IPL Photofacial

IPL Photofacial

IPL Photofacial

IPL Photorejuvenation & Photofacial

What is IPL?
The term IPL is the abbreviation for Intense Pulsed Light. This term encompasses other descriptions like, Broad Band Light (BBL), Variable Pulsed Light (VPL) and Optimized Pulsed Light (OPL). For practical purposes of this article, we shall use the term IPL to include all the variations of the same. IPL is administered thru a sophisticated device into a handpiece that delivers the light energy to the target areas of the skin. IPL uses broad wavelengths of light, and the most advanced IPLs have several filters to cut off a certain wavelength ranges to make it more selective. Selectivity of IPLs is less than that of lasers, which have a very specific wavelength.

What is Photorejuvenation or Photofacial?

Using broad range of intense pulsed light to target the reds and browns and eliminating them improves the appearance of the skin. This is termed Photorejuvenation or Photofacial. With this procedure we can decrease the redness of rosacea, decrease the broken capillaries, and eliminate browns spot from ultraviolet induced sun damage. It improves the skin tone by eliminating these imperfections. The heat generated by the IPL device closes the broken capillaries and burns the brown spots. The brown spots turn darker and flake of over several days to weeks. With certain filters we can also generate specific wavelengths which can destroy the acne bacteria. Regular IPL sessions also help with collagen stimulation and keeping a youthful appearance of the skin. IPL is ideal for overall skin rejuvenation in the lighter skin tones.

Who is a good candidate for IPL Photorejuvenation?

IPL Photorejuvenation is ideal for people with lighter skin types (Fitzpatrick 1 to 3 and some light 4s) who have broken capillaries, rosacea, acne rosacea, and sun-spots. IPL Photorejuvenation is not suitable for darker skin types (dark 4 to 6) due to excessive melanin in the skin. It is also not suitable for melasma which can be made worse by IPL Photofacial. We recommend a consultation and full assessment prior to the procedure.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure for a full face takes approximately 45-60 minutes and can be done as a lunch time procedure due to minimal down time.

Does it hurt?

Usually, most people have minimal discomfort with IPL sessions, and it feels like rubber-band snaps. When higher power needs to be used, a prior application of numbing cream would be beneficial. Compared to medical grade chemical peels, there is minimal to no downtime with this procedure.

How many sessions are usually required?

Once the IPL Photorejuvenation is found to be the right option, we recommend 4-6 sessions done every 4-6 weeks intervals or until the desired results are achieved. After that maintenance sessions once in 4 months would suffice to prolong the benefits achieved.

What are the precautions to be taken?

As with most skin treatments avoiding UV exposure of any source prior and in between sessions is essential for safety and best results. Spray tanning also should be avoided. There should be no make up prior the procedure.  Using sunscreen is a must between the sessions. After IPL procedure face masks should be avoided or minimized for about 5 days to prevent bacteria from the mouth getting on the treated skin via the contaminated mask. Make up may be used after the procedure but we recommend a 100% mineral powder make up. Its better to use a newly opened make up to minimize contamination.

Are there different IPL machines?

Not all IPL devices are made the same. The machines can be cheap quality ones costing a couple of thousand dollars made in some eastern countries, to some costing six figures which have state of the art delivery system, several electronic sensors, efficient cooling system, very specific filters, photon recycling methods, and sophisticated safety mechanisms. Hence if someone says, “I had IPL treatments in the past” does not mean anything unless we know the type of device, and the parameters used and if these devices are serviced regularly. Hence getting a full assessment and consultation with a qualified physician will go a long way in choosing the right treatment.

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