Photofacial

What is IPL?

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light.Also known as a "photofacial" treatment it delivers broadband light through the skin rejuvenation. IPL helps restore a youthful looking skin intended for photo aged or sun damaged skin. It helps decrease facial redness, lessen the appearance of pigmented spots, help improve acne, reduce pore size and improve texture and fine lines.

How does IPL work?

IPL delivers high intensity pulses of broadband light that is non-ablative, meaning that is does not damage the surface of the skin. The intense light is delivered to the deeper parts of the skin(dermis) and leaves the superficial aspect of the skin(epidermis) untouched.We use the lumenis Quantum IPl Brand.

What are the advantages of IPL?

IPL can eradicate red facial veins & flushing, improve acne rosacea, treat irregular pigmentation, dark sun spots, and reduce fine facial lines.

Who is a good candidate for IPL?

Patients with rosacea, red flushed faces secondary to acne rosacea, facial blood vessels and capillaries, sun damaged skin, pigmented facial spots and enlarged pores. Difficult to control acne breakouts.

How do I properly prepare for a session?

Please AVOID sun tanning or direct sun exposure 2 weeks before the treatment. Try to avoid abrasive skin products on the treated area for 2-5 days before the treatments, such as Retin-A, retinols, alpha hydroxys, glycolics. Let us know if you are pregnant, or have a history of cold sores. Tell us if you are taking any photosensitive medications, such as tetracycline.

Who is not a good candidate for IPL?

Darker complexions, tanned skin, spray tans or recently tanned skin individuals are generally not good candidates for the treatment. Men Who Wise to have facial treatments, should note the beard/mustache area can have patchy hair loss after a session, so may not want to treat this area where regular facials hair grows.

What areas of the body can be treated?

Face, Chest, and hands.

When do patients have treatments?

Patients should undergo a series 3-4 IPL treatments. Treatments are administered every 3-4 weeks.Each treatment session takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on treated areas.

How is the treatment performed?

During treatment, a cool gel is applied to the treated area, then a pulse of light similar to a rubber band snap is emitted from the handpiece.Generally no local anesthetic is required as most individuals tolerate the treatment well. After the session you have some redness and feel like a sunburn for the rest of the day, but there is NO DOWNTIME as individual return to work the following day.

How quickly do patients see results?

After one or two treatments, your skin will have more even tone and a smoother look and feel. Sunspots will start to fade and pores can become less apparent. Fine lines and wrinkles may soften over time. These Improvements continue with each treatment. Patient with acne rosacea will see a reduction in facial redness as a result of each treatment.

What are the side effects?

Post-treatment pinkness and mild discomfort like a sunburn for a few hours. Areas treated may be prone to hyperpigmentation (darking of the skin). Avoidance of the sun and wearing sunscreen daily are advised. Because all individuals are different, we generally will begin your sessions at a more conservative level then progressively increase the treatments levels. This will minimize any unwanted side effects and any potential skins burns, yet develop an ideal treatment protocol for each individual.

Will the spots and redness reappear over time?

Over time new spots may appear if there is sufficient sun exposure; these too can be removed. Remember to liberally apply sunscreen when outdoors to minimize sun damage and the appearance of new spots and excessive redness.

What should I do before my treatment?

  • No Accutane use for 6 months prior to treatment.
  • Do not tan the areas being treated for 4 weeks prior.
  • Do not use sellf-tanning products for 2 weeks prior to treatment.
  • Stop all Retin-A, Retinol, Renova, glycolics, bleaching creams, and exfoliants 3-4 days prior to treatment.
  • Shave any hair present in the area to be treated. Men should shave the beard area twice in succession in order to ensure as close a shave as possible.
  • You cannot be pregnant or breast feeding to receive treatment.
  • If you have a history of oral herpes, you must pre-treat with an anti-viral three days before your scheduled visit.

Follow Up

  • Follow up treatment should be scheduled every 3-4 weeks.
  • Consistent repeated treatments will produce best resolution for photo damage, fine lines, acne scars, rosacea, etc.
  • Microdermabrasion and Alpha Beta Peel should be done in between your IPL and Laser Genesis treatments to enhance results.

Pre-Treatment Instructions - IPL PHOTOFACIAL

  • Discontinue sun tanning and the use of self tanners for at least 2 weeks before treatment. Avoid strong sun exposure for 2 weeks after treatment. Remove makeup in the region to be treated.
  • If you have a history of cold sores please let us know as we may opt to treat you to prevent an outbreak.
  • Be aware that there is the possibility of coincidental hair loss when treating pigmented lesions in hair bearing areas. This hair loss may be temporary or permanent.
  • Let us know if you have used hair dye in the 2 weeks prior to a photofacial of the face. There may be residual pigment in the skin near the hairline which can absorb laser energy.
  • Wear sunscreen with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection (this designation is more important than the SPF rating).

Post Treatment Expectations. IPL Photofacial

Avoid strong sun exposure for 2 weeks after treatment.

Wear sunscren with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection (this designation is more important than the SPF rating). This will help prevent lesions from returning and should become part of your daily regimen. Remember that any sunscreen needs to be reapplied during the day---what you put on your face in the morning is not working for you at 2pm! if you wear mineral makeup, simply reapplying your foundation may suffice for incidental exposure. However, if you are about to go out on a soccer field to watch a game or play a sport,more protection may be needed either in the form of a powdered sunblock applied over makeup (ex : Jane Iredale Powder Me SPF) or traditional sunblock and other protective clothing.

If you have a tendency to hyperpigment in response to sun exposure, acne breakouts, etc consider using a topical agent containing prescription level hydroquinone(4%) such as Obagi Clear, Obagi Clarifying vitamin C serum, or Obagi SunFader with SPF.

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Cataract & Laser Institute and DC Eye Clinic

4 convenient locations across Pennsylvania and Virginia.

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