What are the benefits of IPL photofacial treatment?
Brooklyn, NY patients love this procedure, for many reasons:
- Appropriate for men and women of all skin types
- Typically, one treatment takes about 30 minutes to complete
- Resume your day with no need for downtime
- Visible side effects are easily camouflaged with cosmetics
- Reverse early signs of aging, sun damage, and more
The greatest benefit is healthier, more attractive, more youthful skin. Just check out our image gallery – the photofacial before and after photos speak for themselves!
What should you expect during the procedure?
Before procedure begins, we will cleanse the treatment area to remove any impurities, cosmetic residue, or other debris, and then apply a soothing cool gel. You will be provided with protective eyewear. Rapid pulses of light energy are delivered via a handheld applicator. You might feel a snapping or stinging sensation, but it is usually very well tolerated.
What are the most common side effects of IPL?
Immediately after an IPL session, the treated area may be sensitive and have visible redness, similar to a mild sunburn. The redness typically fades within a few hours, though sensitivity and inflammation may last for a few days.
Freckles and other pigmented lesions may appear to darken right after treatment. Don’t worry, this is a sign of their reaction to IPL energy. After a few days, the dark spots slough off, leaving healthier and more even-toned skin. It is important to let lesions and skin flakes shed naturally. Picking at skin can diminish results, inhibit proper healing, and even cause skin injury.
What post-treatment care is needed?
There is minimal recovery after IPL treatment. However, healing and newly developed skin is quite fragile, so it needs to be protected and treated gently. We will provide you with complete aftercare instructions, including:
- Protect the area from UV exposure with a high SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen. Protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, is also advisable.
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, or other exposure to heat.
- Keep the area hydrated using a quality moisturizer recommended by your dermatologist.
- Don’t scratch or pick at skin.
- Cleanse gently and avoid abrasive or exfoliating products.
- Avoid glycolic acid, retinols, and similar skin products.
How many appointments will you need?
The answer to this question can vary greatly, depending on the nature and severity of problems being treated as well as the unique way your skin responds. Most people will see some results from a single photofacial treatment, with continuing improvement after each additional session. Best results are typically achieved with a series of three to six appointments, spaced a few weeks apart. Some patients choose to have an occasional photofacial as part of their regular skincare plan. Photofacials may also be recommended along with other cosmetic procedures, as part of a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan.
What results can you expect from IPL photofacial treatment?
To a great extent, this depends on what skin condition or conditions you wish to treat, as well as the unique characteristics of your skin. Most patients will see some
visible improvement within a few days of the first treatment. Results continue to improve with each photofacial treatment.
For individuals with darker skin tones, and those prone to developing keloid scars, the device is usually adjusted to a lower power level. This provides a gentler procedure, but the improvement after each session is less dramatic. These patients generally need more treatment sessions in order to achieve optimal results.
