IPL Photofacial
IPL Photofacial Overview
If you spend a lot of time outdoors, which many in San Diego and the surrounding areas of Southern California tend to do, your skin and appearance can be dramatically affected. Common signs of sun damage include rough, dull texture, fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots, visible blood vessels, and diffuse skin redness.
An IPL photofacial can address all of these issues. Just like going to the dentist for a teeth cleaning is necessary to keep your teeth healthy and white, regular IPL treatments keep your complexion radiant and youthful. The IPL treatment can also be combined with other laser treatments for even more effective results.
The IPL treatment can also be combined with other laser treatments for even more effective results.
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology now offers easy online booking to make scheduling quick and easy for our patients!
Length:
Each IPL Facial session lasts about 10-15 minutes each, and patients usually undergo 2-3 sessions every 1-2 months for maximum effectiveness.
Anesthesia:
No anesthesia is used, but a cooling gel and cold air is used to help minimize pain. Patients experience minimal pain and compare it to a mild rubber band snap.
In/Outpatient:
IPL Facials are performed only on an outpatient basis.
Side Effects:
Minimal side effects are associated with IPL Facial in San Diego, but a couple of common ones include mild swelling, soreness, tenderness, redness, or irritation. Despite these side effects, they are only temporary.
Risks:
There are possible complications that are associated with undergoing any type of laser skin procedure. IPL is not recommended for patients who have recently undergone a tan from the sun, because the laser will not be able to differentiate between the tanned skin color and the underlying darker pigmentation of deeper layers of the skin. Complications that may arise from this include blistering and burning.
Recovery From an IPL Photofacial Treatment:
There is little to no recovery time associated with IPL Facial. Patients can expect to go back to whatever they were doing that day, but it is recommended that they stay out of the sun. due to how sensitive the skin may be right after treatment.
The Cosmetic Laser Dermatology Difference
At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, located in San Diego, CA, our board-certified dermatologists and physician assistant are proud to offer a comprehensive variety of 60+ laser treatments to suit our patients’ unique skincare needs.
We offer the latest IPL devices at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology including the all-new Stellar M22™. All IPL devices are not the same. The Lumenis M22 and Stellar M22 IPLs are the safest and most effective on the market. They can treat virtually any skin type because of their patented Optimal Pulse Technology, which is ONLY found on the Lumenis IPL machines.
Not only did Dr. Mitchel Goldman help develop the first intense pulsed light device for treating common skin issues, but six of our dermatologists have been involved in numerous research studies involving IPL, giving our team the most experience performing IPL treatments than any other practice in the country. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov has more information on IPL photofacial treatments.
Common Conditions and Treatment Areas
IPL photofacials using Lumenis M22 or Stellar M22 are not solely for full-face photo rejuvenation; they’re excellent for improving the appearance of other parts of the body, as well, including the hands, arms, neck, and chest.
IPL is effective for a wide range of skin conditions, including:
- Sun damage, brown spots and other pigmented lesions
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Unwanted hair
- Spider veins
- Large pores
- Rosacea
- Skin irregularities
- Hyperpigmentation including melasma
- Blood vessels or vascular lesions
- Rough skin texture
Benefits of IPL:
- Removes or reduces broken facial capillaries
- Fades fine lines and wrinkles
- Minimizes redness
- Smooths rough skin
- Erases skin irregularities
- Improves skin discoloration
- Shrinks pores
How much does IPL photofacial treatment cost in San Diego?
Because each patient has a unique treatment plan, cost varies from patient to patient. Visit our Promotions page to learn about the latest deals on our services.
Schedule An IPL Photofacial at Our Medical Spa Today
Our board-certified dermatologists are currently accepting new patients and will be happy to meet with you to discuss if IPL photofacial is the right skin rejuvenating treatment for you. Contact our medical spa to schedule your consultation or to book your IPL treatment session.
What to Expect
An IPL treatment uses high-intensity pulses of light to penetrate the skin and trigger your natural healing process. The device can target multiple skin concerns in a single treatment. The Stellar M22 is highly effective in treating pigmented lesions and sun damage with powerful, short pulses and integrated cooling between pulses to reduce the risk of skin damage.
During a single 15-minute session at our San Diego office, our skilled dermatologists will target areas of noticeable sun damage or other skin concerns. The treatment is fully customizable for different applications, skin types, and conditions.
An IPL photofacial is remarkable in its efficiency. Your skin and subdermal tissue absorb the gentle yet penetrating light. If you’re having treatment for a vascular lesion, the light is absorbed by the blood. If you’re being treated for a pigmented lesion, the melanin in the skin absorbs the light and is then naturally eliminated by the body.
