What is an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) PhotoFacial?

UV photography provides physicians with an effective way to show patients the full extent of the sun’s impact on their skin. The selective absorption of UV light by epidermal melanin makes it easy to capture an image of the mottled hyperpigmentation that is characteristic of photodamage. The results can often be quite shocking for patients, heightening their awareness of the need for sun protection and raising a desire for treatment. A post-treatment UV photo compared to pre-treatment shows the patient what’s been accomplished.

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Photofacial, also known as fotofacial, uses intense pulsed light to restore your more youthful-looking skin, especially after sun damage. IPL photofacials are intended to decrease facial redness, reduce pore size, lessen the appearance of pigmented spots, and improve skin texture and fine lines.

What Does IPL Help Improve?

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

What Areas Can Be Treated?

We can treat your face, neck and hands. Ideal candidates would be suffering from sun damaged skin, rosacea, facial blood vessels and capillaries, pigmented facial spots and enlarged pores.

How is the Treatment Performed?

First, a cool gel is applied to the treatment area as a coupling agent. Generally no local anesthetic is necessary, since treatment is non-ablative. A pulse of light is then emitted, administrating treatment. Each treatment session takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on treated areas. After the session, you may have some redness that feels like sunburn, but you may otherwise return to your regular activities.

How Soon Will I See Results?

Final results are dependent on the patient and their commitment to the regimen recommended by Dr. Buckley. For the best results, patients generally undergo a series 3-4 IPL treatments. Treatments are administered approximately every 3-4 weeks.

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