What is the IPL PhotoFacial?

Both mild sun damage and aging can contribute to the appearance of hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. The IPL PhotoFacial can reduce the look of areas of mild sun damage and age for an improved complexion. 

What is the IPL PhotoFacial? 

The IPL PhotoFacial (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy is a non-ablative skin resurfacing treatment. Non-ablative lasers target and heat the lower skin layer, otherwise known as the dermis. The epidermis or top layer of the skin is left unchanged. IPL PhotoFacial therapy can help reduce the appearance of mild sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and aging. It is also FDA-approved for use on the face, chest, and back of the hands. 

How Does IPL PhotoFacial Work? 

IPL PhotoFacial works by heating the layer of skin below the epidermis with short bursts of light. The heating bursts of light help stimulate collagen cells that rejuvenate and repair the fibers of the skin. The IPL PhotoFacial can also reduce the appearance of redness and broken capillaries that are commonly found on the nose and cheeks. 

These treatments use short bursts of light rather than lasers, so it is critical to find a trained provider that can deliver the IPL PhotoFacial technique for the best results. Dr. Freda Cobbinah will discuss if IPL PhotoFacial therapy suits your aesthetic skin goals. 

What to Expect During IPL PhotoFacial Treatment? 

During IPL PhotoFacial treatment, your skin will be properly prepared and cleansed. A topical gel may be applied to the skin that can help minimize any discomfort. You will be given dark glasses to protect your eyes from the light. The device that delivers an IPL PhotoFacial treatment is handheld for the best control over which areas will be treated.

Patients are often concerned that this treatment might cause pain. However, IPL PhotoFacial is gentle and does not cause any significant pain or discomfort. In most cases, patients feel only light prickling sensations as the light passes over the skin. Some patients say it is like the light snap of a rubber band against the skin that is being treated. The IPL PhotoFacial is an effective and minimally invasive way to improve the appearance and health of your skin.

Is There Any Downtime? 

IPL PhotoFacial sessions last around 30-45 minutes, depending on the size and number of treatment areas. Often considered a lunchtime procedure, an IPL PhotoFacial session has no downtime. You may see some redness that feels like a slight sunburn, but that fades at most after a day or two. Patients often use an ice pack or cool compress to help with the sunburnt feeling. 

Side effects are minimal, and many patients can return to their normal activities after receiving IPL PhotoFacial treatments. Compared to other laser treatments, IPL Therapy also has minimal downtime. Darkening of sunspots or other treated areas of the skin during healing is normal and fades over time. 

What To Expect After IPL PhotoFacial Treatment? 

After IPL PhotoFacial treatment, we will advise you on what products to avoid so your skin can heal at its best. You should avoid aggressively scrubbing the skin, harsh chemicals, and exfoliants. Applying makeup should be avoided for the first few days after. We recommend applying sunscreen on your skin after treatment, even if you are not getting direct sun exposure. During your consultation, how often you apply sunscreen will be discussed between you and Dr. Cobbinah. You can also use a gentle, scent-free moisturizer on the treated areas of your skin. 

The hyperpigmentation on your face can appear darker after treatment. At first, the darkening of these areas is expected because the new collagen cells are pushing out the old ones. These darker spots fade and flake off over the next few weeks after the session, which helps your skin look newly revitalized. 

How Many IPL PhotoFacial Treatments Will I Need? 

How many treatment sessions you need depends on your individual goals. On average, patients schedule 4-6 appointments that are each four weeks apart to allow the body time to produce new skin cells. The face can grow new skin cells in a little over four weeks after a treatment, so it’s best to schedule multiple sessions to see the optimal results.

Every patient will have a customized IPL Photofacial treatment plan that fits their needs. Dr. Cobbinah will go over your personal plan that ensures the best results for you. 

Benefits of IPL PhotoFacial Treatment

IPL Therapy treatments can treat various skin conditions with no downtime or invasive surgery. Each session can: 

• Improve the appearance of acne scars and spider veins
• Minimize hyperpigmentation on the face
• Reduce the appearance of sunspots from sun damage
• Lessen the appearance of broken capillaries on the nose and cheeks
• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• Help treat redness and uneven skin tone

It is essential to listen to your doctor and get an exact diagnosis before IPL PhotoFacial Therapy. Dr. Cobbinah can help you determine if this treatment is suitable for you or if you need another form of therapy. 

Am I a Good Candidate? 

You may be a good candidate if you have a light to medium skin tone with mild signs of hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, or redness. IPL PhotoFacial treatments are not ideal for patients with darker complexions, as the laser works by targeting darker pigment within the skin. 

Patients who are currently pregnant, have an autoimmune disorder, have any active facial skin infections, severe scarring, or use certain creams and medications are not recommended to have IPL PhotoFacial Therapy. During your consultation, talk to Dr. Cobbinah about all medications and creams you take, as well as any concerns that you may have about IPL Therapy. 

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.