Ring In The New Year With An IPL Facial

Sometimes it’s just nice to have a fresh start, and as 2023 begins, booking an IPL facial can be a great way to give your look a bit of a boost. If you want to enjoy a more glowing complexion, this spa treatment can be an excellent, non-invasive option to consider.

What Is An IPL Photofacial?

IPL, or intense pulsed light therapy, harnesses light energy to address several common facial skin issues. This is similar to fractional laser treatments, but where fractionated lasers basically treats a single issue at a time, IPL sends out multiple wavelengths of light, which means it can treat several different skin conditions concurrently.

An IPL facial can be used to reduce the appearance of age spots (dark spots, brown spots, etc.) and sun damage, as well as freckles, uneven skin tones and even issues such as birthmarks, scars and broken blood vessels on the face and neck.

IPL also can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and can be used to treat some skin conditions, such as acne and rosacea. IPL also can be used to permanently remove unwanted hair on your face or body.

During the IPL facial, the light heats skin cells in the treated area and this penetrates into the skin layer. This stimulates collagen production which can refresh and improve the look of your skin. With hair removal, IPL damages the hair follicles which prevents hair growth, but don’t worry, this “damage” is not serious, it simply means hair won’t regrow from those follicles.

How Painful Is An IPL Facial?

In general, an IPL photofacial should only be mildly uncomfortable at most. While everyone has their own unique pain threshold, some patients say the procedure feels like the skin is being pinched or perhaps similar to a rubber band being snapped on the skin. We do use a numbing gel, and this reduces much of the discomfort, and the procedure typically only lasts about 45 minutes at most.

After the procedure, your skin may look a bit red or pink, and there might be some stinging, similar to what you might experience with a sunburn. Swelling also can occur and last for a few days. Using a cold compress can reduce any discomfort and can help reduce swelling.

We recommend not using any makeup for about 24 hours after the procedure and be sure to use a moisturizer twice each day for several months after the procedure. Of course, in general, we always recommend that our patients use a moisturizer daily and one with broad-spectrum SPF coverage as this can help prevent further sun damage and premature aging. It can be wise to use a skin cleanser specifically formulated for sensitive skin for a week or two after an IPL treatment. And our new specially formulated lipid replenishing moisturizer is another great combination.

Additionally, in the weeks leading up to your IPL facial, we recommend avoiding using tanning beds or prolonged sun exposure. You also need to forgo any waxing treatments or chemical peels, as well as collagen injections. Do not wear any perfume or makeup on the day of treatment and avoid taking aspirin for at least 24 hours prior to the treatment or any OTC medications that can cause blood thinning.

Who Is A Good IPL Candidate?

IPL facials tend to work best on people with pale to medium skin tones. When it comes to hair removal, this procedure is best for people with relatively pale skin but dark hair. For people with darker skin, we have many other skin rejuvenating treatments available, and we can find the best match for your skin tone and skin type.

IPL is not recommended for those taking Accutane or for those with a skin infection or a current acne breakout. If you are prone to keloid scarring or have certain skin disorders, IPL might not be the best treatment option. IPL is not recommended for those who are pregnant or for our patients taking blood thinners.

How Long Does An IPL Facial Last?

In most cases, patients will need to multiple IPL facial treatments in order to see the full benefits of this treatment and it does take time for the procedure to work. However, the results tend to last for many months, and with hair removal, the results typically are permanent.

As with all facial treatments, applying broad-spectrum SPF moisturizers, avoiding prolonged sun exposure and staying hydrated can go a long way toward preserving any skin treatment and help you maintain a youthful glow for as long as possible.

Call Us Today!

At Thaxton Plastic Surgery, we have many non-surgical treatments that can help you look and feel your best. If you are interested in an IPL photofacial treatment or perhaps dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, Latisse®, Botox®, Juvéderm® or another of our many non-surgical and medi-spa treatments, give our office a call at any time to book a consultation or appointment.