IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and FotoFacial are interchangeable terms for these laser treatments.
IPL is a non-ablative, non-invasive procedure that uses controlled light in specific wavelengths to restore the smooth, even texture your skin had before exposure to sun and other environmentally damaging factors. Treatments can be performed on the Face, Neck, Chest, and/or Hands.
The benefits of FotoFacial® Treatments are consistent, visible improvement in the skin with no downtime, little discomfort and minimal risk. With FotoFacial® Treatments, for the first time, the embarrassing redness and flushing of rosacea can be dramatically reduced and sun damaged aging skin can be noticeably improved.
Any man or woman showing signs of skin damage caused by aging, sun exposure or other environmental factors.
The Fotofacial® will effectively improve facial redness and flushing, as well as the visible signs of sun damage and aging. Treatments will reduce fine wrinkling, freckling and irregular pigmentation. It will also smooth skin and reduce pore size.
IPL is gentle and safe, and it effectively treats multiple symptoms and locations in each session. It is an in-office procedure, and virtually no down time is required. IPL is a remarkably quick way to rejuvenate your complexion by removing the spots, discolorations and unwanted pigment that affect appearance. Additionally, IPL can be customized to individual skin types and conditions.
IPL is gentle and safe, and it effectively treats2 multiple symptoms and locations in each session. It is an in-office procedure with virtually no down time.1 IPL is a remarkably quick way to rejuvenate your complexion by removing unwanted veins, discolorations and pigment blemishes that affect appearance. Additionally, it can be customized to individual skin types and conditions.
Alleviate Rosacea
If you suffer from the chronic redness and flushing that characterize facial rosacea, you know how aggravating this condition can be, and how it can negatively affect so much of your life. IPL offers a practically painless and long-term solution for rosacea treatment. Results that will not only change how you look…but how you feel.
Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea
Unpronounceable, but thanks to IPL, not untreatable. The facial redness, flushing and visible blood vessels associated with this condition will gradually vanish with targeted IPL treatment. Controlled injury to the blood vessels initiates the body’s natural response to break down and remove damaged tissue. New cells rebuild and replace the problem area with clear, beautiful skin.
You need to avoid any major sun exposure for a few days before the treatment. We cannot treat skin that is injured, tanned, or sunburned. You must avoid self-tanners and tanning beds. If you are using Retin-A or retinol-based products, you must stop using the products 5-7 days before your IPL procedure. If you are using products containing Hydroquoinone, you must stop using the products 3 days prior to your IPL procedure.
A cold gel is applied to the treatment area, and patients are given protective eyewear. During treatment, the smooth glass surface of the IPL hand piece is gently applied to the skin, and precise pulses of light penetrate the area being treated. The pain level is very minimal and can be further reduced by application of a topical anesthetic and/or cold air. Most patients experience a small stinging sensation. Procedures last about 10-20 minutes, and a complete program usually includes 2-6 sessions at approximately 3-4-week intervals.
A mild amount of discomfort can be expected. A topical anesthetic is used 20 minutes before treatment, giving very little discomfort. There is little to no discomfort after the treatment.
There may be a slight redness or blotchiness to the skin, mild swelling is possible. This usually disappears after an hour. Age spots may darken soon after IPL treatments as a result of the light interacting with the pigment in your age spots, and may fade or flake off 3-4 days following your treatment.
You MUST avoid sun exposure for the first 48 hours after treatment, using an SPF of 30 or greater. It is also advisable to avoid any extremes of temperature, wind, and water during these treatments. We advise a gentle cleansing twice a day followed by application of a moisturizing sunscreen during the day or a plain moisturizer at night. You may apply make up the very next day following the treatment.
The goal with this procedure is to provide maximum benefit with minimal trauma and risk to the skin. Several treatments ensure gradual, natural-looking improvement. Results usually last a year or more.
Generally, after a series of 5 treatments, patients are satisfied with their results and come in yearly for maintenance. This can be discussed and determined between you and your provider.
Costs vary according to the size of the area, severity of the condition and other factors. IPL is generally much less expensive than laser resurfacing and cosmetic surgeries. FotoFacial/IPL packages for Full Face start at $1800.00 for 5 Treatments. IPL/FotoFacial is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance plans.