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IPL Photofacial |
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How does it work?
A broad spectrum of light is transmitted through a smooth handpiece which is gently placed over the skin. Special filters in the handpiece change the wavelength range allowing it to be optimized for different targets. The light penetrates the tissue and is absorbed by either the blood when treating vascular lesions or the melanin when treating pigmented lesions, which coagulates the pigment/cells- damaging them. The body's natural processes then remove the injured tissue giving the skin a more even and youthful appearance. The type of light used is NOT in the spectrum that promotes skin cancer or damage. For more information, please see the related procedure video.
Who is a candidate for an IPL photofacial?
The most common conditions treated are sun damage (variably refered to as age spots, freckles, sun spots), rosacea and other causes of broken blood vessels/capillaries, angiomata (small cherry red spots) port wine stains and acne. Areas treated are the face, neck, backs of the hands, chest, arms shoulders and/or back.
How many treatments will I need?
This varies according to the amount and type of pigment or other lesions to be treated. Age spots and blood vessels require 1 to 3 treatments. Rosacea may require 4 to 6, however the benefit is long lasting (years).
What should I expect?
Most patients describe the sensation as snapping but not painful. No topical numbing gents are needed and no pretreatment is necessary. A Photofacial of the face takes approximately 20 minutes. A mild redness and sensation of warmth may be present for a short time after the procedure. Pigmented lesions will appear 1 to 2 shades darker shortly after treatment and may be surrounded by a light redness. Lesions which were very dark prior to treatment may even swell slightly (something that is felt more than seen). Makeup can be reapplied immediately to conceal this. Over the course of 7 to 10 days, anything which turned darker will lighten or disappear. Some pigment may be seen coming to the surface as a flake or as black dust which wipes away with a gentle stroke of the hand and should not be scrubbed or otherwise exfoliated.
Who should not have an IPL photofacial?
If you are tan or have been using products containing self tanner in the region to be treated, you need to wait until this pigment has left the skin. You should not have an IPL photofacial right before a planned time of potentially high exposure to solar radiation- such as tanning bed use, a trip to the beach or the tropics, etc.. as you will be temporarily more sensitive to developing a burn. Individuals with very dark skin types (Fitzpatrick type V- see forms for rating) may not benefit and may not be candidates for treatment. You should delay treatment if you have an active cold sore outbreak (photofacial of face).
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| Pre-Treatment Instructions– IPL Photofacial |
- Discontinue sun
tanning and the use of self tanners for at least 2 weeks
before treatment.
- Avoid strong sun exposure for 2
weeks after treatment.
- Remove makeup in the region to
be treated
- If you have a history of cold sores please
let us know as we may opt to treat you to prevent an outbreak
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Be aware that there is the possibility of coincidental hair
loss when treating pigmented lesions in hair bearing areas.
This hair loss may be temporary or permanent.
- Let us
know if you have used hair dye in the 2 weeks prior to a
photofacial of the face. There may be residual pigment in the
skin near the hairline which can absorb laser energy.
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Wear sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection
(this designation is more important than the SPF rating).
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Post Treatment Expectations. IPL Photofacial |
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- Avoid strong sun exposure for 2 weeks after treatment.
- Wear sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection (this designation is more important than the SPF rating). This will help prevent lesions from returning and should become part of your daily regimen. Remember that any sunscreen needs to be reapplied during the day---what you put on your face in the morning is not working for you at 2pm! If you wear mineral makeup, simply reapplying your foundation may suffice for incidental exposure. However, if you are about to go out on a soccer field to watch a game or play a sport, more protection may be needed either in the form of a powdered sunblock applied over makeup (ex: Jane Iredale Powder Me SPF) or traditional sunblock and other protective clothing.
- If you have a tendency to hyperpigment in response to sun exposure, acne breakouts, etc consider using a topical agent containing prescription level hydroquinone (4%) such as Obagi Clear, Obagi Clarifying vitamin C serum, or Obagi SunFader with SPF.
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Cost
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| Region |
Individual |
Package of Three |
| Face, Full |
$129 |
$310 |
| BFace, 3/4 |
$109 |
$262 |
| Neck |
$109 |
$262 |
| Nose Only |
$50 |
$112 |
| Upper Chest |
$129 |
$310 |
| Upper Back |
$129 |
$310 |
| Hands |
$90 |
$225 |
| Arms, elbow to Wrist |
$149 |
$357 |
| Full Arms, or Lower legs |
$209 |
$502 |
| Full Face plus Upper Chest |
$233 |
$560 |
| Spot treatment only |
$50 |
$120 |
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| Before and after images |
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