What are the Benefits of the IPL PhotoFacial?
Facials and skincare routines treat a variety of skin conditions. Still, they often cannot provide tangible results for hyperpigmentation, redness caused by rosacea, and other forms of uneven skin tone or texture. Laser treatments and surgeries can be painful and require downtime that many people are unable to commit to.
At Essential Med Aesthetics, IPL PhotoFacials is a light therapy treatment to resurface your skin with no pain, no downtime, and lesser financial cost.
What is the IPL PhotoFacial?
IPL PhotoFacials (intense pulsed light) is a non-ablative skin resurfacing treatment. Heating the lower layer of skin, IPL PhotoFacials does not damage the top layers of skin while improving collagen production and reducing the appearance of mild sun damage, hyperpigmentation, and signs of aging.
Essential Med Aesthetics adjusts the settings for the light energy to target certain pigments within your skin. The dermis’ skin cells heat, and the body destroys unwanted cells. IPL PhotoFacials are FDA-approved for treating the face, chest, and back of hands. IPL PhotoFacials may also be used in hair removal but is not as effective as laser hair removal.
What to Expect with the IPL PhotoFacial
Before your treatment, Dr. Cobbinah will review your skin’s overall health and goals and diagnose your skin’s conditions. If your skin may benefit from a different type of treatment, Dr. Cobbinah will provide recommendations.
Your skin will be cleansed and prepared with a topical gel to minimize discomfort. You and your provider will wear dark glasses to protect your eyes. Your provider slowly moves a handheld device over the treatment area. The light treatment is gentle with no significant pain or discomfort. You may feel some warmth and tingling that lasts a few minutes. The entire treatment lasts 30-45 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area.
Once the treatment is complete, you may immediately return to work or your daily routine. Essential Med Aesthetics recommends wearing dermatologist-approved sunscreen even if you are not experiencing direct sun exposure.
What are the Benefits of the IPL PhotoFacial?
IPL PhotoFacials has quickly become a popular long-term skincare treatment. Some of the benefits of the IPL PhotoFacial include:
Treats a Variety of Hyperpigmentation
IPL PhotoFacials can treat mild hyperpigmentation such as age spots, sunspots, freckles, and melasma. The device targets the darker pigment, heating it until the collagen produces new cells to minimize the appearance of hyperpigmentation. IPL PhotoFacials may also improve the appearance of birthmarks, freckles, and stretch marks.
Improves Redness and Rosacea
In 1995, IPL PhotoFacials was FDA-approved to treat spider veins but has since been used to treat broken blood vessels, rosacea, and other redness in the skin.
Improves Skin Quality
IPL PhotoFacials stimulate collagen production in the lower layers of skin without damaging the outer layers. Collagen production improves the overall appearance of your skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Costs Less Than Laser Treatments
The average cost for IPL PhotoFacials is $625, compared to some laser treatments costing over $2,000. The price depends on the size of the treatment area, the number of treatments, and a few other factors.
Little to No Downtime
Since IPL PhotoFacials target the lower layers of skin without harming the outermost layer, they require no downtime. You may experience some redness for a day or two, but most feel comfortable immediately returning to their usual routine.
Easy to Add Other Treatments
Since IPL PhotoFacials do not disturb the outer layer, you may easily add facial treatments such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and additional facial treatments to improve your results.
Request a Consultation
Simply fill out the form on this page, and we will reach out to you promptly to schedule your appointment.
IPL PhotoFacial Recovery
After your IPL PhotoFacial, you’ll be able to return to work or your usual routine immediately. Essential Med Aesthetics recommends avoiding aggressively scrubbing your skin or using harsh chemicals or exfoliants. Furthermore, avoiding applying makeup for the first few days and using a gentle, scent-free moisturizer is best.
Hyperpigmentation may darken afterward due to the new collagen cells pushing out the old ones. The darker spots will fade and flake over the next week weeks.
What are the Results of the IPL PhotoFacial?
Most people need 4-6 treatments spaced four weeks apart for optimal results. You should see reduced hyperpigmentation, the lightened appearance of sunspots and broken capillaries, reduced fine lines and wrinkles, and faded redness or uneven skin tone.
It is best to schedule multiple appointments. Dr. Cobbinah discusses your goals and results during your consultation to create a customized plan for your skin’s needs. It is essential to receive treatment from a trained specialist like Dr. Cobbinah for the best results. Dr. Cobbinah and her team are well-versed in skin care and can make the necessary adjustments for your skin.
What are the Differences Between IPL PhotoFacials and Lasers?
While both are used to reduce hyperpigmentation, IPL PhotoFacials use multiple wavelengths of scattered, less-focused light to target lower layers of skin. The numerous wavelengths allow the treatment of multiple skin conditions in one session.
Laser treatments also damage layers of skin, while the IPL PhotoFacial is painless and only targets the dermis for collagen production. Despite its name, IPL PhotoFacials also may be used anywhere but is not the best treatment for uneven areas.
Good Candidates for the IPL PhotoFacial
The best candidates for IPL PhotoFacials have light to medium skin tones with mild signs of hyperpigmentation, aging, or redness. The scattered light techniques are not ideal for those with darker complexions or who are currently receiving laser treatments.
If you are pregnant, have an autoimmune disorder, active facial infection, severe scarring, or use certain creams or medications, you might not be a good candidate for IPL PhotoFacials. During your consultation, Dr. Cobbinah will analyze your skin and list the best options for your facial care. If you are not a good candidate for IPL PhotoFacials, you may be a good candidate for a different skin care treatment.
Take the Next Step
Dr. Freda Cobbinah provides an array of Aesthetics services from Skin Rejuvenation to Laser Vein Removal and Hair Removal. Schedule your complimentary skincare consultation by filling out the form below or calling us at (210) 568-7555. We are proud to serve the San Antonio, Stone Oak area.