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General information on ipl

Everybody wishes for smooth skin, free from dark spots, and wrinkles. But, because of different factors, most people have an uneven skin tone. Fortunately, with modern treatments such as photo facials, you can have smooth and blemish-free skin. Continue reading to learn how.

What are Photofacials? If you have skin burns, acne scars, or age spots, photo facials can help. This is a laser rejuvenation therapy that stimulates collagen production and treats skin discoloration. It is a pain-free procedure that can improve your skin appearance. Although it benefits many people, photo facials treatment is not ideal for people with dark skin tones or tans.

What are the Different Types? There are two types of photo facials and are different in terms of the light used.

IPL (intense pulsed light) photo facials use handheld devices to produce a spectrum of light. It penetrates the deeper layer of skin and is ideal.
LED (light-emitting diode) photo facial also uses a handheld device or a lamp to produce different colors of lights. The color of the light influences the results of the treatment. The LED light works on the epidermis and is ideal for treating acne. Because of the simplicity of the skin treatment, the LED photo facial can be done at home or in the spa.

When Are They Used? Photo facials are used to treat or improve:

Age spots
Sun damage (sun spots)
Birthmarks
Broken capillaries
General skin redness
Rosacea
Hyperpigmentation

How Do They Work? In both LED and IPL, your skin absorbs light and converts it into energy. The targeted areas of the skin absorb the heat and stimulate the cells to generate collagen.

Collagen strengthens the skin. The production of collagen is affected by many factors with age, being the major one. Exposure to sunlight can also affect the collagen production process.

With the Photo facials, you can improve the collagen levels, remove blemishes, and enhance skin appearance.

What Does the Procedure Entail? Our skincare specialists will clean the skin and apply the gel to the affected area. The laser light from the LED or IPL devices is passed over your skin. The choice of photo facials will depend on the type of skin marks you have.

The therapy takes 20 to 90 minutes, but the duration may vary depending on the body part being treated and the type of therapy. The photo facials procedure may be repeated a couple of times to achieve the desired results.

Are There Risks Involved?

Though you may enjoy the benefits mentioned above, there may be a few risks, such as: Increased redness. Photo facials make your skin look better, but the treatment can do contrary to some patients.
Pigmentation changes. Decreased pigmentation can be evidenced, especially if your skin has a tan.
Skin blisters and swelling. Face swelling is normal, particularly in severely sun-damaged skin.
Infections. The therapy can cause skin infections resulting in wounds.

The risks mainly affect dark-skinned people or those who easily burn. Bleeding and scarring can also occur, though it is rare.

Before the procedure, we will examine your skin. But, it is crucial to inform our skincare specialist about any existing conditions and if you are on any medication.

Our laser technician may advise you to keep off some activities, medications, and other products such as:

Direct sunlight
Tanning beds
Collagen injections

How long do The Results Last? The results of photo facial may last between six to 12 months. Avoid things that may damage your skin. Furthermore, schedule maintenance procedures bi-annually or annually to enhance the results.

Call for action Photo facials can help you get rid of uneven skin tone and blemishes. However, it is important to have an assessment done before you can get the skin treatment. Call or schedule your appointment online today.

Pre photofacial

No direct sun exposure at least 2 weeks prior to your visit
No antibiotics may be taken at least 30 days prior to your visit
No tanners, bronzers, or self tanners worn on skin at least 2 wks prior to visit
No photosensitive oral or topical medications may be used at least 2 wks prior to visit
You may not be pregnant or nursing
You may not have Botox or filler in the area of interest at least 2 wks prior to visit
You must be off of ACCUTANE 6mos-1yr prior to visit
We may not treat areas that has or had skin cancer
If you have a history of keloids, laser may not be for you
Do NOT use exfoliating products at least 2 wks prior to visit

Post photofacial

The areas treated with laser may be red following treatment. This will generally fade within 2-3 days. The treated area can be washed normally. Wash the area gently, use of a washcloth or abrasive instrument is not recommended.
Cover the treated area with sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the higher, the better) and avoid sun exposure to the treated area for at least the next 2 weeks.
Avoid irritants such as products with glycolic acid or Retin-A in the area for at least 5-7 days. No deodorant in the treated area for at least 48 hrs.
Minor crusting or scabbing of the treated area can occur following treatment. Do not rub or pick the scab. Wash gently. 1% hydrocortisone or aloe vera may be applied to the treated area as redness occurs. Ice may also be applied for discomfort.
NO excessive heat to include exercise, jacuzzi, sauna, bath, or too hot of a shower for at least the next 48 hours.

patient compliance

Follow ALL Pre and Post instructions carefully; this is essential for the success of your outcome. Post-treatment instructions concerning appropriate restriction of activity, use of post-treatment care and use of sun protection must be followed to avoid potential complications, increased pain, and unsatisfactory results.

10 Benefits of IPl photofacial

With so many options for skin resurfacing currently available, it can be difficult to select the best treatment to meet your needs. If you’re wondering how photorejuvenation compares to similar treatments, like chemical peels, reviewing the unique benefits of the IPL photofacial is a great place to start. Alternately, you can arrange a consultation with our experts to discuss if IPL Photofacial is the best option for you. Ten of the top reasons our patients choose the IPL photofacial are outlined below:

1. Having a photofacial is one of the best ways to treat sun-damaged skin. When it comes to aging, the sun is your skin’s worst enemy: Most of the changes in skin conditions we associate with getting older are a direct result of exposure to UV radiation. Sunlight breaks down the collagen in our skin, making it weaker and more susceptible to wrinkling and sagging. Sun damage also causes dark “age spots” to form on highly exposed areas (like the hands and face) and gives the skin a lined, leathery, weathered look. If you think you look older than your actual age, habits like intentional tanning or spending a great deal of time outdoors may be to blame.

