What is a Photofacial/Skin rejuvenation?
A photofacial, or skin rejuvenation is a 30-minute procedure in which intense pulses of light are used to penetrate deep into the skin. Photorejuvenation then causes collagen and blood vessels below the epidermis to constrict, reducing redness and age lines. The procedure involves only minimal discomfort, while the redness and swelling that sometimes occur after treatment disappear shortly. Most benefits of a photofacial/fotofacial occur gradually in the weeks following treatment.
Why do I need an IPL treatment?
People who have blotchy, sun-damaged, or discolored skin, or whose skin is affected by large pores, freckles, wrinkles, rosacea or acne may benefit from an IPL treatment. The procedure is also quick and involves minimal downtime, making it a convenient option for people with busy schedules.
Ideal IPL Candidates
People with white, untanned skin that is still somewhat elastic are the best candidates for an IPL treatment. It is also important for patients to have a realistic understanding about what the procedure can do. When performed on the right person, it effectively improves skin texture, eliminating discolorations, reducing pore size, and minimizing wrinkles and fine lines. If you have rosacea, a condition that causes blotchy redness in the face, you may also benefit from an IPL photofacial. For more serious issues - heavy facial lines and severe acne scars, for example - patients may wish to consider more aggressive treatment.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Intense Pulsed Light Treatment?
People with tanned or naturally dark skin are NOT candidates. Additionally, people who are taking the medication Accutane® should not have an IPL treatments until at least six months after they stop using the drug. Pregnant women should also postpone treatment until after they give birth.
What to Expect During Treatment
Before the procedure begins, you will be given protective eyewear to protect you from the bright flashes of light. A cool gel is often applied to the treatment area, both to lubricate the hand piece and to help cool the epidermis during the treatment. Your skin care specialist will apply brief pulses of bright light to the skin through the hand piece. Depending on the size of the area being treated, the procedure may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. During the IPL procedure, you will feel a warm sensation on the skin. Some patients liken the sensation to a light "snap" from a rubber band. The number of pulses you receive will depend on the size of the area being treated.
Recovery Time
The recovery time from an IPL skin procedure is often very short, as there is very little damage done to the skin during treatment. The side effects of the IPL treatment dissipate within a few hours for many patients. For some patients, however, the redness or dark spots may take a week to fade. Patients treated for severe acne sometimes experience longer recovery times, though they are often amazed by the results when the side effects wear off.
The most important things to remember following an IPL treatment are to avoid the sun for several days and to wear plenty of sunblock for at least two weeks. Intense pulsed light therapy can give you excellent results for a year or more, but you must take care to ensure your skin is protected for the first few weeks after treatment.
Follow-Up IPL Treatments
Often, multiple IPL treatments are necessary to achieve maximum results. Especially if you are seeking to remedy multiple problems - for instance, if you are seeking to improve skin texture and reduce redness - multiple treatments affecting different layers of the skin will likely be needed. Your skin care specialist can help you find out how many IPL treatments you may need to achieve your cosmetic goals.
