What is an IPL Facial Treatment?
These treatments (also knows as BBL, Intense Pulsed Light, Photofacial, etc) are performed with a high energy, intense pulsed light device. These treatments are used to improve the skin tone, remove redness and blend abnormal pigmentation.
How Much Improvement can I Expect with the IPL Facial Treatment?
Surface redness, age spots, and fine wrinkles on the face will improve dramatically with a series of light facials. Seventy-five to more than ninety percent improvement is often seen after a series of five treatments. They may also improve larger pores and reduce oil production in extremely oily skin areas of the face.
How Much Discomfort will I Feel During my IPL Facial?
This procedure can be performed with minimal discomfort. A topical anesthetic may be used to neutralize most of the discomfort that you may feel during the treatment. If the facials are performed without anesthesia, a moderate stinging sensation will be felt with each pulse of energy.
What Are the Side Effects?
Most of our patients experience only temporary redness in the skin, which will last from a few minutes to several hours after treatment. You may also experience your brown spots getting darker initially, looking a bit like coffee grinds on your skin; this can last for 5-10 days before the pigmented skin sloughs off. You should be able to return to work or social activities within hours of treatment. Temporary swelling may be seen in some people after treatment. Blisters and bruising are a rare side effect. Scars and abnormal skin pigmentation are extremely rare side effects. The treatments are designed especially for your skin type.
Can All Types of Skin Be Treated?
IPL treatments can be performed on most skin types. We recommend a consultation prior to your IPL facial to ensure you are a good candidate for this type of treatment.
How do I Prepare for the Treatment?
The face should be cleansed and all makeup removed. A topical anesthetic may be applied to your skin before the treatment. It is very important to avoid tanning before and after treatments. Skin care products are recommended to prepare the skin for treatment and to use in between treatments as well.
Please let us know if you are taking medications that increase sensitivity to light such as Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Minocycline, and Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). You will need to stop these medications at least 1 week prior to your IPL facial treatment. Please discuss with your prescribing doctor before you hold off on any of your medications.
Avoid products that may irritate your skin such as any products containing retinoic acid or tetinol (Retin_A, Tazorac,Renova, Tretin X, HQRA, Atralin, Differin, Ziana) glycolic/salicylic acids or astringents for at least 3-5 days prior to your treatment.
How Often Can I Get an IPL Facial?
Treatments are to be performed once a month for a series (usually 3-5 treatments).
How Do I Take Care of My Skin after Treatment?
Ice Packs may be used for ten minutes after treatment. Anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil or ibuprofen may be taken for 24 hours at a dose of up to 800mg three times a day. Elevation of the head while sleeping the night after treatment will reduce the risk of swelling under the eyes. Gentle cleansing and sun protection is important until the skin has healed and returned to normal color. A more complete post care sheet will be given to you upon completion of the procedure.
How Do I Get Started?
A brief consultation is required before performing an IPL facial treatment. Occasionally the procedure can be performed after the consultation if scheduling permits. In most cases it is necessary to schedule a series of appointments with sufficient time during each appointment to allow time to treat the areas of the skin that you as the patient would like to have treated. Multiple treatment areas and extended treatments will require scheduling more time for the treatments. It is recommended that you schedule a series of treatments at regular intervals to maximize the benefits of these treatments. These appointments require that we schedule time, equipment, and personnel to perform your treatments. Therefore, if you need to cancel your appointment please do so within 48 hours unless an emergency occurs which prevents you from keeping your appointment. If you are late for your treatment sessions, you may have to have your appointment rescheduled. If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment or consultation pleaseCall UsorBook Online Today.