The IPL photofacial combats the effects of UV damage in two ways: First, it penetrates and draws out discolored cells that have formed deep in the dermis. By dissolving these cells, intense pulsed light gets rid of dark age spots and excessive freckling to restore an even, dewy complexion. After this stage of deep exfoliation is complete, the skin begins to generate a significant amount of new collagen, which replaces collagen stores that have been destroyed by the sun. As a result of this healing process, the skin becomes stronger and more supple. Wrinkles and fine lines disappear may be lessened, and many patients also see some reduction in facial sagging. These effects are subtle and will not compare to more aggressive treatments such as a facelift.

2. Photofacials can treat stubborn acne. Intense pulsed light can tackle the causes of acne and its lasting side effects, like scarring. This procedure also kills harmful bacteria and reduces redness and inflammation. Repeated IPL photofacials encourage the skin to shed and renew its outer layer, a process that gradually eliminates scar tissue.

Before you have an IPL photofacial, you may need to stop using topical and systemic acne medications for up to six months. Generally, skin resurfacing is only recommended for patients who aren’t experiencing a substantial reduction in acne symptoms through the use of medication alone.

3. Intense pulsed light is an excellent way to eliminate visible veins and capillaries. Because intense pulsed light is absorbed very efficiently by red blood cells, the IPL photofacial is one of the best treatments available for visible blood vessel abnormalities. Our patients use the IPL photofacial to dissolve broken capillaries and spider veins for a more even, youthful complexion. This procedure is also ideal for treating conditions that cause diffuse redness, like rosacea.

4. Having regular photofacials can prevent premature skin aging. Intense pulsed light is unique in its ability to actually change the structure of skin cells, making them behave more like young cells. A 10-year study conducted by Stanford University in California demonstrated that having two to three photofacials per year for a decade can positively alter the genes of dermal cells. The genetic expression of aged skin cells treated regularly with intense pulsed light resembles that of young, healthy skin cells. As such, researchers think intense pulsed light can prevent (and not just treat) many of the superficial signs of aging.

To make the most of the IPL photofacial’s age-fighting properties, it’s essential that you avoid sun exposure, especially in the weeks before and following IPL treatment. (All skin resurfacing procedures make the skin temporarily more sensitive to UV radiation, so applying a SPF 50 sunscreen is a must.) You should also keep your weight stable, because weight gain and loss distorts the skin, and avoid unhealthy habits, like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Taking these steps will preserve the collagen and elastin in your skin.

5. Photorejuvenation can be performed on multiple areas of the body. Though the IPL photofacial is most frequently used for facial rejuvenation, it can also renew the neck, upper chest, shoulders, hands, arms, and legs. If you have signs of sun damage on multiple parts of your body, treating them all with intense pulsed light may give you a more uniformly youthful look.

6. The IPL photofacial pairs well with other non-surgical treatments. The gentle lifting and revitalizing action of the IPL photofacial can be complemented with other non-surgical procedures, especially injectables like BOTOX® and dermal fillers. BOTOX® can reduce wrinkles in areas photofacials can’t treat, like the region around the eyes. Dermal fillers enhance the lifting effect of IPL therapy by replacing facial volume that’s been lost with age. These compounds can also fill in any very deep creases that aren’t alleviated by skin resurfacing alone.

7. IPL treatment offers deep rejuvenation with very little downtime. The IPL photofacial is powerful enough to access the deeper layers of the dermis but gentle enough that it won’t cause excessive swelling, redness, or lasting irritation. The pulses of light emitted during IPL therapy are less concentrated than a laser beam, so IPL treatment is much less risky than laser skin resurfacing. Most people who have a photofacial can apply makeup immediately after their appointment and return to work within 24 to 48 hours. If any side effects occur after this procedure, they’re usually limited to very mild redness and skin sensitivity. This lack of downtime makes photorejuvenation an appealing alternative to deep chemical peels, which can produce symptoms of redness and flaking for up to two weeks.

8. Photorejuvenation is quick and convenient. IPL treatments typically take under half an hour to complete, so you can easily schedule your procedure around other commitments. Most patients experience mild discomfort during the treatment- similar to being popped with a rubber band. Some individuals will benefit from a topical numbing cream for some more sensitive areas. Three to six of these quick treatments spaced one month apart, create beautiful results for most people.

9. The IPL photofacial is very affordable. Though the cost of the IPL photofacial varies depending on your location and how experienced your care provider is, this procedure is one of the most affordable methods of skin rejuvenation. The photofacial costs less than other laser treatments, while also being safer and more convenient. An IPL treatment can cost as little as $700, whereas laser skin resurfacing usually costs about $2000- $3000.

10. Intense pulsed light can remove unwanted hair. People with lighter skin and dark hair can use intense pulsed light to painlessly eliminate unwanted face and body hair. Like laser hair removal, IPL can remove hair from large areas very quickly. IPL hair removal works by targeting the melanin in hair follicles, causing hair shafts to heat up. This heat damages targeted hair follicles, preventing hair growth.

Make the first step to blemish-free and younger skin, let’s talk!

Are There Any Downsides to Photorejuvenation? Though the IPL photofacial’s ability to target melanin is useful for many applications, it presents a challenge for tanned patients and those with naturally dark skin. When applied to darker skin, light therapies can cause skin lightening or hyperpigmentation. Patients with tanned skin, dark skin, or melasma should consider having a chemical peel instead of photorejuvenation. If you’re concerned about the downtime associated with chemical peels, our specialists can use a mild peel formula to ensure rapid, painless healing. People with certain skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis, may not be good candidates for intense pulsed light therapy. Patients with these conditions should choose skin treatments that won’t cause any inflammation, like a comprehensive facial. IPL treatment is not recommended for use on pregnant women or people with chronic health conditions.