Photo Facial – IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

Intense pulsed light (IPL Laser Treatment) or Photofacial is a non-invasive and non-ablative treatment that uses high intensity pulses of visible light to improve the appearance of aged and sun damaged skin. A series of treatments will result in improvement of sun and age spots, broken capillaries, spider veins, rosacea, red acne scars, facial redness and fine lines and wrinkles.

Treatments can be performed on the face, neck, chest and hands and required little or no downtime. There is a very high degree of client satisfaction with this very predictable and safe type of therapy.

Before and After Photos

Brown Spots and Pigmentation

How does it work and what is the IPL treatment like?

IPL systems are different than lasers in that they deliver many wavelengths in each pulse of light instead of just one wavelength. This allows the procedure to target several conditions with each treatment. IPL therapy is considered non-ablative, meaning that the top layer of the skin remains intact, thus the treatment is performed without the need for downtime.

The skin is cleansed and topical anesthesia can be used, if wanted. A device blowing cold air gently cools the surface of the skin. During the Photofacial, a hand piece is gently glided over the skin during the 20 minute procedure. The light penetrates the tissue and is absorbed by either the blood when treating vascular lesions or the melanin when treating pigmented lesions damaging them. The body's natural processes then remove the injured tissue giving the skin a more even and youthful appearance. During the week or two after the treatment, one will notice flaking off of the sun spots and decreasing redness, revealing younger, more vibrant skin.

How many IPL Laser treatments are required, at what interval and when can I expect to see results?

The number of treatments required depends on the severity of conditions being treated but typically 3-4 treatments are performed, spaced about one month apart. Results become apparent even after the first treatment.

What are the specific indications for Intense Pulsed Light treatment (Photofacial)?

• broken capillaries
• brown spots
• age spots
• Rosacea
• sun damage
• flushing
• mild skin texture issues
• redness
• sun-induced freckles on the hands, chest, and face
• spider veins
• fine lines and increased pore size
• ruddy skin

What are the contraindications for treatment?

IPL treatments should not be performed on a patient that is pregnant, has active cold sores or an infection in the skin. Tanning should be avoided prior to the treatment as this may increase the risk of a complication. The risk for side effects in patients that have darker skin types is higher and therefore not recommended. A history of keloidal scarring also presents a risk for any laser or IPL treatment.

What kind of treatments complements IPL therapy?

Laser treatments that work on deeper layers of the skin to treat more significant wrinkles and tighten the skin work great in conjunction with IPL therapy (see Affirm). Muscle stimulation is also a wonderful adjunct for skin that needs lifting, such as jowels (see Changes: Isogei).

What is the role of Intense Pulsed Light in treating Rosacea?

Rosacea is a common, chronic condition of the face characterized by redness, flushing, dilated blood vessels and frequently-developing pustules and swelling. IPL treatments are very effective in reducing the signs of rosacea.

What types of conditions require other technologies?

Sagging skin
Acne scars
Deep wrinkles
Significantly enlarged Pores
Melasma