A photofacial or fotofacial is a skin treatment in which the doctor uses some kind of light-based technology. They are typically used to increase collagen production and treat discolored skin. The two main types are LED and IPL photofacial.
What is an LED Photofacial?
LED stands for Light-Emitting Diode, and an LED photofacial uses narrow spectrum light to kill acne-causing bacteria and boost collagen production. It is a very gentle treatment. LED photofacials are painless and relaxing.
What is an IPL Photofacial?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light, and it is a type of laser therapy used to treat broken capillaries, spider veins, brown spots and facial redness.
The practitioner uses a hand-held device to deliver short blasts of powerful light to under the skin’s surface. The light will break up the melanin that creates age spots or the blood vessels that create spider veins.
It will also stimulate fibroblasts in the dermis to make more collagen that will smooth wrinkles and otherwise improve the skin’s texture.
The patient typically needs three to six treatments to get the desired results, and the treatments are usually three to six weeks apart.
What happens during the IPL Photofacial treatment?
The treatment will be given in a laser room. The practitioner will give the patient protective glasses or eyepads to wear. He will then apply a cool gel to the area being treated, and will gently press the device against the patient’s skin.
After the treatment, the practitioner will wipe off the gel, wash the treatment area, and then apply a moisturizer and sunscreen. A treatment takes 30 to 90 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.
How should the patient prepare for treatment?
The patient should avoid self-tanners and sun exposure for two to four weeks before the treatment. The practitioner may ask the patient to stop taking aspirin a week before the treatment.
How long do the results last?
The results of an IPL Photofacial treatment typically last about six months. They can last longer if the patient uses sunscreen and limits their exposure to the.
Conversely, the results don’t last as long if the patient spends a lot of time in the sun or doesn’t use sunscreen.
Who is not a good candidate for IPL?
People with severe scarring, acne or rosacea may not be ideal candidates for IPL photofacial. Pregnant women should not undergo IPL.
If you’re interested in IPL photofacial, contact Kaniff Cosmetic Medical Center today.
