IPL or Intense Pulsed Light treatment, also known as Photofacial treatment, is designed to gently and effectively treat a wide range of skin conditions including acne scars, sunspots, pigmentation, signs of aging, fine lines and wrinkles, and enlarged pores. It can also be used to treat redness and rosacea.
IPL treatments work to rejuvenate the appearance, texture, and condition of your skin and can be applied to different areas of the body such as the face, neck, hands, and chest.
The light emitted from IPL treatment is less focused and scattered compared to other forms of laser treatments. This significantly reduces the chance of damaging the top layer of your skin. These light waves can also be adjusted and controlled to address your skin concerns.
During treatment, the light waves are filtered to target certain cells beneath the skin. This energy is absorbed into the cells and converted to heat. The heat then damages the cell walls stimulating your body’s natural healing response to rejuvenate the skin.
The length of treatment will depend on your condition and the area being treated, however typically lasts 30 minutes. Depending on your desired results and targeted area, you may need 3-6 treatment sessions scheduled at least a month apart to allow the skin to heal. There is minimal downtime and most patients can return to their regular activities following treatment. The treated area may be red and sensitive for a few hours similar to the feeling and appearance of a sunburn.
Some common side effects of IPL treatment include bruising, blistering, and permanent changes in skin tone. The results of treatment can be expected to appear several weeks after the last appointment. The results are clearer, younger-looking skin. To maintain results, we recommend patients follow all post-care instructions and maintain good skincare with proper sunscreen protectant applied daily and diligently.
For more information on IPL treatments or to schedule a consultation, contact our office today.