The following article explains what is IPL photofacial, how it works, its benefits, its side effects, how much the treatment can cost, at-home IPL devices, and more.
Table of Contents
- 1 What Is IPL Photofacial?
- 2 How Does IPL Photofacial Work?
- 3 What Are the Benefits of a Photofacial?
- 4 Who Is a Good Candidate for IPL Photofacial?
- 5 How Many IPL Photofacial Treatments Do I Need?
- 6 How Long Does It Take to See Results From a Photofacial?
- 7 How Long do Photofacial Results Last?
- 8 What to Expect After a Photofacial
- 9 How Much Does IPL Photofacial Cost?
- 10 At-Home Photofacial Devices
- 11 Side Effects of IPL Photofacial
- 12 IPL Photofacial Contraindications
- 13 Frequently Asked Questions
- 14 Bottom Line
What Is IPL Photofacial?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) photofacials use a laserlightto get rid of pigmentation problems, including spider veins, freckles, brown spots, red spots,hyperpigmentation, and even rosacea problems.
The specialized laser goes through the epidermis level and disperses the pigmentation, allowing it to all but disappear so that your face is less red and much smoother.
The treatment is fast and painless, although some people do claim that it is a bit uncomfortable. Nevertheless, most people have no problems overall with the IPL treatments.
How Does IPL Photofacial Work?
When the high-intensity broad-spectrum light goes deep into the epidermis, it converts to heat energy and destroys the pigment-producing cells in the skin, causing pigmented areas to eventually disperse and fade away. This results in a significant reduction in redness and brown areas so that the skin looks smoother and less patchy.
IPL photofacials also work on other areas of the body, including the neck, arms, legs, back, and shoulder area. With few exceptions, you can use IPL photorejuvenation anywhere on the body to get rid of pigmentation issues and problems with redness and brown spots.
What Are the Benefits of a Photofacial?
IPL photofacials work wonders on all sorts of pigmentation problems. In addition to brown spots and red spots, sun damage, freckles, and spider veins, it also works on acne, certain scars, broken capillaries, port wine stains, and pigmented stretch marks, among others.
If you have any type of marks on your skin that you’d like to get rid of, talk to your doctor about the possibility of using an IPL photofacial to get rid of those problem areas and more.
IPL photofacial treatments are also safe, painless, non-invasive, have very little risk for side effects, and require no downtime.
Who Is a Good Candidate for IPL Photofacial?
IPL photofacial treatments are meant for people who have light to medium skin tones and those with superficial skin problems, such as acne and brown spots. It is not recommended for people with darker skin tones because the area could become tender and you may even experience pain and a burning sensation.
While this doesn’t happen to all dark-skinned individuals, treatments are not administered to those people just to be on the safe side.
Also, you’ll need to stop certain medications for a time before your treatment begins, but the clinic will explain all of this at your consultation visit.
How Many IPL Photofacial Treatments Do I Need?
For most people, a total of three to five treatments is recommended for the best results. Usually, the treatments are administered roughly four weeks apart for the best results. For most people, the best results from the treatments are seen within three months of the very last treatment session.
In addition to this, it is recommended that you repeat the treatment yearly for the best results. Annual treatments will treat any new spots that may have appeared since your last treatment session.
How Long Does It Take to See Results From a Photofacial?
People usually see results after the very first treatment because each treatment does a great job of brightening and lightening up the skin tone.
With each treatment, your skin will look a little better, and roughly three months after the very last treatment, you’ll see the absolute best results for your skin.
The yearly treatments can be considered touch-ups and allow your skin to continue being clear and smooth.
How Long do Photofacial Results Last?
The length of the IPL photofacial results will vary depending on the individual and the extent of the skin damage, but generally, the series of three to five treatments will last roughly a year.
You’ll be required to protect your skin with sunscreen on a regular basis afterwards so that additional damage doesn’t occur, and the better you are at this, the less often you’ll need additional treatments. Still, repeating the treatments on a yearly basis is usually recommended in order to keep the skin looking clear and smooth.
What to Expect After a Photofacial
IPL photofacials usually take about 45 minutes to an hour. The esthetician applies a light coating of gel to the skin in order to enhance the lasers’ effects, and afterwards your skin may feel tingly or sensitive.
You will usually remain in the office until the technicians are certain that you are not experiencing any side effects that are serious. You will be allowed to leave as soon as they know that your reactions are not serious.
How Much Does IPL Photofacial Cost?
IPL photofacials generally cost $400 to $600 per session, so they are on the expensive side. You can choose cheaper treatments when you choose other methods, but they usually don’t give you the same results as photorejuvenation does.
Many clinics have a convenient payment plan that allows you to pay for several sessions over time, but it is good to know ahead of time that this type of skin treatment is going to cost you quite a bit of money.
At-Home Photofacial Devices
There are at-home IPL photofacial devices, but the results you get from them are usually very limited. Most IPL devices in the market are designed for hair removal purposes, and some of them come with replaceable heads for acne clearance and skin rejuvenation.
In order for these machines to be safe for everyone, the at-home machines essentially have to be weak, but this doesn’t mean that they don’t do some people some good.
Side Effects of IPL Photofacial
While they are minor and temporary, there are in fact side effects that some patients get after an IPL photofacial treatment. Some patients experience no side effects at all, while others experience more than one of these.
Here are a few of the side effects that you might experience after your treatment:
- Crusting
- Redness
- Small blisters
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Temporary brown spots
Again, these side effects are usually minor and will not last very long, but some people do experience them, so there is no need for concern if they happen to you.
IPL Photofacial Contraindications
There are certain things to avoid when you’re planning to get IPL photofacial treatments. If you are dark-skinned, pregnant, or have melasma, you should not utilize them.
Also, you’ll need to avoid direct sunlight and tanning beds for one month before your appointment, and avoid alcohol, aspirin, and ibuprofen for one week before.
In addition, most clinics will make you wait up to one year if you are taking certain antibiotics, blood thinners, or Accutane. Make sure that you let them know about all of your medications at your first consultation so they can plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Photofacial really work?
A: Yes, IPL photofacials do work. Millions of people have utilized these treatments and are happy with the results, which tells you that they do indeed work.
Q: Are Photofacial results permanent?
A: IPL photofacial results are not permanent. You’ll need to redo the treatments every year to continue to experience clear, smooth skin. These are touch-up visits that allow you to keep your skin looking good.
Q: Is IPL Photofacial painful?
A: Most people describe IPL photofacial treatments as a little uncomfortable, but not painful, so you shouldn’t have to worry about pain while going through the treatments.
Q: How do I take care of my skin after Photofacial?
A: You’ll have to take care of your skin as you do when you’re out in the sun. In other words, you’ll need to limit direct exposure to the sun and use a high-quality sunscreen whenever you do go outside.
Q: Can IPL damage your skin?
A: You will be examined to make sure that your skin is not damaged due to IPL treatments. As long as you disclose all of the medications and medical ailments you have, your treatments should be completely safe for you.
Q: How long does it take for brown spots to fade after IPL?
A: Most of the time, you’ll see a difference in the number of brown spots you have after the very first treatment. This may not get rid of all of the spots, but after the series of treatments is completed, your skin should be clear and smooth.
Bottom Line
IPL photofacials are safe and have few side effects. They work great with all sorts of skin conditions, especially pigmentation issues such as brown and red spots.
Patients sometimes experience some discomfort, but the treatments are not painful or invasive. And best of all, they work!
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