The IPL™ Photofacial Procedure

Intense pulsed light (IPL™) therapy is one of the most exiting new methods for improving skin tone and texture. The IPL™ photofacial procedure is quick and easy, and there is virtually no recovery time involved.

What to Expect During IPL™ Photofacial 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 handpiece 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 handpiece. Depending on the size of the area being treated, the procedure may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.

During the IPL™ photofacial procedure, you will feel a warm sensation caused by the handpiece. 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. Following the procedure, your skin care specialist may help you in icing down the treatment area to help soothe any discomfort from the procedure. This is often unnecessary, however, as IPL™ photofacial treatment causes very little pain.

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. Depending on the skin malady you are seeking to remedy as well as your skin type, the redness that is present following the procedure may persist for a longer or shorter period of time. The side effects of IPL™ photofacial treatment dissipate within a few hours for many patients. For some patients, however, the redness may take a day or two 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 IPL™ photofacial 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™ photofacial 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™ photofacial treatments you may need to achieve your cosmetic goals.

Schedule a Consultation with a Physician in Your Area

To discuss the IPL™ photofacial procedure with an expert, or to schedule a consultation with a skin care specialist, locate a qualified practitioner in your area today. The best way to determine if intense pulsed light therapy is the right treatment for you is to contact an expert.