INTENSE PULSE LIGHT THERAPY
(IPL Photofacial)
What is IPL Therapy?
The IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) procedure is ideal for addressing a variety of skin care needs, from facial redness and rosacea to acne scars, sun damage, age spots, and enlarged pores or blood vessels, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. Not only the face but also the neck and hands may be addressed. All of these unwanted blemishes are beautifully smoothed away with this gentle, non-ablative treatment. The number of sessions required numbers between 3 and 4, with 3-4 weeks in between.
Please note that those with dark complexions, or those who have undergone recent spray tanning, are not considered good candidates for IPL.
How does the IPL Photofacial work?
The IPL photofacial produces specific wavelengths of light that target the hemoglobin and melanin in the skin, often called the “reds and browns.” When the light flashes, it warms the skin to stimulate the body’s natural healing process, as well as collagen growth underneath the skin. These two factors allow photofacials to address both the outermost surface of the skin as well as the tissues beneath it. This multi-faceted approach makes your skin look younger, smoother, and more voluminous.
What should I expect after receiving an IPL Photofacial?
Immediately following an IPL Photofacial, a patient is free to resume his or her daily activities. Each IPL Photofacial treatment is conveniently quick and takes only about fifteen to twenty minutes from start to finish. For this reason, many patients seamlessly integrate their IPL Photofacial into their lives by getting treatments during their lunch hour. A brief period of facial redness is the most common side effect of the IPL Photofacial, although this can easily be covered up with foundation, powder or a concealer until the redness subsides, usually within an hour or so. For best results, 3-5 treatments of the IPL photofacial are recommended. After that, regular maintenance treatments will be needed every 6-12 months. As with most facials, regular upkeep of photofacial treatments is important for continued results.
Who is a candidate for the IPL Photofacial?
Because the treatment targets specific colors of pigmentation in the skin, it should not be used for people with darker skin complexions. Other contraindications of an IPL photofacial treatment include the following:
- People with a recent sunburn or suntan should not undergo an IPL photofacial because the light will target the newly formed melanin in the skin. In fact, you should refrain from a lot of sun exposure prior to and during treatment.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t have an IPL photofacial because much of the discoloration of their skin is caused by hormones that will change naturally as more time passes after giving birth.
- If you have cancer or are undergoing cancer treatment the facial may be dangerous.
- The IPL photofacial can aggravate Lupus symptoms.
- Surgical pins or plates under the treatment area can cause severe burns.
If you are considering a photofacial, keep in mind that people respond to different types of skin therapy in different ways. What’s right for your friends may not always be what’s right for you, because your skin is unique. Take this procedure seriously, and before undergoing a photofacial, talk to your skin care specialist to ascertain all the risks in your situation.