Side Effects
Most patients require zero downtime. Some patients may experience minimal and temporary side effects, such as swelling, redness, tenderness, and discomfort for 24-48 hours. Dark spots may crust up with a coffee grounds appearance before exfoliating from the skin’s surface.
Recovery
The effects of IPL are typically noticeable within a few days and they can remain for years with professional skincare and regular maintenance. For optimal results, we suggest 2-3 treatments spaced 4-8 weeks apart at our San Diego office, followed by 1-2 yearly sessions for maintenance and upkeep.
Now you can schedule your IPL sessions quickly and easily using our online booking form.
Read our pre/post-treatment guidelines for intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy.
Photos
Before and after Sculptra, IPL, Volbella, Clear + Brilliant and Dysport for facial rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi
Before and after Dysport, Voluma, and IPL for facial rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi
Before and After IPL and VBeam for Rosacea Treatment by Dr. Fabi
IPL and Vbeam to reduce redness by Dr. Wu
IPL and Vbeam to reduce redness by Dr. Wu
IPL and Clear + Brilliant for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Loyal
IPL and Clear + Brilliant for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Loyal
IPL and Clear + Brilliant for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Loyal
Clear + Brilliant, IPL, and Silhouette Instalift to refresh face by Dr. Fabi
Clear + Brilliant, IPL, and Silhouette Instalift to refresh face by Dr. Fabi
Clear + Brilliant, IPL, and Silhouette Instalift to refresh face by Dr. Fabi
IPL treatment and PicoWay laser to treat brown spots and redness by Dr. Wu
IPL treatment and PicoWay laser to treat brown spots and redness by Dr. Wu
IPL treatment and PicoWay laser to treat brown spots and redness by Dr. Wu
IPL treatment to reduce symptoms of rosacea by Dr. Wu
IPL and tear trough filler to rejuvenate the face of a male patient by Dr. Fabi
Combination of injectables and lasers for full skin rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi
IPL and injectables for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi
PicoWay and IPL for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Wu
PicoWay and IPL for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Wu
IPL for Chest Rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi
PicoSure and IPL to Treat Sun Damage and Rejuvenate the Skin by Dr. Wu
PicoSure and IPL for Skin Rejuvenation by Dr. Wu
PicoSure and IPL for Facial Rejuvenation by Dr. Wu
Sculptra and IPL for Chest Rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi
PicoWay Laser and IPL to Rejuvenate the Skin by Dr. Wu
PicoWay Laser and IPL for Skin Rejuvenation by Dr. Wu
Before and after IPL photofacial and Alexandrite laser to rejuvenate the chest by Dr. Boen
Before and after IPL photofacial to treat sun damage on the chest by Dr. Wu
Before and after Fraxel Re:store and IPL photofacial for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi
Before and after IPL and Picoway laser treatments for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Butterwick
Before and after Picoway laser and IPL to treat sun damage by Dr. Wu
Before and after Picoway and IPL to treat sun damage by Dr. Wu
Before and after Picoway and IPL laser to treat sun damage by Dr. Wu
Before and after IPL photofacial to treat sun damage by Dr. Groff
Before and after IPL photofacial to treat sun damage on the chest by Dr. Groff
Before and after IPL, Voluma and Dysport treatment by Dr. Fabi
Before and after IPL photofacial for facial redness by Dr. Fabi
Before and after IPL photofacial for skin rejuvenation by Dr. Wu
Before and after IPL and Picoway laser to treat brown spots by Dr. Wu
Before and after Fraxel Dual and IPL photofacial for photo rejuvenation by Dr. Fabi
Before and after IPL photofacial to treat rosacea symptoms by Dr. Goldman
Before and after IPL photofacial to reduce facial redness by Dr. Fabi
Before and after IPL, Vbeam and Alexandrite laser treatment for chest rejuvenation by Dr. Groff
Before and after IPL photofacial to treat hyperpigmentation and sun damage by Dr. Goldman
Videos
The Best Cosmetic Treatments For Skin Rejuvenation Before The Holidays | Kunal Angra, MD
Renowned Dermatologist Discusses The Impact of Skin Health on Perceived Age & Attractiveness
How to Rejuvenate Your Skin With ZERO Downtime
How to Eliminate Brown Spots and Red Spots With Lasers | Cosmetic Laser Dermatology Webinar
Simple Cosmetic Treatments to Rejuvenate Your Body
Facial Beauty Above the Mask: Eye & Forehead Rejuvenation | Cosmetic Laser Dermatology Webinar
IPL Photofacial Treatment on a Skin Cancer (3:51)
IPL Photofacial Treatment in San Diego (2:31)
IPL Photofacial Skin Treatment (1:30)
IPL Photofacial Treatment (2:41)
IPL & Clear + Brilliant Treatment (4:41)
Clear + Brilliant/IPL Combination Treatment by Leysin (0:50)
IPL Photofacial Laser Skin Treatment (1:22)
FAQs
Q: What is IPL?
