What is an IPL Photofacial?

A photofacial, or “fotofacial,” is a procedure in which intensely concentrated pulses of light are used to penetrate deep into the skin, thereby stimulating the deeper tissues of the skin. Photorejuvenation then causes collagen and blood vessels below the epidermis to constrict, reducing redness and age lines. A Photofacial soften the appearance of such imperfections as age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, sun damage, acne scars, enlarged pores, and rosacea.

What skin conditions does an IPL Photofacial treat?

IPL Photofacial is an ideal treatment for skin care concerns ranging from redness, light acne scars and rosacea to broken capillaries and hyper pigmentation (brown age spots. It involves a non-ablative laser that has been carefully calibrated to seek out specific pigments in the skin – redness, darker discolored patches or dark spots from aging sun exposure or acne scarring. The actual IPL Photofacial procedure feels like the mild snapping of rubber bands against the skin’s surface. With each snap, the IPL Photofacial Laser penetrates deep below the skin’s surface to treat the issues at the source. For successful elimination of redness, sun spots and old acne scars, a patient will likely require multiple IPL Photofacial Treatments. The Photofacial can truly create a marked difference in the patient’s skin over time, since the skin continues to improve for weeks after the actual IPL treatment.

How long do IPL treatments take and what can I expect my skin to look like following treatment?

Immediately following an IPL Photofacial, a patient is free to resume his or her daily activities. Each IPL Photofacial treatment is conveniently quick and takes only about fifteen to twenty minutes from start to finish. For this reason, many patients seamlessly integrate their IPL Photofacial into their lives by getting treatments during their lunch hour. A brief period of facial redness is the most common side effect of the IPL Photofacial, although this can easily be covered up with liquid foundation, powder or a concealer until the redness subsides, usually within an hour or so. Love Laser & Med Spa is proud to offer our patients the IPL Photofacial treatment in our Albuquerque office.

In New Mexico, the constant exposure to the sun produces severe skin damage. As we get older, some of that damage is manifested by irregular or blotchy pigmentation spots, called solar lentigenes, which can occur on face, arms, hands, shoulders, and chest. These spots detract from beauty as they interfere with the clarity of skin color.

What equipment is used for IPL Photofacial?

To combat this, our Lumenis One Laser Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) system uses a wave length that specifically targets this superficial pigment in the epidermis. By using a wavelength spectrum with strong melanin absorption and weak hemoglobin absorption, much lower fluence (power) is needed for effective treatment. Pulses are controlled by a closed-loop power control that regulates every pulse for consistent, safe results. A standard pulsed light system, in contrast, uses a broad spectrum and requires much higher fluences for similar outcomes since a large portion of the light is not effective in the treatment.

How many Treatments will I need?

Two to four treatments are needed for optimum results. Some discoloration may be seen in the area immediately following the treatment. Within one to three weeks the lesion gradually flakes off.

Are IPL Photofacial treatments painful?

IPL treatments take only a few minutes and are usually quite painless. The sensation of a mild brief pinching sensation is sometimes felt.

What I can I do to benefit the most from my treatment?

For long-term benefit, any treatment should always be combined with an effective sunscreen. Daily hydration should be a routine ritual for facial wellness.

What other treatments are used with IPL Photofacial’s?

The best results are obtained when Intense Pulsed Light treatment is combined with Infini RF treatments. This is the new gold standard for skin rejuvenation and tightening.