How does IPL Photofacial work?
The IPL Photofacial targets deep layers of the skin to stimulate collagen growth. As the building block of healthy skin, collagen can strengthen and smooth the skin, as well as cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing redness. During treatment, the IPL machine will feel like a small rubber band snapping against your skin, which may cause minimal discomfort, but is very tolerable. One treatment takes only about 30 minutes to complete, which makes it a great “lunchtime” treatment. It is recommended that most patients undergo 3-5 treatment sessions over the course of several months to ensure optimal results.
Who is not a good candidate for IPL Treatment?
Individuals with tanned skin or those with naturally dark skin may not be the best candidates for IPL Photofacials. This is because this treatment may result in hyperpigmentation or uneven pigmentation issues in these individuals. During your consultation, our team will thoroughly evaluate your skin color and health to determine your candidacy. Be sure that you are in overall good health and do not have any active infections or open wounds on or near the treatment site.
Is there downtime associated with IPL Photofacial Treatment
One of the greatest benefits of the IPL Photofacial treatment is that there is little to no downtime after treatment. Because it uses multiple wavelengths of light instead of laser energy, IPL does not negatively affect the outer layers of skin, making recovery much quicker than traditional laser treatments.
Can you benefit from an IPL Photofacial?
If you are looking to treat or prevent signs of aging such as age spots and sun spots, rosacea, facial slushing, large pores, dark under eye circles, of fine lines, you may be able to benefit from an IPL treatment. Because this treatment actually stimulates collagen production in the skin, results will be natural-looking and long-lasting.
Is there a preparation for IPL Photofacial?
Prior to the IPL treatment, patients should avoid excessive sun exposure, self-tanners, and tanning before for 2-4 weeks. You should be very diligent about applying sunscreen every morning to help protect your skin. Also, to avoid bruising, it is recommended that you do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, or Aleve for one week prior to treatment. Also, stop using any skincare products that contain Retin-A at least one week before. Our team will provide you with specific pre-treatment instructions to help ensure optimal results.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
Your treatment package can depend largely on your treatment areas and how effective the IPL technique will be during one treatment session. Generally, most patients benefit from a package of a few treatments spaced up to 4 weeks apart in order to give the skin sufficient time to recover and rejuvenate with its natural cell turnover rate. During your consultation, your specialist can give you the best idea of what to expect.
Is the IPL Photofacial Safe?
IPL involves minimal pain and discomfort. In comparison with laser techniques, the procedure is non-ablative and removes no skin whatsoever, meaning easier recovery and lower risk of complications or infections. However, there are some risks associated with the procedure, such as scabbing, bruising, blistering, and changes in the pigmentation, although most of these issues disappear.