949-547-8242
skincare shop
book online

IPL Photofacial

at aphrodite laser skincare
 

What is IPL?

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a form of photo rejuvenation which uses a technology called flashlamp to produce high intensity light over broad spectrum visible and infrared wavelengths. IPL Photofacial, is a way to improve the color and texture of your skin without surgery. It can undo some of the visible damage caused by sun exposure — called photoaging. IPL is used to treat many skin conditions including rosacea, acne, sun damage, freckles, fine lines/wrinkles, broken capillaries, pigmented lesions and other skin discoloration issues. IPL has been a valued tool in aesthetics to even out skin tone for over a decade.

Benefits of IPL

IPL has been a valued tool in aesthetics to even out skin tone for over a decade and is used to treat many skin conditions including rosacea, acne, sun damage, freckles, fine lines/wrinkles, broken capillaries, and other skin discoloration issues. The benefits of IPL include:

  • Removing/reducing broken capillaries on the face
  • Reducing acne
  • Diminishing wrinkles and fine lines
  • Reducing redness
  • Smoothing dry, rough skin
  • Removing irregularities in the skin
  • Correcting skin discoloration
  • Helps to shrink pores

How does it work?

IPL Photofacial is Intense Pulsed Light that emits multiple wavelengths into the skin and effectively targets pigment producing cells below the surface of the skin. The light energy is converted to heat energy and destroys the hyperactive melanin producing cells in the layers of your skin, eventually dispersing pigmented areas. The spots are pulled to the surface, eventually turning into coffee- ground-like texture that will flake off revealing your beautiful glowing skin beneath.

IPL therapy is considered a non-ablative resurfacing technique, which means that it targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) without affecting the top layers of skin (epidermis). The results are not as dramatic as ablative resurfacing where both the dermis and epidermis are injured to produce a much more noticeable overall outcome. The advantage of IPL therapy is its minimal downtime – a patient can often have the procedure done in their lunch break and return to work immediately afterwards.

The Fitzpatrick scale

The Fitzpatrick scale is a skin typing test developed to estimate the response of different skin types to the sun. In aesthetics, it is used to help determine your response to certain procedures, such as laser rejuvenation therapy and medical grade peels.

fitzpatrick skin type 1
fitzpatrick skin type 2
fitzpatrick skin type 3
fitzpatrick skin type 4
fitzpatrick skin type 5
fitzpatrick skin type 6

What to Expect

Pre-Treatment Consultation

  • Avoid sun exposure (apply sunscreen daily and do not tan at all – including self-tanner) for 4 to 6 weeks before and after treatments.
  • Do not use any retinol products (or products containing tretinoin) or exfoliants on the area to be treated for one week. Avoid Accutane (or isotretinoin products) for 6 months prior. Let your doctor know if you have a history of hyperpigmentation.
  • If you have a history of fever blisters, notify your provider prior to treatment. We will write you a prescription for a prophylactic antiviral therapy to start on the day of the treatment to prevent a flare up of cold sores. If you have a current prescription, Valtrex 500mg should be taken by mouth twice daily on the day before, the day of, and the day after your treatment.
  • You must notify our providers if you have had any cosmetic tattooing on or near the area to be treated.
  • Photosensitizing medications including doxycycline and minocycline should be discontinued three days prior to the treatment.

Your Appointment

We will begin by cleaning the treatment area. Your Nurse will then dry your skin and place protective goggles over your eyes. Once you feel ready, we will begin the treatment. You may feel a little discomfort throughout the treatment, but this is temporary. Post treatment a post procedure lotion will be applied to help to calm the treatment area and enhance results.

Aftercare

It may feel like you have a sunburn for 4-6 hours after you’re finished, due to mild scabbing. Ice packs or a cool washcloth can help you feel better. Your skin may be red or bruised for a day or two. Some of your brown spots may get darker, but they should peel off within a few weeks. While you heal:

  • Don’t put on makeup if your skin hurts.
  • Use moisturizing lotion.
  • Protect yourself with sunscreen. Make sure it has an SPF of at least 30 and a physical blocker like zinc. Re-apply it every 2 hours, even if it’s not sunny outside.
  • Wash your face with cleanser for sensitive skin.

FAQs

when will i see results?

We typically recommend between 3-5 sessions about 4 weeks apart to achieve desired results. It depends on the condition you’re treating. It may take several weeks for you to notice any changes in your skin. Individual results may vary.

AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR IPL?

This type of treatment would be appropriate for those with blotchy, discolored, or sun-damaged skin. IPL treatments can also be beneficial for those suffering from rosacea. Those individuals with a higher Fitzpatrick score, individuals with a tan or melasma are NOT good candidates. Because the lights rays are attracted to pigment, darker skin tones can actually become discolored and melasma patches can become darker. (Please see Fitzpatrick scoring below)

fitzpatrick skin types

HOW DO TREATMENTS WORK?

IPL therapy uses different wavelengths to treat skin pigmentation and vascular changes in the skin. The light waves will pass through the epidermis to reach the targeted lesion, regardless of whether it is pigmented or vascular.

HOW LONG WILL MY IPL RESULTS LAST?

Photofacial results improve over time, with best results seen 3 months after the last treatment. results of IPL treatments last six months, up to a year. A new series is recommended every year for optimal results.

Experience the divine, natural beauty & healing wellness that you deserve!

READY TO BOOK?

Schedule an appointment or consultation with one of our aesthetic experts! We’d be happy to chat about your skincare concerns and recommend a treatment plan tailored just for you. Call our office at (949) 547-8242 or use the button below to book your next appointment with our online scheduling system.

book online now

Quick Cart

Add a product in cart to see here!
0
Cart Overview