The IPL(intense pulsed light) Photofacial is effective in treating sun damage, age spots, freckles, blotchy complexions, rosacea, and redness due to broken capillaries. IPL uses a broadband light to target the unwanted brown and red pigment in your skin. Typical areas of treatment are face, neck, chest, and hands. The treatment takes approximately 30 minutes and there is no downtime. Immediately following treatment the skin may be slightly pink. Patients typically require 4-5 sessions and sessions are scheduled three to four weeks apart.
Am I a good candidate for IPL Photofacial?
You are good candidate for this procedure if you have rosacea, facial blood vessels and capillaries, sun damaged skin, and pigmented facial spots. You must also be able to stay out of the sun after your treatment for at least 4 weeks.
Your personal consultation
During the consultation, you will be asked about the results you expect to achieve from IPL Photofacial. This will help us to understand your expectations and determine whether they can be realistically achieved.
How will I be evaluated for IPL Photofacial?
Our nurse will examine your skin and assess for sun damage and capillaries, as well as the degree, if any, of rosacea that you have. You should be prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, pregnancies, previous surgeries, and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.
How is the IPL Photofacial performed?
Our Palomar Starlux will be used to treat your areas of concern. During treatment, your eyes will be covered so that your eyes are protected from the light. A cool gel is applied to the treatment area, then a pulse of light similar to a rubber band snap is emitted from the handpiece. After the session you may have some pinkness and feel like you have a mild sunburn for the rest of the day. There is no downtime for the IPL Photofacial treatment and most patients return to work the same day.
How do I prepare for my IPL Photofacial treatment?
Avoid any photosensitizing topicals or medications for two weeks prior to treatment. This includes retinols, hydroquinone, glycolic acid, and antibiotics. Avoid sun tanning or direct sun exposure for 2 weeks prior to treatment. Please arrive to your appointment with your face freshly cleansed. Let us know if you are pregnant, or have a history of cold sores.
IPL Photofacial – How will I look or feel initially?
Post-treatment pinkness and mild discomfort like a sunburn sensation for a few hours can be expected. Avoidance of the sun and wearing sunscreen daily are advised. Because all individuals are different, we generally will begin your sessions at a more conservative level, then progressively increase the treatment levels. This will minimize any unwanted side effects such as hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) and any potential skin burns. After one or two treatments, your skin will have more even tone and look more vibrant. Brown spots and facial redness will gradually decrease with each treatment. You may initially see your brown spots darken and slough off over the next week and become lighter.
For more information
For more information on IPL Photofacial or to schedule a consultation, please call our office at (714) 230-2430.