IPL Photofacial
Reverse Early Signs of Aging
Many women and men want to reverse early signs of aging and the damage caused by years of sun exposure. Clear, evenly colored skin on your face, neck, arms and hands can help you look as great as you feel, whether you’re 25 or 85. A series of intense pulsed light (IPL) photofacial treatments in Sarasota at SkinSmart Dermatology® can gradually but significantly renew the appearance and texture of your skin with little or no downtime. Healthy, beautiful skin begins at SkinSmart Dermatology®. Request a cosmetic consultation or call our office in Sarasota at 941.308.7546.
Improvements after IPL Photofacial Treatment
Board-certified dermatologic surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Callahan and her staff of skin care professionals can use IPL on the face, chest, neck and hands to improve the effects of sun damage and early signs of aging, such as:
- Sun spots, age spots and freckles
- Dull complexions
- Uneven pigmentation
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Redness from broken capillaries and rosacea
Every patient who visits us for skin rejuvenation in our Sarasota office begins with a cosmetic consultation. We will assess the condition of your skin, the amount of damage and your desired results. We can determine if IPL or another treatment like SmartXide DOT® or e-Matrix™ will best address your concerns. Keep in mind that IPL might not be the best choice for very tanned skin; SkinSmart Dermatology consultants may offer better alternatives for this type of skin.
How Does IPL Photofacial Work?
A broad spectrum of light is transmitted through a small, smooth, transparent hand piece that is gently placed on the skin. Cut-off filters in the hand piece change the wavelength range, enabling us to optimize it for different applications and skin types. The light penetrates the tissue and is absorbed by the melanin or blood vessels, damaging the pigmented lesions. The body’s natural processes then remove the injured tissue giving the skin a more even and youthful appearance. IPL stimulates collagen production as well, which enhances skin tone and smoothes fine wrinkles.
What To Expect During IPL Photofacial Treatment
IPL photofacial treatments feel like the mild snapping of a rubber band against the skin. With each snap, the light energy penetrates deep below the skin’s surface to treat the source of your concerns. The length of these treatments depends on the size and number of areas treated. It usually takes 15 to 20 minutes to treat the entire face.
We typically recommend a series of three IPL treatments spaced four weeks apart for optimal results. Patients can expect a 30% improvement after each one. Follow-up treatments may be desired one to two times a year to help your skin look its best.
Is there Anything I Should Avoid after IPL Photofacial Treatment?
Your skin may feel slightly hot and sensitive after your IPL Photofacial. This can last from several hours to a few days. To address these sensations, you can apply cold compresses or ice packs for periods of 15 to 20 minutes at a time. You may repeat this hourly as needed. Usually, after a few hours of cooling the skin, these sensations diminish enough to feel comfortable.
To ensure that your cellular turnover occurs efficiently after your IPL treatment, you should avoid exfoliating and picking your skin. You may develop small areas of darkening and flaking. It's necessary to allow your skin to slough off naturally as you simply follow your aftercare instructions. If you exfoliate, rub, or pick the skin, you run the risk of developing hyperpigmentation. Depending on the area of the body you've had treated, flaking and sloughing may continue from 10 days to eight weeks. As this process continues, it is necessary to avoid sun exposure. In addition to applying broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen daily, you might wear a hat or other clothing to shield your skin from the sun.
How Long Do the Results of IPL Photofacial Last?
It can be difficult to predict how long the results of IPL treatment will last. This is because every person is different. Your results will be influenced by your age, genetics, sun exposure, and other lifestyle habits. In general, we expect IPL results to last for six to 12 months. This timing is ideal for subsequent treatments, which, when continued once or twice a year, can help renew collagen-growth and remodeling for younger-looking skin.
Does IPL Photofacial Treatment Hurt?
IPL PhotoFacial treatment works by delivering pulses of light to the upper layers of the skin. As these pulses of intense light come into contact with the skin, you may feel minor snapping sensations. These can feel odd and may, as thermal energy accumulates in the treatment area, increase to a persistent, mild stinging. Throughout the 30 to 90-minute treatment process, you may feel uncomfortable but the sensations should not be intolerable. After the treatment is done, the effects of the thermal energy feel like a mild sunburn. This also does not hurt but may cause you to want to soothe with cold compresses.
Is the IPL Photofacial only a Facial Treatment?
No! The purpose of the IPL PhotoFacial is to correct the appearance of hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and other cosmetic imperfections in areas commonly affected by UV light. In addition to the face, you may schedule this treatment to address tissue irregularities on your hands, chest, shoulders, and neck.
Recovery and Results after IPL Photofacial Treatment
After an IPL photofacial treatment you can resume your regular activities immediately. After treatment, patients usually appear “sunburned.” Excess pigmentation like sunspots and freckles may darken for seven to 10 days before flaking off. With each treatment your skin will become smoother, more radiant and evenly colored.
If you are interested in IPL Photofacial treatment, visit Sarasota Dermatology. Our providers, including Dr. Elizabeth Callahan, are experienced in cosmetic and medical treatments and have been serving the Sarasota community for over 15 years. At SkinSmart Dermatology, we treat a wide variety of skin conditions and care for every individual patient with a personal touch. Schedule an appointment by calling 941.308.7546 ext. 7330 or fill out the form on our contact page.
