of aging.
INTENSE PULSED LIGHT (IPL) PHOTOFACIAL
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial is a laser light treatment that targets pigmentary issues such as brown spots, acne scars, and sun damage. By passing through the epidermis, the bright light draws out pigment-producing cells and disperses uneven pigmentation. IPL is often used on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, arms, and legs. IPL can also be used to target broken veins. After the treatment, the pigment will initially become darker and continue to flake off over the course of a week. We typically recommend a series of three treatments, spaced out 4-6 weeks, for best results.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial Treatments
- Brown and Red Spots
- Freckles
- Sun Damage
- Spider Veins
- Redness
- Rosacea (enlarged facial blood vessels)
- Pigment Imperfections
WHAT DOES IPL PHOTOFACIAL TREAT?
- Brown and Red Spots
- Freckles
- Sun Damage
- Spider Veins
- Redness
- Rosacea (enlarged facial blood vessels)
- Pigment Imperfections
HOW DOES IPL PHOTOFACIAL WORK?
IPL Photofacial is Intense Pulsed Light that emits multiple wavelengths into the skin and effectively targets pigment producing cells below the surface of the skin. The light energy is converted to heat energy and destroys the hyperactive melanin producing cells in the layers of your skin, eventually dispersing pigmented areas. The spots are pulled to the surface, eventually turning into a coffee-ground-like texture that eventually flakes off revealing beautiful, radiant skin beneath.
WHO IS/IS NOT A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR IPL PHOTOFACIAL?
Those with a higher Fitzpatrick score, those with a tan and those with melasma are not good candidates. Because the light rays are attracted to pigment, darker skin tones can actually become discolored and melasma patches can become darker.
HOW MANY IPL PHOTOFACIAL TREATMENTS DO I NEED?
For best results, 3-5 treatments are typically recommended, about four weeks apart.
WHERE TREATMENT AREAS ARE BEST FOR IPL PHOTOFACIAL?
- Face
- Neck
- Chest
- Hands
- Shoulders
- Legs
- Arms
IS IPL PHOTOFACIAL PAINFUL?
Photofacial would not necessarily be called painful, but it can be a a little uncomfortable. Patients liken the feeling to a rubber band snapping on their skin. The light from the laser is also quite bright, which may be uncomfortable for some with light sensitivity.
HOW LONG IS THE IPL PHOTOFACIAL APPOINTMENT?
The length of treatment is dependent on the number of areas being treated and the number of passes the aesthetician makes on the area. For reference, getting an IPL Photofacial on the face would take about 45 minutes.
HOW LONG DO IPL PHOTOFACIAL RESULTS LAST?
Photofacial results perpetually improve over time, with best results being seen three months after the last treatment. Sun protection and skin care maintenance are essential to the longevity of the results. Sunburns and over exposure will bring back old spots and freckles and dullness will return if proper exfoliation during daily routines are neglected. A new series of treatments are recommended every year for optimal results.
DURING YOUR IPL PHOTOFACIAL APPOINTMENT
Your aesthetician will thoroughly cleanse your skin, so you can either come with or without makeup. After the skin is clean, the aesthetician will apply a cool gel to your skin, which enhances the effect of the light waves. The aesthetician moves the laser over the skin in a grid-like pattern, flashing the light about every centimeter. Depending on your need, the aesthetician may go over the area multiple times.
POST IPL PHOTOFACIAL TREATMENT
After the treatment, the aesthetician will again clean the skin, removing the gel. You will likely be slightly red and puffy, but there is no significant down time. You are free to reapply make up right away and return to your normal skin care routine. Be sure to stay out of the sun for at least the next week and be consistent in sun screen application.
CONTRAINDICATIONS/RISKS/ COMMON CONCERNS FOR IPL PHOTOFACIAL
As with any aesthetic treatment, there are risks, however, this is why you should only trust an experienced and licensed aesthetician. Clients with melasma will experience a darkening in those areas and should not be treated. Those who have been on a strong antibiotic or Accutane should not receive treatment until six months after the last treatment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS IPL PHOTOFACIAL AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) photofacial is a non-surgical treatment that uses intense light energy to target and reduce pigmentation, sun damage, and broken capillaries in the skin. The light energy is absorbed by the pigmented cells, causing them to break down and be naturally eliminated by the body.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR IPL PHOTOFACIAL?
IPL photofacial is a good option for those who have uneven skin tone, sun damage, age spots, and broken capillaries. It is also suitable for those who want to improve the overall appearance of their skin and achieve a more youthful and radiant look.
HOW MANY IPL PHOTOFACIAL TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR OPTIMAL RESULTS?
The number of treatments needed can vary depending on the individual and the area being treated. Typically, a series of 3-6 treatments are recommended, spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
IS THERE ANY DOWNTIME AFTER AN IPL PHOTOFACIAL TREATMENT?
There is minimal downtime after an IPL photofacial treatment. Some patients may experience mild redness and swelling, but these side effects typically resolve within a few days.
CAN IPL PHOTOFACIAL BE USED IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER TREATMENTS?
IPL photofacial can be used in combination with other non-surgical treatments such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser resurfacing to enhance the overall results and provide a more youthful and vibrant appearance. It is recommended to consult with a licensed healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
WHO IS/IS NOT A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR IPL PHOTOFACIAL?
HOW MANY IPL PHOTOFACIAL TREATMENTS DO I NEED?
WHERE TREATMENT AREAS ARE BEST FOR IPL PHOTOFACIAL?
- Face
- Neck
- Chest
- Hands
- Shoulders
- Legs
- Arms
IS IPL PHOTOFACIAL PAINFUL?
Photofacial would not necessarily be called painful, but it can be a a little uncomfortable. Patients liken the feeling to a rubber band snapping on their skin. The light from the laser is also quite bright, which may be uncomfortable for some with light sensitivity.
HOW LONG IS THE IPL PHOTOFACIAL APPOINTMENT?
The length of treatment is dependent on the number of areas being treated and the number of passes the aesthetician makes on the area. For reference, getting an IPL Photofacial on the face would take about 45 minutes.
HOW LONG DO IPL PHOTOFACIAL RESULTS LAST?
Photofacial results perpetually improve over time, with best results being seen three months after the last treatment. Sun protection and skin care maintenance are essential to the longevity of the results. Sunburns and over exposure will bring back old spots and freckles and dullness will return if proper exfoliation during daily routines are neglected. A new series of treatments are recommended every year for optimal results.
DURING YOUR IPL PHOTOFACIAL APPOINTMENT
Your aesthetician will thoroughly cleanse your skin, so you can either come with or without makeup. After the skin is clean, the aesthetician will apply a cool gel to your skin, which enhances the effect of the light waves. The aesthetician moves the laser over the skin in a grid-like pattern, flashing the light about every centimeter. Depending on your need, the aesthetician may go over the area multiple times.
POST IPL PHOTOFACIAL TREATMENT
After the treatment, the aesthetician will again clean the skin, removing the gel. You will likely be slightly red and puffy, but there is no significant down time. You are free to reapply make up right away and return to your normal skin care routine. Be sure to stay out of the sun for at least the next week and be consistent in sun screen application.
CONTRAINDICATIONS/RISKS/ COMMON CONCERNS FOR IPL PHOTOFACIAL
As with any aesthetic treatment, there are risks, however, this is why you should only trust an experienced and licensed aesthetician. Clients with melasma will experience a darkening in those areas and should not be treated. Those who have been on a strong antibiotic or Accutane should not receive treatment until six months after the last treatment.
