IPL PhotoFacial

Photo rejuvenation with IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a state-of-the-art light therapy to address a variety of issues you may have with your skin. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a skin treatment that is commonly used to improve skin problems such as sun damage, age spots, rosacea, melasma, flushing mild acne scars, and uneven skin tone. IPL delivers concentrated, filtered light to rejuvenate your skin. It is a non-invasive, non-ablative treatment, which means it does not damage or disrupt the surface layer of your skin. There is little to no down time with IPL, leaving you with a healthier appearance.

How does IPL work?

A handheld device is used to deliver light pulses beneath the skin’s surface. The IPL light passes through the top layer of the skin (epidermis) and penetrates to the deeper layer (dermis) where pigment and blood vessels absorb the light. The body’s natural process will then remove the injured tissue, which gives the skin a more even and youthful appearance.

IPL Candidates

IPL Photofacial Candidates Include:

  • Those with light to medium complexion
  • Individuals with hyperpigmentation
  • Individuals who have a red complexion

Individuals with tanned or naturally dark skin are not usually candidates for IPL photofacial treatments. Individuals with darker skin sometimes experience changes in skin pigmentation after IPL photofacial treatment. Individuals with darker skin should discuss possible side effects with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon before opting for this procedure. People who are currently taking Accutane should not have an IPL photofacial for at least six months after they stop using the drug. Pregnant women should also postpone IPL photofacial treatment until after they give birth.

IPL Treats:

  • Rosacea
  • Sun Damage
  • Flushing
  • Skin Texture
  • Redness
  • Broken Capillaries
  • Brown Spots
  • Age Spots
  • Dark Circles Around the Eyes
  • Sun-Induced Freckles on the Hands, Chest, and Face
  • Broken Capillaries around the Nose

How many treatments are needed?

A series of one to five treatments are usually recommended, administered at four-week intervals. Individuals with excessive sun damage usually need more treatments.

IPL photofacial treatments take anywhere from 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.

Why are multiple treatments necessary?

Often, multiple IPL photofacial treatments are necessary to achieve maximum results. If you’re seeking to remedy multiple problems such as improving skin texture and reducing redness, multiple treatments are highly recommended. Multiple treatments will have a greater impact on the different layers of the skin, which will help improve the multiple problems you may be experiencing.

What can I expect from IPL treatments?

You will be given protective eyewear to wear during your treatment. This will protect your eyes from the laser’s bright flashes of light. A numbing gel can be applied prior to the treatment but is not necessary. Brief pulses of light will be applied to the skin through the hand piece.

You will feel a warm sensation during the IPL photofacial which is often described as a warm rubber band snap. The number of pulses you receive will depend on the size of the area being treated. Following the procedure, you will receive an ice pack to apply to the treated area. This will help soothe any discomfort, if any, from the procedure.

Immediately after your IPL photofacial treatment, your face will appear slightly red or flushed. This is completely normal. The redness will fade after a short amount of time It can take several hours to a day for the treatment’s results to become noticeable. Dark spots may appear darker for one to three weeks.

What is the recovery time and how much improvement will I see?

The recovery time from IPL photofacials is often very short. There is very little damage that is done to the skin during treatment. Redness or darkening is present following the procedure, but this will remedy within a few days or possibly a few weeks.

Recovery from IPL photofacial is rapid and it is important to remember to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen such as an EltaMD Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen, Revision Skincare’s Intellishade or ZO Skin Health’s Sunscreen and Primer, to ensure the procedure lasts as long as possible.

Are there any side effects with an IPL treatment?

The most reported side effects of IPL photofacials are mild and resolve within a few hours or days after treatment. One of the most common side effects is redness or flushing. Capillaries may appear larger immediately after treatment. This is common and will fade quickly. Very rarely does mild bruising and swelling occur. If this occurs, it will go away within a day or so.

To learn more about our IPL photofacials, or to schedule your consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Moenster or Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Weyer, please fill out the form on this page. You can call our Tucson location at 520-207-3100 or our Sierra Vista location at 520-458-1787. We look forward to seeing you soon!