IPL/Photofacial

IPL, which stands for Intense Pulsed Light, is a non-surgical skin treatment that utilizes broad spectrum light (not a laser) for hair reduction and to treat sun damage, age spots, and broken capillaries. The procedure can be performed on virtually any part of the body.

Who Can Benefit From IPL?

If you have sun damage, age spots, lots of freckles, spider or varicose veins, you may be a good candidate for IPL. Body hair can also be removed using IPL technology regardless of your skin type (which is not true of lasers.)

What is the Procedure Like?

A cold gel is first applied to the skin. The skin is cooled, and a hand-held instrument which transmits broad spectrum light into the tissues is placed gently on the skin. The light specifically targets unwanted pigmentation, small blood vessels (broken capillaries), or body hair.

The treatment is not painful, but if you are sensitive, a topical anesthetic can be used to numb the skin that will be treated. You will remain awake for the procedure, which will be conducted in the doctor's office. A few treatments (usually four to six) may be required in order to achieve your desired results. Each treatment generally lasts 30 minutes or less, and treatments are repeated every month or two.

What Can I Expect During Recovery?

You are allowed to go home very quickly after your procedure, and you can return to work immediately. The skin may become pink or slightly red, and in some cases, there may be some mild swelling for a few days. You can wear makeup right away, however, to cover up any skin irritation.

For a period of time following your IPL procedure, you should avoid being in the sun and will need to wear sunblock whenever you are outside. Of course, sunblock will also help you to avoid future sun damage and age spots.

What Are the Risks of IPL?

One of the reasons that IPL has become popular is because it is extremely safe with very few incidents of side effects. The energy is adjusted based upon your skin color, which keeps the procedure safe for all types of skin.