IPL/Photofacial Treatment

by Mia

As we age our skin reflects damage from the sun, the elements and wear-an-tear of daily life. Photo-rejuvenation, one of today’s most popular cosmetic procedures provides the ideal answer. Consequently, the skin becomes more even toned after a series of treatments with a younger appearance.  IPL is often categorized under the same derma-medical umbrella as laser treatment, but it is not the same. By scientific definition, IPL does not use laser technology, but instead use broadband light that flashes in multiple, simultaneous wavelengths (unlike lasers) over the skin’s surface.

BENEFITS

  • Improves most brown spots and hyperpigmentation from sun damage.
  • Can correct and control some melasma
  • Improves fine lines, sun-damage, flushing skin & rosacea, enlarged pores, and dull skin complexions
  • Gives the skin a smoother, more even tone appearance
  • Minimal downtime
  • Skin “glows” after a series of treatments
  • Any area of the body can be treated

 

HOW IT WORKS

The entire face is scanned with the intense pulsed light. Without damaging the skin the light penetrates the sub-surface skin layers and is absorbed by the blood vessels or by the pigmentation. The heat impairs the vessels or lesion, and the body begins its natural healing process.

During treatment, the IPL hand piece delivers a series of pulses of light to the treated areas, which stimulates collagen production. This gives the skin an improved texture and allows it to reflect light better. Photo-rejuvenation selectively targets abnormal changes that develop with age and successfully improves fine lines, sun damage, age spots, and symptoms of rosacea, broken veins, and enlarged pores.

Most times the area is treated with multiple passes with customized settings. The formation of new collagen results in decreased fine lines and the repair of sun damage. Treated dark spots and areas of unwanted pigmentation will darken at first, and then flake off or slough off over the next week to 10 days for the face and up to 21 days for the body. The IPL laser will feel warm on the skin with the feeling of a rubber band snapping. After the treatment your skin will look rosey or even slightly sunburned, however you can resume all normal activities as well as put makeup on immediately after the treatment.

 

PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

  • Do not use Retinol or other photosensitizing topical or systemic medications for 3-5 days prior to your treatment.
  • Do not receive excessive sun exposure for 2 weeks prior to your treatment, which also means do not come in with tanned (includes self-tanner) or sunburned skin.
  • If you want us to go over a part of your skin that grows hair, please shave the area prior to your appointment.

 

POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

  • If your skin is sensitive after the treatment you can apply hydrocortisone cream, aloe, and take Advil for discomfort.
  • Use a gentle cleanser, moisturizer and sunblock for 48 hours after your treatment.
  • Do not use corrective or exfoliating products for those first 48 hours.