Intense pulsed light, or IPL, is a light treatment designed to improve the skin by penetrating deep to repair melanin-related issues or to minimize those involving blood vessels. An IPL photofacial delivers noticeably smoother, fresher, and healthier skin.
Q: Does the treatment hurt?
Generally, since a cooling gel and cold air is used during treatment, most of our patients report minimal pain; the most common description is that the laser feels like a rubber band snapping on the skin.
Q: How long does each session take?
IPL treatments are usually performed within 5-15 minutes, although this can vary depending on the extent of the treatment you are undergoing (e.g., how broad an area or the number of areas being treated, etc.).
Q: How many sessions will I need?
The number of IPL sessions you require depends on your aesthetic goals and the condition of your skin. Typically, you can expect a series of 2-3 treatments every 1-2 months. Touch-up sessions may be necessary every 6 months to maintain your desired results.
Q: What can I expect post-treatment?
After an IPL photofacial, little to no recovery time is needed. After a treatment session, you can go right back to work or whatever your plans are for that day. Any postoperative redness is to be expected and will fade naturally.
Q: How long will my results last?
Before undergoing an IPL treatment, the skincare specialists at CLDerm will discuss with you the proper aftercare techniques that help prolong results. A simple rule of thumb is the following: the better you care for your skin, the longer the results will last. Many of our patients have seen their results last for several years, coming in every year to touch up age spots or to simply rejuvenate their skin.
Q: Is an IPL photofacial effective for all skin types?
An IPL photofacial treatment is effective for all skin types.
Q: Is IPL effective even when you have a tan?
An IPL treatment is not recommended for patients who have a genuine tan from the sun (exposure to UV rays) or even a fake tan (sprays or lotions) because the light cannot differentiate between the tanned surface skin color and the darker pigmentation at deeper layers of the skin. Even a minor tan can cause unwanted side effects, such as blisters. Patients should allow the tan to fully fade over a period of 2 to 4 weeks prior to an IPL treatment.
Q: What side effects are there?
IPL photofacials have a strong track record of safety. Typical side effects are temporary and include mild swelling, soreness, tenderness, and redness or irritation.
Q: How much does IPL photofacial treatment cost?
Because an IPL treatment is customizable, the cost varies from patient to patient. For example, if you have treated over a small area and/or for just a few age spots, your cost for treatment may be lower than for another patient undergoing more extensive treatment or having many areas being treated. Contact our dermatology experts today to learn more about pricing and financing for our skin care treatments.
Q: Will an IPL treatment increase photosensitivity?
No.
If you are more sensitive to light than you were before treatment, it’s possible that certain medications or topical skincare products are contributing to this change.
In any case, we always advise that you cover up as much as possible when in the sun, particularly following an IPL photofacial. Hats, long pants, long-sleeved tops, and broad-spectrum sunscreen are your best defenses against recurring damage.
Q: Is IPL the best treatment for uneven skin tone?
The best way to know this for sure is to see your trusted neighborhood dermatologist.
Q: Does IPL always work for freckles?
IPL’s efficacy against freckles depends on a number of factors, including your skin type, the kind of freckle you want to be treated, how your skin reacts to laser energy, and the skill/technique of the practitioner performing the procedure. For the best advice, schedule a consultation with San Diego’s Cosmetic Laser Dermatology.
Q: What is the difference between IPL and laser resurfacing?
IPL uses a broad spectrum of light to target a variety of skin concerns in one session, while laser resurfacing uses a single wavelength of light to deliver precise energy to specific skin tissues. IPL is typically a gentler process compared to laser resurfacing.
Other Options
Clear + Brilliant is a great alternative to IPL for pigmented lesions. It is considered a gentler version of a traditional fractional resurfacing treatment. Clear + Brilliant noticeably improves hyperpigmentation, brown spots, sun damage, and large pores without damaging the skin.
A Pulse Dye Laser (V-Beam, Cynergy) is an alternative to treating blood vessels or excessive redness of the skin.
Although an IPL photofacial treatment is an excellent standalone treatment for a variety of skin conditions, it can be combined with other procedures for even more enhanced results. Along with simple proper skin care, these can include chemical peels, various types of non-invasive lasers treatments, and injectables. To learn which expert cosmetic treatments will work best for you, contact Cosmetic Laser Dermatology today.
Promotions
For more information about the monthly specials offered at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego, visit our Promotions page.
