What is IPL Photofacial?
The IPL Photofacial can treat many skin blemishes and is gentler than other skin care treatment options. It uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to heat up the deep layers of the skin and jumpstart the skin’s natural collagen production process and cell turnover rate. This process can become less effective as the aging process occurs, meaning blemishes or wrinkles become more visible. A board certified dermatologist can examine your skin to determine if the IPL Photofacial is right for you and your skin concerns. These commonly include:
- Age spots and sun spots
- Rosacea and reddening
- Facial flushing
- Pore size
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Fine lines
For best results, many patients opt to combine their IPL treatments with other professional skincare treatments like microneedling or laser resurfacing for additional results. This treatment package can be effective if you’re looking to reduce the appearance of concerns like pigmentation or wrinkles. Most patients undergo a series of two to six Photorejuvenation treatments spaced at four weeks apart for best results.
Who is a Candidate for IPL Photofacial?
The best candidates for IPL Photorejuvenation are those who wish to improve facial discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, and other skin imperfections. Candidates who want a quick treatment option with no downtime can greatly benefit from the IPL Photofacial. Those with dark or very tanned skin may not make the best candidates for IPL Photofacial because of reduced effectiveness and the risk of hyperpigmentation during recovery. A dermatologist can examine your skin and discuss your concerns to determine if you are a good candidate or not.
How Does IPL Photofacial Work?
Photofacial skin rejuvenation works by targeting the deep layers of skin with light energy to promote new collagen growth and cell turnover through generating heat, which can gradually fill in lines and wrinkles as well as pitted acne scars. This technique can also cause blood vessels to constrict, reducing redness. Only damaged skin is treated to eliminate unwanted melanin and pigmentation. This treatment process makes it a great alternative to more extensive treatments like chemical peels or exfoliating techniques.
What Happens During Treatment?
The treatment process only requires about thirty minutes, and patients experience only mild discomfort while the handpiece is applied to the skin. It’s most commonly described as feeling like a rubber band ‘snap’. For your comfort, you’ll be administered a pair of eye shields to protect against light waves while the handpiece is in use. Your skin will be cleansed before treatment and a topical anesthetic administered if needed.
IPL Photofacial Recovery
You might experience some mild swelling and redness which can be controlled with an ice pack. To most patients, the aftereffects feel similar to sunburn but subside within twenty-four hours. After treatment, patients are able to return to all normal activities. You should be sure to avoid sunlight and certain skincare products immediately after treatment, and your skincare specialist can make sure you know how to care for your treated skin with some IPL post-treatment instructions. In many patients, the treatment area darkens and becomes more visible after treatment because the skin attempts to shed the treated skin over the course of a few weeks. Eventually, the darkened area will fade and become less visible with repeated treatments. After optimal treatment, skin tone and texture will be noticeably improved.
Schedule a Consultation
Jupiter Dermatology offers the IPL Photofacial to patients in the Jupiter, FL area. If you are interested in discussing your skin treatment options with Dr. Ricardo Meija, our board certified dermatologist, contact our office by calling or filling out our online form.
FAQS
What IPL Photofacial machine is used?
At Jupiter Dermatology, we use the Lumenis® M22 platform, which contains nine different IPL filters designed to adjust the wavelength to your unique treatment area using computer recognition for exact treatment. Additionally, the Lumenis M22 platform allows us to also perform treatments with a Q-Switch YAG system for additional pigmentation treatment (including tattoo and hair removal) and ResurFX™ for non-ablative skin resurfacing treatments. We can discuss additional laser treatment options that might benefit you and your cosmetic goals during a consultation.
How do I prepare for treatment?
Because of the way IPL works, it’s important to manage your skin properly before you undergo treatment. This includes avoiding sun exposure and the chance of pigmentation, as well as keeping your skin moisturized and overall healthy. If you regularly use retinoids, you should stop using these up to a few weeks in advance according to instructions from your skincare specialist. You should also avoid medications that can cause additional bleeding or blood-thinning, as this can affect your results and the effectiveness of the procedure. On the day of your procedure, avoid wearing makeup or heavy skincare products, since your skin will be cleansed before the session.
How long will my results last?
With good at-home care and regular touch-up appointments as needed, most patients see long-term results for their concerns. Although IPL can effectively reduce pigmentation, wrinkles, and blemishes, it cannot stop these concerns from returning over time. For this reason, you should be sure to practice good skincare habits and speak with our skincare specialists about the best way to maintain your results with additional skincare treatments and physician-grade products.
How many photofacial treatments will I need to see results?
Most patients require a series of two or more treatments spaced about four weeks apart for complete treatment. However, you’ll likely see a significant reduction in pigmentation after the first treatment as the pigmentation travels to the surface and sloughs off. It can take a few rounds of treatment for best results, however, because of your skin’s cell turnover rate.
How much does the IPL Photofacial cost?
During your consultation with our skincare specialists, you’ll receive a full estimate of the costs for your treatment package. This can vary based on many different things, like the size and location of the treatment area, the number of treatments needed, and associated costs for facilities and materials. When looking at your options for IPL treatments, it’s important to consider the skills, experience, and reputation of your provider before the cost of your treatments.
Is the IPL Photofacial safe?
The IPL technique is considered very safe and effective after many years of use. However, there are some risks to the procedure that will depend on your unique circumstances. These can include uncomfortable reactions by the skin after treatment, as well as a risk of reaction to anesthesia if you have a history of it. Although it’s less common in lighter skin tones, there is a risk of hyperpigmentation and unsatisfactory results. Certain types of herpes can react with outbreak because of IPL treatments, so be sure to discuss any skin conditions during your consultation. IPL does not use radiation or UV energy, so there is little risk that cancerous activity will develop. In fact, IPL can sometimes be used in skin cancer diagnosis in order to reduce pigmentation that can conceal cancerous cells. You should never try the IPL Photofacial at home.
How do I care for my skin after treatment?
It’s important to facilitate the skin’s important rejuvenating processes after treatment with effective IPL Photofacial aftercare. Because your skin will be sensitive, you should be sure to use gentle skincare products, including cleansing with warm water and using an unscented, light moisturizer. It’s highly important to wear broad-spectrum sun protection factor (at least 30 SPF) after treatment and avoid sun exposure, if possible. You should also avoid wearing makeup for the first day or longer, according to your skincare specialist’s instructions. Avoid picking or scratching the skin and don’t resume using retinoids until instructed. Also, avoid hot showers or baths for at least forty-eight hours.
Sources
- https://www.realself.com/question/ipl-long-term-safety-skin-cancer
- https://www.smartbeautyguide.com/procedures/skin-hair/ipl-photorejuvenation/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5653718/
- https://www.fda.gov/Radiation-EmittingProducts/RadiationEmittingProductsandProcedures/SurgicalandTherapeutic/ucm115910.htm
- https://www.smartbeautyguide.com/news/skincare/skin-conditions-treated-ipl-photo-facial/#.XAf0FWhKjIU
