IPL™ Photofacial Candidates

People who have blotchy, sun-damaged, or discolored skin, or whose skin is affected by large pores, freckles, or wrinkles, may benefit from an IPL™ photofacial. The procedure is also quick and involves no downtime, making it a convenient option for people with busy schedules. Those with dark or deeply tanned skin sometimes experience complications following IPL™ photofacial treatment. Patients should discuss such issues with a trained dermatologist before undergoing treatment.

Ideal IPL™ Photofacial Candidates

People with white, untanned skin that is still somewhat elastic are the best candidates for an IPL™ photofacial. 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, such as a face lift or a brow lift.

Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Intense Pulsed Light Treatment?

People with tanned or naturally dark skin sometimes experience changes in skin pigmentation after IPL™ photofacial treatment. African-Americans and people of Greek and Italian descent, for example, may wish to discuss possible side effects with a dermatologist before opting for this procedure. Additionally, people who are taking the medication Accutane® should not have an IPL™ photofacial until at least six months after they stop using the drug. Pregnant women should also postpone treatment until after they give birth.

IPL™ Photorejuvenation vs. PDT (Photodynamic Therapy)

An IPL™ photofacial can be an effective way to eliminate many cosmetic issues, including moderate acne scars and rosacea. When such factors are particularly severe, however, photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be a better option. While this procedure is slightly more invasive than an IPL™ photofacial, it often provides better treatment for pronounced redness in the face as well as deeper scarring caused by acne. Like an IPL™ photofacial, PDT also encourages the production of new collagen, reducing fine lines and improving skin tone. Speaking to a cosmetic dermatologist is the best way to determine if PDT is right for you.

IPL™ Photofacial vs. Laser Skin Resurfacing

The IPL™ photofacial is an effective way to minimize the aesthetic impact of enlarged pores, light wrinkles, and moderate sun damage. Because it is non-invasive, it allows doctors to make cosmetic improvements quickly, conveniently, and with very little risk or discomfort. Laser skin resurfacing, on the other hand, is used to deal with more serious skin problems, such as deep wrinkles, serious sun damage, and severe acne scarring. In evaluating the benefits of an IPL™ photofacial vs. laser skin resurfacing, there are a few differences patients should be aware of.

To begin with, the IPL™ photofacial is nonablative, meaning no skin is removed during the procedure. In laser skin resurfacing, on the other hand, doctors treat wrinkles, skin discolorations, and other blemishes by removing extremely fine layers of skin with a laser. Because laser skin resurfacing is more invasive, it involves a longer recovery period than the IPL™ photofacial (which has no downtime) as well as a greater risk of complications. For many people, the often dramatic results achieved compensate for any negative factors associated with the procedure. If you are not sure whether a photofacial or laser skin resurfacing would be more appropriate for you, speaking to a dermatologist can help.

Learn More from a Dermatologist in Your Area

Learning more about the IPL ™ photofacial is easy. To determine whether it is the right option for you, simply use DocShop to locate a qualified dermatologist in your area.