Despite its vital role in the survival of our species, the US National Library of Medicine states that sun exposure is the most common cause of skin damage and wrinkles. It’s a fact that no one can deny. Even if we’ve learned our lesson and avoid exposure when the sun shines the brightest and use sunscreen religiously, the UV rays still find a way to get us. Specifically, our skin! In addition to the damages caused by UV rays, pollution, harsh cleaners, aging, brown spots, freckles, wrinkles, and pigmentation on the face, neck, and chest are just around the corner.
Thankfully, IPL photofacial therapy can reverse the signs of sun damage and aging. The term IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and defines a form of treatment that targets many skin issues. IPL photofacials have been proven to successfully fight sun spots and pigmentation while having an antiaging effect and improving skin texture. Here is everything you need to know about the IPL photofacial and its magnificent results.
At Aesthetics MedSpa Reno we see patients who fly in from across the country to do their IPL Photofacial with us. It’s a quick cosmetic procedure with lasting effects and with us you are in very reputable and capable hands.
What is IPL therapy?
IPL therapy is a laser treatment designed to remove the signs of sun damage and aging from your face, neck, chest, and back of the hands – the areas most exposed to sunlight, while improving your skin’s appearance and texture. The photofacial treatment uses short blasts of high-intensity light waves to treat skin spots and discolorations and improve collagen production for a firmer and more uniform skin texture.
The procedure has been developed by laser medical experts and is FDA-approved. A gentle and effective antiaging treatment, IPL therapy is non-surgical and non-invasive requiring little to no downtime. The treatment has proven to be effective against pigment lesions, freckles, age spots, rosacea, facial spider veins, and vascular lesions (small blood vessels).
An IPL photofacial is similar to laser treatment, but instead of using just one wavelength of light, IPL emits different wavelengths similar to a photo flash. Thus, the IPL light is less focused and more scattered than a laser, and it gets to the second layer of your skin (dermis) without harming the superior layer (epidermis).
What to expect during the IPL photofacial?
The specialist performing the procedure will first clean the treatment area and then rub it with a cool gel. Then, they will use a handheld device to apply light pulses to your skin. You will be wearing protective glasses during the entire procedure. The device is equipped with advanced cooling features to minimize discomfort and allow the use of high-powered energy.
The light energy is converted to heat energy and penetrates your skin. It will then be absorbed by damaged tissues and destroy the hyperactive melanin that produces the skin cells. Thus, the pigmented areas will get dispersed and pull the spots to the surface of your skin. They will eventually turn into a texture similar to coffee ground and disappear. Following the procedure, your skill will look rejuvenated and radiant.
The treatment is not painful, but you can expect to feel mild stinging when the pulses touch your skin. Some patients compare the sensation with being snapped with a rubber band. One session usually lasts between 20-30 minutes depending on the treated area.
What are the benefits of IPL therapy?
Since IPL therapy is a laser treatment, you can expect to enjoy fast and long-lasting results. The pulses of light that penetrate the skin stimulate collagen growth and allow blood vessels beneath the top layer of the skin to constrict. The visible benefits materialize as fewer wrinkles and fine lines, smaller pore size, discoloration of age spots and irregular pigmentation, and brighter, smoother, softer skin.
While most patients opt for IPL therapy for their face, neck, chest, and hands, the treatment can also be performed on different areas of your body, like shoulders, legs, and arms. Moreover, photofacials can treat dark circles under the eyes, broken blood vessels, and persistent redness or flushing. The IPL technology can also be used for hair removal.
The procedure is recommended for patients with all skin types who haven’t exposed their skin to tanning within the last 3 to 4 weeks. However, patients with darker skin tones may not see the same results as people with lighter skin tones. Discuss the procedure with your doctor, and they will be able to tell you more about how the treatment will work for your skin type. The procedure is well tolerated by patients in good physical health.
As with all of our treatments at Aesthetics MedSpa Reno, we’ll begin with an initial consultation where we’ll review your medical history and lifestyle to ensure this is the best option for you, as well as address any questions or concerns you may have.
Are there any side effects to IPL photofacials?
The procedure is FDA-approved and safe. It is a non-invasive skin treatment with minimum side effects. Immediately after the procedure, patients may experience mild redness, mild swelling, and a sensation similar to the one associated with a sunburn. However, these side effects should dissipate after a couple of hours. There is no need to worry if you experience them for a day or two. The length of the discomfort experienced following the procedure depends on the treated area and the patient’s skin type.
The normal recovery time varies between two and five days, but you can notice an improvement in your skin texture and a difference in discolorations within one week of treatment. Freckles and brown spots will initially turn darker and have a dry aspect for a few days and then will naturally flake off. Persons who use IPL therapy to treat vascular lesions should expect minor bruising, especially if the lesions are present on the face.
How long will the results last?
Some skin conditions may require more than one session for the patient to experience the best results. Your skin care specialist will explain your treatment options and decide how many sessions you need depending on your skin damage and type of treatment (vascular or sun damage). While patients can achieve the results following a single session, heavier skin blemishes and spots may require 2 or 3 treatment sessions, scheduled 4-6 weeks apart.
Our professionals at Aesthetics MedSpa Reno will assess your skin damage and skin type to give you an accurate treatment plan and define expectations along the way.
Fortunately, the results are permanent. However, IPL photofacials can’t prevent future age spots and sun damage. If you want to maintain the results for a longer period, we recommend scheduling maintenance sessions every 6-12 months and, of course, using sunscreen and a good antioxidant. Also, please avoid sun exposure as much as possible.
