Intense Pulsed Light (IPL or Photofacial) therapy, the gold standard for performing photorejuvenation, is an incredible new mini-procedure that can diminish or eliminate the following skin problems:

age/liver spots fine wrinkles shrinks pores redness Rosacea - broken capillaries telangiectasia (purple or blue veins on the face) hemangiomas (sacks of red, purple, or blue blood vessels resembling a blister) fades brown spots and freckles reverses sun damage port wine stains spider veins flat birth marks hypo-pigmentation evens out rough skin, leaving a smoother glowing texture.

(And yes, IPL therapy can also perform hair removal.)

Not only does Intense Pulsed Light therapy offer a variety of benefits, it has almost no downtime associated with it. In other words, IPL laser treatments gives you the benefits of a medium-depth laser, chemical peel or other type of resurfacing/rejuvenation procedure without the blisters, burns and long recovery time. It is also the only proven therapy to help with redness (rosacea, flushing, etc)! Many patients report a reduction in pore size, smoother skin, and fewer wrinkles after the procedure.

IPL/PhotoFacial FAQs

How does the PhotoFacial process work for treating skin?
How many PhotoFacial skin treatments are needed?
What are the advantages of Photo Facial?
Will PhotoFacial treatments help my acne scars?
Does PhotoFacial have side effects after skin treatment?
How do I prepare for my PhotoFacial treatment?
What else makes IPL treatments beneficial?

How does the PhotoFacial process work for treating skin?

An intense light is emitted in a series of gentle pulses over the entire face at intervals of approximately three weeks for a series of five treatments. This special light which is different than laser treatments emits light over many wavelengths allowing the light to penetrate to all the levels of the skin where abnormal easily dilated vessels can be found. Lasers produce on a single wavelength of light and are limited in depth of penetration and what they can treat.

PhotoFacial for photodamaged skin.

PhotoFacial treatments help patients who suffer from photo-aging of the skin, such as pigmentation from sun exposure (age spots), irregularities of skin texture. Photo Facial also improves some mild acne scars and reduces large pores and dark circles around the eyes and helps to reduce fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth.

How many PhotoFacial skin treatments are needed?

Early clinical experience has shown that optimum outcomes and high patient satisfaction are derived in a series of five outpatient treatment. After your initial series of 3-5 treatments it is possible to require a follow-up treatment in 2 or more years. We will educate you in ways of caring for your skin to help diminish the likelihood of future treatment.

What are the advantages of PhotoFacial?

You can have glowing, smooth, blush-free skin with finer lines and more youthful looking skin with NO DOWN TIME from work or play. You can usually go to work the same day or the following day without stares of friends and strangers. No procedure has ever been developed that can accomplish so much with such low risk and no down time.

The procedure was implemented after years of research and development at the Institute of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in California by Dr. Patrick Bitter. PhotoFacial treatments were developed for the active, busy patient for whom time and appearance are important.

Will PhotoFacial treatments help my acne scars?

Yes. Certain more shallow scars including fine lines will be improved, but ice pick type acne scarring and deep scars will not be helped. Laser resurfacing may be indicated here.

Does PhotoFacial have side effects after skin treatment?

Yes. Most side effects are mild and of short duration. These can consist of short term discomfort during the actual treatment. There is usually additional redness immediately following treatment, lasting less than 24 hours in most people, on rare occasions it may last up to three days. Mild blistering and bruising is possible but in our experience occur in less than 1% and usually clear very quickly.

Post treatment pigmentation has been noted on occasion, but is highly treatable and fortunately very rare. Even more rare is a decrease in pigmentation of the skin after treatments. This also clears in time as well. We have never seen a scar or infection of the skin after treatment but it can occur. Swelling of the face for 3-5 days occasionally occurs and is most common in severely sun damaged skin due to reduced quality of connective tissue around the blood vessels.

We have extensive experience with patients who have sensitive skin, always listen to their concerns, and treat accordingly so that the most sensitive skin type is treated safely.

How do I prepare for my PhotoFacial treatment?

Each treatment lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes. During this time, any additional questions will be answered. Prior to your appointment, all make-up or creams must be removed. Men will be asked to shave on the day of treatment prior to arrival at the office.

Care must be taken in patients who get fever blister attacks on the face. An anti-herpes medication can be taken thus avoiding the problem. If any herpatic lesions or bacterial infections are noted on the day of the procedure the treatment will be canceled until the condition has been treated and completely healed.

Eye shields/goggles will be applied to protect the eyes. A soothing gel will be placed on the skin prior to treatment, which will help reduce discomfort, when the machine flashes you may be startled. After the procedure you may be asked to ice the area and will be given any additional post treatment instructions as necessary.

What else makes IPL treatments beneficial?

Intense Pulsed Light can safely and effectively treat ALL skin types ranging from white to black. All skin colors and hair colors, except white hair, respond well to the treatment. Patients find IPL less painful than laser treatment, electrolysis, and waxing.

Side effects are very rare (less than 1% of patients) and usually involve a temporary change of skin color (lightening or darkening) that can last for several weeks or months.

For best results, all patients should be at their lightest skin color at time of treatment. It is safer to treat the darkest skinned patient who is at his or her lightest than to treat a light skinned patient that has been recently tanned!