Overview
Whether you're a lifelong tanner or you do your best to avoid the sun, you probably have some sun damage on your face, such as freckles and sun spots. Even among those without brown discolorations, some patients have telangiectasias or small red vessels on their face. Dr. Alan Brackup employs highly trained registered nurses to perform this laser, also known as a photofacial, to treat sun damage and other issues on the face, neck, chest, and hands. Cosmetic Surgery Specialists uses the Cynosure Palomar Icon system, which is a combination laser and optimized light platform. The Palomar Icon system diminishes and often completely resolves vascular lesions, pigment spots, and overall redness with minimal downtime. The laser energy breaks up skin irregularities while promoting new skin growth for long-term benefits. IPL photofacials can improve the tone of your skin for a smoother, rejuvenated appearance.
IPL Photofacial Reviews
Procedure technique
Photo rejuvenation is a noninvasive procedure. With IPL, the RN utilizes pulses of light strong enough to damage skin lesions and initiates a healing process that will start production of new skin tissues. Typically, cold gel is applied on the skin to help with any discomfort. If desired patients may use the Zimmer Cooler which provides a cold blast of air to ease any discomfort. The eyes are also protected from the intense light. The treatment lasts for roughly 30 minutes. Patients are able to return to their normal routine after a few hours.
What to Expect
Side effects are mild. Redness, swelling, and bruising are normal right after treatment. After a few days, crusting and darker brown patches may be present. Some patients will look like they have coffee grinds scattered on their face. It is important to not pick the skin as it is undergoing a normal process as it heals itself.
IPL Photo Rejuvenation FAQs
Temporary Side Effects?
Side effects are mild. Redness, swelling, bruising are normal right after treatment. After a few days, blisters and crusting and skin peeling may be present. The patient must not pick on the skin as it is undergoing a normal process as it heals itself.
Pre-Treatment Prep?
It is recommended for patients who are scheduled for an IPL photo treatment to refrain from tanners and exposure to sun 1 month prior to schedule. There are also medications that must be avoided such as minocycline, tetracycline, doxycycline or Retin-A/Renova two weeks before the procedure. These precautions minimizes and risks of complications and reactions the laser light may cause. To help minimize bruising, patients may be asked not to take aspirin or ibuprofen for one week before the treatment.
Sun Exposure?
Although patients will not be as sensitive to sun exposure as one might think after undergoing the IPL, going out under the sun must be a limited activity especially in between treatments. Sunblock must be regularly applied. This also helps in minimizing possible recurring skin issues like sun spots and wrinkles.
Single Session Only?
Several sessions of IPL may be required to treat the issues you have. They are spread across several months so the skin heals naturally in between treatments.
