What is an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial?
Aesthetics Daily – Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a non-surgical skin renewal treatment, which uses a laser light device to deliver light energy into your skin, targeting unwanted pigmentation that will slowly disappear as your body’s natural healing process progresses.
IPL is a non-invasive procedure that uses pulsed light therapy to treat a variety of different skin conditions including: Dilated vessels, Rosacea, Cherry red angiomas, Freckles & Sun spots.
IPL Photofacial uses intense pulsed light to selectively treat pigmented areas of the skin. After IPL energy is applied to pigmented skin, it is absorbed by the pigment and generates heat.
The heat causes damage to the melanin cells, where they are removed periodically by the body’s natural cell turnover. This technique causes no damage to the surrounding skin, making it one of the best and most effective treatments for unwanted pigmentation.
IPL technology has been used for nearly two decades and is highly effective and safe. IPL treatment does not generate UV radiation or energy, meaning there is no risk of causing skin cancer.
Several treatments may be needed to get optimal results. The frequency and number of treatments will largely depend on your goals and individual treatment area, but most patients benefit from a package of 3-5 treatments that are about a month apart. However, many patients see results after just one treatment.
IPL technology has been used for nearly two decades and is highly effective and safe. IPL treatment does not generate UV radiation or energy, meaning there is no risk of causing skin cancer.
Several treatments may be needed to get optimal results. The frequency and number of IPL treatments will largely depend on your goals and individual treatment area, but most patients benefit from a package of 3-5 treatments that are about a month apart. However, many patients see results after just one treatment.
The cost of your IPL treatment may vary based on the area being treated. IPL photofacials may be more expensive than traditional skin treatments such as chemical peels or microdermabrasion, but they can often produce better results. During your consultation, you will be given a complete estimate of the cost of your IPL treatment package.
While no downtime is required after an IPL treatment, it is important to protect your skin to ensure it stays healthy during the recovery period. This means using only products that are gentle on the treated skin and keep the skin moisturised and protected from sun exposure.
IPL treatments can cause your skin to become photosensitive, causing further pigmentation if left unprotected. Most patients experience some peeling in the days following treatment, with the treated skin recovering fully within a few weeks.
Prior to treatment, your practitioner may have you eliminate the use of certain skin care products for a short period of time to ensure that your skin is at its most resilient. On the day of treatment, your skin will be cleaned and prepared with a toner to remove oil for dry and clean skin.
To begin, the laser applicator is pressed firmly against the treatment area and light is emitted and absorbed by the skin. Your practitioner can make another pass if they feel it is necessary.
Post treatment, your skin may feel slightly sensitive or warm to the touch with some redness. These symptoms will quickly fade over the next few hours.
An important aftercare step is to keep your skin protected from the sun. Your skin will be very sensitive over the next few days, and for best results, you should stay out of the sun.
