We know it’s hard to keep track of all the different skin rejuvenation procedures out there, but this month we wanted to shine a special spotlight on one of our top trending types of skin treatment: the IPL Photofacial. As one of our February Specials, we are doing a Buy One, Get One deal on IPL photofacials. Keep reading to find out what it is, how they work, and why they’re so popular!
First off, what does IPL stand for?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. What does that have to do with facials? Let’s cover the basics. IPL is a type of technology that is used to perform skin rejuvenation treatments for aesthetic and therapeutic purposes. It works by using a handheld device that sends the intense pulsed light to deep layers of your skin working to reduce the appearance of sun spots, rosacea, age spots, and improve the skin’s overall tone. The treatment can also be used for hair removal and to reduce acne as well. As you can see, it is becoming a popular treatment amongst medical spas because it is effective, affordable, and non-invasive.
Before the IPL treatment, a medical professional will apply a cold gel to the target area and you’ll be given protective eyewear. A handheld device is passed across the skin and distributes scattered wavelengths of light to reach the second layer of your skin without damaging the first. The IPL from the device is much like a blinking flashlight, sending out scattered wavelengths of light. When your pigment cells absorb the light, it converts into heat energy and destroys the undesirable pigmentation underneath and it eventually fades away.
IPL treatments are recommended for the elimination of:
Sun spots
Freckles
Age spots
Capillaries
Broken blood vessels on your face
Rosacea
Since the handheld device employs a light to influence the skin on a molecular level, there is no need for any incisions or injections.
How long does it take?
Appointment time can vary depending on which part(s) of your body are being treated and the size of the area. On average, a simple treatment can take only about 15 to 20 minutes. To get the results you want, you may need to have multiple treatments, which should be spaced about 4 weeks apart to let your skin heal in between. At White Coat Aesthetics, we sell discounted packages of 3 IPL Photofacials.
Who is a good candidate for IPL Photofacials?
A patient’s candidacy for IPL treatment depends on certain factors like current skin and health conditions and individual patient’s goals. Additionally, the laser used cannot differentiate between normal and abnormal pigmentation, so patients with olive or darker skin tones often aren’t suitable candidates, nor are individuals with tanned skin. However, there may be alternative options for patients who are not candidates for IPL therapy.
Do IPL treatments hurt?
IPL delivers heat to your skin, so it can cause discomfort or stinging. However, in order to combat this, the professionals at White Coat Aesthetics only use systems that employ cooling mechanisms to keep your skin comfortable and damage-free during treatment. After treatment, you may experience temporary side effects like:
Redness
Swelling
Itching
Stinging
To protect your skin after your procedure, avoid sun exposure and wear an approved sunblock when you do go out.
Overall Pros & Cons
Pros:
The treatment works well to fade sun spots and discoloration
Quick treatment sessions make for a faster alternative than with other laser methods.
The light doesn’t cause any damage to the top layers of skin, so you’ll have fewer side effects than with a laser or dermabrasion.
Fast recovery
Cons:
You may need to return for several treatments to get the results you want but, in some cases, the results can be seen after only the first treatment and skin continues to improve with each successive treatment
IPL doesn’t work well on dark skin tones.
If you’re tired of looking in the mirror and seeing discoloration, sun spots, broken capillaries, or any other skin feature that bothers you, take action. Treat yourself to a noninvasive IPL treatment at White Coat Aesthetics. Find the right solution for you by calling our practice or booking an appointment online today.
