What is an IPL Photofacial Treatment?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), also known as IPL photo facial, photorejuvenation, or broadband light, is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes a high-intensity pulse of light to treat various skin concerns.
This includes sun damage, age spots, dark spots, rosacea, redness, acne scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. IPL photo facial is a noninvasive way to improve the color and texture of your skin without surgery.
How does IPL Photofacial Work?
IPL photofacial treatments employ high-intensity pulses of broadband light to induce heat into the skin and prompt the shedding of unwanted skin cells.
Unlike conventional laser treatments, IPL photo facials utilize a full wavelength of light, enabling them to treat various skin conditions.
This non-ablative treatment is specifically designed to avoid surface damage and deliver intense pulsed light to the deeper layers of the skin (dermis), providing optimal results while leaving the superficial aspect (epidermis) undisturbed.
Benefits of IPL Photofacial
IPL Photofacial treatment can help you achieve a more youthful appearance by addressing various skin concerns. It effectively treats common skin conditions such as rosacea, and reduces redness, brown spots, spider veins, and sun-damaged skin. Additionally, it minimizes wrinkles, enlarged pores, and pigmentation irregularities.
Through the stimulation of collagen growth, IPL enhances skin texture and color, resulting in a more youthful and vibrant complexion. This non-invasive procedure requires no downtime.
Before, During, and After
What to Expect Before a IPL Photofacial Treatment
Before an IPL treatment, our team of skilled and passionate practitioners will guide you in achieving your skincare goals. We will assess various options for specific skin concerns and offer expert advice on the most effective approach to attain desired results.
What to Expect During an IPL Photofacial Treatment
During the procedure, we will start by providing you with protective eyewear to shield your eyes from bright flashes of light.
A refreshing gel is then applied to the treatment area to keep your skin cool and provide lubrication. As the IPL photofacial begins, you may feel a warm sensation from the handpiece, which is often compared to a gentle “snap” of a rubber band.
The number of pulses administered will vary based on the size of the treatment area.
What to Expect After an IPL Photofacial Treatment
After treatment, you may notice immediate changes in your skin. It may appear red and flushed, and you may experience some sensitivity, similar to a sunburn.
Additionally, you may notice that tiny capillaries become more visible. Brown spots may also appear darker initially, taking up to 2 weeks to exfoliate.
We recommend a Silk Peel 7-10 days after a photo facial to help with this process. However, these changes gradually fade after a few hours to a few days.
You can apply makeup immediately after the procedure and resume your routine, as long as you protect the treated area from the sun and avoid sun exposure by covering the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Photofacial Treatments?
Photofacial treatments use a non-laser medical device to deliver a series of gentle pulses of light to the skin on the face, neck, back of hands, and chest.
These effectively improve facial redness and flushing, brown spots, and the visible signs of sun damage and aging. Specific settings are selected for each treatment to maximize improvement.
A series of 2-3 treatments are performed at three-week intervals, or as otherwise determined by your skin care specialist.
Is A Photofacial Right For Me?
The best candidates for photo facial treatments meet the following criteria:
People who suffer from brown spots, rosacea and experience flushing and redness of the skin
People with early aging changes and sun damage
People who don’t want to take the time off to heal from laser resurfacing or chemical peels.
What Should I Expect Right After A Photofacial Treatment?
- Each treatment takes approximately 15-30 minutes.
- A mild amount of discomfort can be expected.
- Immediately following treatment, the skin may appear red and flushed, and tiny capillaries may appear more visible.
- Brown spots generally appear darker (up to 2 weeks for brown to exfoliate – we recommend a Silk Peel 7-10 days after a photo facial).
- All of these changes gradually fade over a period of hours to a few days.
What Should I Expect Over Time?
After your first treatment, your skin will feel smoother and will have a more even tone. Multiple treatments are performed for optimal results.
Some patients with rosacea will benefit from maintenance treatments. Contact us today to learn what photo facials can do for you.
Is IPL photo facials suitable for all skin types?
IPL photofacial is generally most effective for individuals with light to medium complexions. However, it is not recommended for darker skin tones due to the potential risk of hyperpigmentation.
What should I expect during an IPL photofacial session?
During an IPL photofacial session, a handheld device will deliver intense pulsed light to the deeper layers of the skin.
How long does an IPL photofacial session typically last?
IPL photofacial procedures typically last between 30 minutes to one hour, depending on the size of the treated area and the extent of the treatment.
Is the IPL photofacial procedure painful? What are the potential side effects of IPL photofacial?
Before starting IPL, a numbing cream will be applied to ensure a pleasant and pain-free experience. Only mild discomfort may be experienced, and side effects such as flushed skin and brown spots may occur. However, these effects will dissipate within a few hours to a few days.
How many IPL photofacial sessions are usually required?
The number of sessions required depends on the extent of the treatment and treatment area. While your skin will feel smoother and have a more even tone after a single treatment, optimal results may necessitate multiple sessions.
Can I combine IPL photofacial with other treatments?
IPL photofacials can be combined with other treatments, including laser resurfacing, microneedling, chemical peels, or injectables. By pairing these procedures with IPL, you can achieve even more dramatic results in terms of skin tone, texture, and overall appearance.
Is there any downtime after an IPL photofacial session?
Typically, there is no downtime after an IPL photofacial. You can return to work immediately after the procedure.
What results can I expect to see from IPL photofacial?
IPL Photofacial treatment in Neenah and Plover results in skin that appears more youthful, with improved texture, smaller pores, and enhanced tone and color.
How long do the results of IPL photofacial last?
The results of IPL photofacial can last for at least a year or even longer, provided that you properly care for your skin.
Are there any factors that may affect the longevity of results?
Properly caring for the skin with a sufficient skincare routine and sun protection will positively affect the longevity of results. Additionally, incorporating maintenance treatments can help ensure optimal and long-lasting outcomes.
Can IPL photofacial be performed on any part of the body?
IPL can be used on any part of your body affected by dark spots, brown spots, age spots, sun damage, acne scars, redness, or wrinkles. Typically, it is performed on the face, neck, chest, and back of hands, as these areas are commonly exposed to the sun.
How do I know if IPL photofacial is the right treatment for me?
If you have areas of the skin with dark spots, age spots, sun damage, rosacea, fine lines, wrinkles, red complexion, acne scars, and large pores, you are an ideal candidate for IPL. IPL tends to work best on patients with a light to medium complexion.
Is there anyone who should avoid getting an IPL photofacial?
Photofacial treatments involve using a non-laser medical device to deliver gentle pulses of light to the skin on the face, neck, back of hands, and chest.
Is there a recommended interval between IPL photofacial sessions?
Your skin care specialist will perform a series of 2-3 treatments at three-week intervals or as otherwise determined.
Can IPL photofacial address sun damage and age spots?
To effectively address facial redness, flushing, brown spots, and the visible signs of sun damage and aging, specific treatment settings are meticulously selected to maximize improvement.
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