An intense light is applied in a series of gentle pulses over the treatment area. Without damaging the skin, the light penetrates through the skin and is absorbed by the abnormally dilated vessels or pigmentation. The heat impairs the vessel or lesion, and the body begins its natural healing process. The lesion will darken before it flakes off or is absorbed by the body. Treatment can be given as frequently as every three weeks.
What are the benefits of FotoFacial™?
Patients have a high degree of satisfaction with their results. Expect to see a gradual decrease in irregular pigmentation, pore size, and fine lines. After each treatment, the skin will feel smoother and appear to have a more even tone.
As many as seventy million Americans have undesirable redness and/or sun damaged skin. Sun exposure, alcohol, medications, stress, and aging are common causes of rosacea. Rosacea is a common skin condition characterized by redness and flushing skin. FotoFacial™ treatments control flushing and, in many cases, reduce the need for topical cortisone creams and antibiotics. Flushing, redness, and symptoms of rosacea improve on average more than 75% following treatments.
What is a treatment like?
Treatment may vary from 15 to 45 minutes depending on the size of the area to be treated. First, the treated area is cleansed and a cool gel is applied. When the pulse of light is delivered, the sensation is similar to a snap of a rubber band. After treatment, the gel is removed, the skin cleansed, and sunscreen is applied. Pain is very minimal. For sensitive skin, a cool compress is applied following treatment.
How can I expect to look immediately after a treatment?
The skin may appear flushed, brown pigmented spots may appear darker, and capillaries may be more visible immediately after your treatment. In rare instances, temporary swelling and/or blistering can occur.
How many treatments will I need?
For optimal results, a series of five to six treatments is recommended. Some patients see significant improvement in 2-3 treatments while others require more. Yearly maintenance treatments are recommended.
What results can I expect to see?
After completing the series of treatments recommended by your provider, you can expect to see a reduction in flushing, redness, and other symptoms of rosacea, as well as improvements in hyper-pigmentation (brown pigmented spots), pore dimension, fine lines, texture, and mild acne scarring.
Schedule a consultation to learn if IPL FotoFacial™ is right for you!
Your Intense Pulsed Light FotoFacial™ will be performed in Devenir Aesthetics medical facility located in Austin, TX.
This patient is in the middle of her IPL Fotofacial treatment plan. These results are after just 2 sessions.
FAQ
Does IPL hurt?
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for IPL?
The best candidate for IPL would be someone who has light skin and isn’t suntanned so that there is a more pronounced distinction between the melanin in the skin and the sun spots or vascular issues we’re trying to diminish. That way the light is able to target those specific concerns without risk of harming the surrounding tissues.
How many IPL treatments do I need to have?
How is IPL different from laser treatments?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and it is not technically a laser as lasers emit light in one wavelength and IPL uses multiple wavelengths of light. Both work in the same way by using a specific wavelength to be absorbed by the target.
Can you use IPL to do “laser hair removal” treatments?
We are able to use IPL technology for hair removal because we are able to direct the pulsed light through a specific wavelength to target the melanin or target. The different treatments the IPL device is able to perform are because of our ability to control that wavelength to be absorbed by a target whether that’s vascular, hair, or sun spots.
How long do I have to wait to get an IPL after being in the sun?
Lasers and sun DO NOT MIX. If you have been in the sun for an extended period of time or plan to be, it’s not a good time for you to get an IPL treatment. When we begin a series of IPL treatments it is of the utmost importance that the patient is compliant with provider recommendations. Using an SPF of 30+ (We recommend either Elta MD or ISDIN) is vital as well as protecting with a wide-brimmed (3+ inches) hat if you’re going to be in the sun for an extended period of time. Not only could not protecting your skin lead to more evidence of sun damage like sun spots which we are usually trying to effect change in, but it could compromise the healing process between treatments. It is best to plan your series of IPL treatments when you know that being out of direct sunlight will not be difficult for you. You will get the best bang for your buck as well as the best outcome this way.
★★★★★
“The experience was amazing and I’ll return for another session.“