What is a photofacial?
An IPL (intense pulsed light) photo facial is a cosmetic procedure that uses pulses of light to treat a variety of skin issues. An IPL device works by delivering an arc of light energy that penetrates the skin, heating and destroying pigmented molecules, without harming the surface (the epidermis).
- IPL photo facials can treat vascular lesions and pigmented lesions at the same time.
- Dermatologists frequently use it for photorejuvenation, to decrease brown spots from sun damage on fair to medium skin tones.
- It can minimize broken capillaries and redness related to rosacea, acne, and acne scars.
- While it can disable hair follicles to reduce unwanted hair, this treatment option is not as effective as laser hair removal.
Who can receive a photo facial?
The ideal candidate would be a Fitzpatrick I-III or IV with a melanin-inhibiting regimen for 2 weeks before service. Before your treatment, you should have a consultation with your provider to make sure you’re a good candidate for intense pulsed light therapy. They may perform a spot test to see how your skin reacts.
Who are not candidates for treatment?
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have a connective tissue disease
- Use a pacemaker
- Have an autoimmune disorder
- Are prone to keloids
- Take Accutane (and for six months after stopping Accutane)
- Are Fitzpatricks V or VI
What are the pros and cons of IPL therapy?
Pros
- IPL treatments target the pigment cells responsible for excessive or uneven pigmentation, helping to reduce age spots, sunspots, freckles, and hyperpigmentation.
- It can simultaneously reduce redness caused by broken capillaries, rosacea, and general facial flushing—something only a few other light-based modalities can do.
- IPL can also be helpful at reducing discoloration from acne and acne scars.
- It can improve skin texture, including fine lines and wrinkles. In one study, nearly 60% of patients experienced at least moderate improvement in skin around the eyes after three monthly IPL sessions.
- IPL treatments bypass the skin's surface, so recovery time is minimal. You usually can return to your routine immediately after your treatment.
Cons
- This treatment is only recommended for treating fair to medium skin tones, Fitzpatrick skin types I–III. Because the melanin (pigment) in skin absorbs light energy, deep skin tones are more likely to burn and, potentially, scar. Treating skin that is tan—from the sun, tanning beds, or even self-tanning lotion—can cause burns and permanent hypo- or hyperpigmentation.
- IPL can make melasma worse, due to its light, heat, and nonspecific nature.
- The treatment can hurt, with a sharp prickling, snapping, or stinging sensation.
- It’s much less effective at hair removal than laser treatments.
How to prepare for an IPL treatment.
Discontinue use of all prescription gels or creams that are applied on the area to be treated, 72 hours prior to the treatment. Discontinue use of all retinol, alpha hydroxy acid, adapalene, glycolic acid or vitamin c serums or creams 24 hours prior to treatment. It is recommended to stay out of the sun for at least a week (and ideally two weeks or more) prior to your IPL treatment, to avoid possible complications like burning. Skip self-tanners and tanning beds, too, for at least two weeks prior to your appointment.
What happens during an IPL treatment?
Here’s what to expect when you arrive:
- Your skin will be cleansed, degreased and coated with an ultrasound gel. This cool gel serves several purposes: It helps protect the skin, allows the laser to smoothly glide over the skin, and reduces reflection of the IPL waves from the skin, making the treatment more efficient.
- Both you and your provider will wear eye protection.
- The handpiece of the IPL device will move across your skin emitting pulses of light.
- Some people describe the sensation as the snapping of rubber bands.
- The length of treatment depends on the size of the area, but it typically takes 20 to 30 minutes.
- After the treatment area has been covered, the gel is removed and sunscreen may be applied.
What is post care for an IPL treatment?
- There's little to no downtime after an IPL photofacial, but you may want to take some social downtime as your skin goes through a healing process that can take about a week.
- Your skin may be red and swollen for a few hours after your treatment, but you should be able to go back to your regular activities.
- Your skin may feel sunburned and hypersensitive for a couple days following, so treat it gently, with mild skincare products, until you’re completely healed. Forgo scrubs, acids, and retinoids in favor of gentle cleansers and bland moisturizers.
- Gently apply ice packs or a cool compress on the treated area if you need to ease the discomfort.
- Skin will be more vulnerable to sun damage after an IPL treatment, so avoid sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ on the treatment area.
- Skip vigorous exercise for a couple of days to prevent swelling, which can slow healing.
- Within a week post-treatment, pigmented spots will appear to rise to the surface of your skin before falling off a few days later. The brown, freckled areas can look like little coffee grounds or pepper flakes. Do not pick at the areas let them fall off. Scarring can occur if the area is not allowed to heal on its own.
What is the cost of a photofacial?
A package of 3starts at $2000.
How soon will you see results from an IPL photofacial?
Patients often see some improvement in redness within two weeks of their first session, but it may take three to four treatments to see a significant improvement, particularly for more severe dark spots.