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Intense pulsed light therapy, also known as a photofacial, is a non-surgical treatment to improve the overall tone and texture of your skin. This treatment is ideal for those with visible sun damage or photoaging. Visible sun damage is common on the face, neck, chest, and hands. A photofacial can also help skin conditions that cause red, brown, or uneven skin. Learn more about IPL photofacial treatment and whether it is right for you.

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“Got a diamond glow yesterday and my face feels like it’s drinking water from a fountain of youth. I looked in the mirror this morning and I think I can see actual diamonds inside my pours. They also watched my dog at the front desk for 45 minutes. Five stars for brotox”

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What is IPL Photofacial Treatment?

Commonly abbreviated as IPL, this treatment delivers high-intensity pulses of broadband light that is non-ablative, meaning that it does not damage the surface of the skin. IPL utilizes light energy to target darkened spots on your skin. Heating these darkened and damaged spots signals the body to get rid of the unwanted skin cells. This treatment can send out multiple wavelengths at once, effectively treating more than one skin concern at a time. IPL can treat several areas such as the face, neck, chest, hands, and arms.  We recommend a series of 5 treatments for each area for the best results.

Who is a Candidate for an IPL Photofacial?

Those who benefit most from IPL are those who have sun-damaged skin, pigmented spots, facial blood vessels, and capillaries. IPL treatment can also target acne, birthmarks, age spots, discolored skin, fine lines, rosacea, and more. This treatment is ideal for individuals with pale skin. IPL is not good for individuals with light sensitivity, those who use retinol, those with keloids, and those with severe scarring. The best way to predetermine if this is the right treatment for you is through a personal consultation with one of our highly educated professionals at Coastal Medical Aesthetics.

The IPL Photofacial Treatment

While preparing for your procedure it is crucial that you avoid tanning for a month, waxing and chemical peels for two weeks, wearing makeup deodorant and perfume the day of, and any blood thinners the weeks before. Once you arrive at the office and check-in, you will be accompanied by a professional to a private medical room where your treatment will take place. Your technician will give you numbing cream if you desire and will apply the treatment gel onto your skin and provide you with protective eyewear. The IPL device will then be lightly drifted across your treatment areas. Most sessions last 20 to 30 minutes with larger areas taking an hour or longer.

IPL Photofacial Recovery and Results

Immediately after your IPL Photofacial treatment, your skin may feel like a sunburn for up to six hours. Visual side effects include redness, bruising, hyperpigmentation, and peeling. You must avoid any skin irritation in the treatment zone while you are healing. Makeup should be avoided, while moisturizing, using a sensitive cleanser, and wearing SPF are encouraged. It may take up to one week for you to return to your normal skincare regimen. Most patients receive three to seven sessions spaced three weeks apart. It may take several weeks for your skin to improve.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in enhancing the cosmetic look of your skin, IPL Photofacial treatments may be a great option for you.  To learn more about IPL Photofacials, contact us to schedule a consultation today at Coastal Medical Aesthetics in Carlsbad, CA. We will happily create a personalized treatment plan for your needs.