IPL Photofacial

How does IPL photofacial work? 

Photo facial skin treatments utilize specific wavelengths of light to heat the layers of your skin (dermis). The energy from this targeted light triggers your body’s natural healing process to heal damaged skin.

During your first visit, we’ll determine whether you're a suitable candidate for intense pulsed light therapy. We’ll often do a spot test first to see how your skin responds.

We’ll also go over your treatment plan and instructions. For example, you shouldn’t apply any Retin-A lotions or creams to your skin on treatment days.

At the time of your treatment, the doctor will clean your skin, apply a cool gel to protect the epidermis and provide you with glasses to protect your eyes. The light itself is applied with a handpiece. Your doctor will use the handheld device to target your damaged skin, acne scars, vascular lesions, and other skin discolorations.

The light energy turns to heat energy which targets the pigment-producing skin cells (melanin). The treatment takes 20-30 minutes, depending on the treatment area.

This skin rejuvenation technique does make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure, so you should apply a high-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin after your treatment.

What are the IPL photofacial benefits?

The beneficial effects of IPL treatment apply to multiple skin issues. IPL photofacials may be used for:

• age spots
• sun spots
• uneven or excess pigmentation
• acne scars and discoloration
• stretch marks
• spider veins and broken capillaries
• improved skin texture
• reduced fine lines and wrinkles

The benefits of photofacials over more invasive treatments like chemical peels or laser treatments include:

• minimal recovery time
• less expensive than laser treatments
• low-risk

What are the risks of IPL photofacial treatment? 

IPL achieves optimal results on light to medium skin tones. Those with darker skin tones — or even just tanned skin — have a risk of burning and permanent hypo- or hyper-pigmentation. To prevent severe side effects, we will evaluate your skin tone and quality to determine the best treatment plan for you.

Overall, provider error is the biggest risk as it relates to the drawbacks of treatment. To avoid issues like blistering, bruising, infection, increased melasma, or changes to your skin color, select a board-certified medical professional with a solid track record of successful sessions and happy clients.

What happens after the IPL photofacial treatment? 

The recovery time for an IPL photofacial is very minimal. You can apply makeup and do your normal skincare routine as soon as you leave the office. However, the overall healing process requires about a week. 

During this timeframe, if pigment were targeted, the pigmented spots resembling pepper flakes would start to rise to the skin's surface, eventually falling off within a few days. 

You may notice some swelling and redness or hypersensitivity for a few days, but a cool washcloth and ice packs help with the discomfort. Treat your skin gently during this phase, and stay out of the sun as much as possible.

Frequently asked questions 

Below are the answers to commonly asked questions concerning IPL photofacial treatment:

Are IPL results permanent? 

Although an IPL facial can improve the appearance of your skin, it can't stop future aging. An IPL facial can be extremely beneficial, but the results won't last forever. To maintain the results, you'll have to schedule follow-up sessions regularly about every three to four weeks.

Using sunscreen regularly and avoiding prolonged sun exposure or sunburn will also prolong the improved quality of your skin.

Is IPL photofacial painful? 

A photofacial falls on the spectrum of uncomfortable rather than painful. One common comparison among patients is that it feels like a rubber band snapping on your skin.

The light that emanates from the laser is very bright, which may be uncomfortable, especially for people with light sensitivity. However, to deal with the uncomfortable nature of the procedure, your dermatologist can offer you numbing cream to apply 30-60 minutes before treatment begins and eye shields.

How long does it take to see results from an IPL treatment?

There are usually multiple treatments involved in an IPL treatment plan. It can take up to six treatment sessions to get the desired look.

Generally, patients report seeing improvement in redness about two weeks after the first session; however, it will likely take three to four treatments to see considerable IPL photo facial results, especially for more severe dark spots.

How much does an IPL photofacial cost? 

IPL treatment costs vary depending on what is targeted. The size of the treatment area will also dictate the cost. Because multiple treatments are needed, many times the cost of IPL sessions will be reduced if you pay for multiple treatments upfront.

Who isn't a good candidate for IPL?

IPL isn’t a good idea if you:

• Recently tanned with tanning creams, tanning beds, or sunlight.
• Have a skin resurfacing disorder.
• Are sensitive to light.
• Suspect that you have skin cancer.
• Have severe scarring of the skin.
• Have keloid scar tissue.
• Use a retinoid cream.

Why choose Assil Gaur Eye Institute for facial aesthetic treatments?

The eye and face aesthetic team at Assil Gaur Eye Institute are experts in aesthetic treatments. Their knowledge and experience with facial and eye structures are unparalleled, and their clinics feature cutting-edge medical facilities and equipment.

The aesthetic team at Assil Gaur Eye Institute’s goal is to help their patients to become the best versions of themselves, whether regarding their vision or look.

To learn more, book an appointment online or call (866) 945-2745.

We are conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area at locations in or near Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.