What is an IPL PhotoFacial?
IPL Photofacial is a light-based treatment that drastically reduces the appearance of age spots, freckles, broken capillaries, and rosacea–all while tightening the skin. PhotoFacials use intense pulsed light (IPL) that emits multiple wavelengths into the skin to target pigment-producing cells below the surface. The light energy is converted to heat energy, and that heat destroys the excessive melanin-producing cells, eventually dispersing pigmented areas. IPL PhotoFacial can be used on the face, décolleté, neck area, and hands.
How does IPL PhotoFacial work?
IPL technology utilizes the power of pulsed light to deliver excellent phototherapy results. By selecting the appropriate wavelength or filter, your provider will be able to treat a broad range of skin conditions caused by skin aging and sun exposure. The light energy delivered by the IPL gently heats the upper layers of the skin. This process helps restore the skin to its natural state. In addition, the photothermal energy targets and eliminates many of the fine vessels that cause redness and the unwanted melanin responsible for pigmented lesions.
What does IPL PhotoFacial treat?
Any area of your body can be treated. The most commonly treated areas are those most exposed to the damaging effects of sunlight, such as the face, neck, back of the hands, chest, arms, and shoulders. A series of PhotoFacial treatments are highly effective for a variety of skin conditions, such as sun damage or brown spots, broken capillaries, small spider veins, general skin redness, and facial flushing. These treatments consistently and predictably improve the visible appearance of the skin with little or no downtime.
How many IPL treatments will I need and how often?
Generally, we recommend 3-5 PhotoFacial rejuvenation treatments (each 4 weeks apart), depending on the amount of damage to the skin. After the initial series, maintenance sessions are often needed. Most of the damage to your skin occurred early on in life. What brings it to the surface is more sun exposure.
How much improvement will I see?
Thirty-two consecutive patients of Fitzpatrick skin types I-III underwent 1 to 7 treatments with intense pulsed light. Following treatment, 83% percent of patients had reduced redness, 75% noted reduced flushing and improved skin texture, and 64% noted fewer acneiform breakouts.* — Journal of Drugs in Dermatology
What can I expect during my IPL treatment?
Each PhotoFacial rejuvenation treatment lasts 15-60 minutes. We will remove all make-up, sunblock, and face creams. Men will be asked to shave on the day of treatment, prior to their arrival. Eye shields will be applied to protect the eyes. A cool soothing gel will be applied to the skin prior to treatment, which will help reduce discomfort. In addition, the device’s cooling tip is used on the skin to cool the surface and help with any discomfort.
After the procedure, you may be asked to ice the area and will be given any additional post-treatment instructions.
What can I expect after my treatment?
Redness following the treatment generally lasts less than 24-48 hours. Avoid anything that creates heat for 3 days after treatment, such as a hot bath, sauna, and exercise. Avoid direct sun exposure (natural and artificial) for 7-10 days following each treatment.
The pigment present in the treated area will usually darken. This is referred to as “
Request an appointment at Boise Dermatology & Medspa
Schedule an appointment at Boise Dermatology & Medspa to improve the health of your skin and receive radiant results. Contact us online or by phone at (208) 888-0660 to schedule an appointment.