IPL Photofacial

What is an IPL?
IPL (intense pulsed light) Photofacial is an innovative way too quickly, safely, and comfortably improve your skin’s texture, tone, and color. Through a non-invasive method of photo-rejuvenation, IPL treats photo-aged skin, removes pigmented lesions, and diminishes redness caused by broken capillaries. IPL helps restore a more youthful appearance, leaving skin clear and healthy looking without any downtime.

Who Is a Good Candidate?
Those with a higher Fitzpatrick score, those with a tan or active sunburn and those with melasma are not good candidates. Because the light of the laser is targeting pigment, darker skin tones can actually become discolored and melasma patches can become darker.

How does  IPL Photofacial work?
Just before an IPL treatment, your treatment provider will provide you with protective eyewear and apply the gel to the areas to be treated. During the treatment, the cool, glass surface of the Alma IPL handpiece is gently applied to the skin. A pulse of light is then delivered to the skin surface. Many clients describe the feeling like a mild, brief pinching sensation.

Will my skin look bad afterward?
Immediately following an IPL treatment, you may have some slight reddening of the skin which typically subsides within a couple of hours*. Sun damage spots and age spots temporarily darken, and over the course of 1-3 weeks, the darkened spots will flake off and fade, leaving you with a clear complexion*.

Can I combine Pixel Resurfacing with other treatments?
Yes! Combining IPL and Pixel (Signature Glow) laser therapies in one treatment session is highly recommended as they offer a synergistic result. The dual action of the two laser arms causes your skin to gently peel away while clearing unwanted pigmentation leaves your skin unblemished and smooth with beautiful skin tones.

When will I see results?
Many clients see significant improvement within the first few treatments, IPL Photofacial provides gradual, natural improvement with excellent long-term results. You will notice a reduction in redness, flushing, and dilated capillaries*. Your skin will look healthier as sun damage, fine lines, pore size, and irregular pigmentation is minimized. Results from an IPL treatment series typically last for a year or longer.

How many treatments do I need to see results?
Even with just one treatment, your skin will look noticeably improved. On average, 4-6 treatments are recommended, scheduled at 3-4 week intervals. However, results may vary on an individual basis.

Will the spots and redness reappear over time?
Over time, new spots may appear if there is sufficient sun exposure. These can also be removed*. It is imperative to apply sunscreen when outdoors to minimize sun damage and the appearance of new spots and excessive redness.

Before Treatment

• Avoid sun exposure for 1 to 3 weeks prior to treatment and use SPF 30 daily to ensure coverage against UVB and UBA rays.
• Do not use self-tanning products for 1 to 3 weeks prior to and/or post-treatment.
• Discontinue use of Tretinoin type products (Renova, Tretinoin, Retin A, Retin A Micro, Tri-Luma, Solage, etc.) at least 2 or 3 days prior to treatment.
• Discontinue use of Hydroquinone 2 or 3 days prior to treatment.
• If you have a history of cold sores, begin prophylactic treatment with Valtrex or similar no later than the day prior to IPL.
• Notify the center if you develop a cold sore, acne, open lesions in the area being treated, or experience any type of illness prior to your treatment.
• Avoid, if possible, Ibuprofen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories for 3 days prior to and/or post-treatment.
• Botox and/or fillers within 2 weeks prior to IPL is not recommended.

After Treatment

• You may experience a sunburned sensation immediately following treatment, although rare, some slight swelling is possible.
• Darkening of freckles and other areas is normal. If this occurs, do not pick or exfoliate the areas. They will flake off or lighten on their own over the next week if on the face and over the next several weeks if on the body.
• If you experience a burn, gently cleanse the area and use hydrocortisone cream on the area several times a day for the next week. If the mark opens, also use antibiotic ointment over the hydrocortisone cream. Please notify us immediately of any burns.
• Use SPF 30 or higher daily on treated area if exposed.
• You may generally resume normal skincare regimen after three days following
  treatment or sooner if advised by your technician.
• Make-up may be applied the day after your treatment or sooner if advised by your technician.

Follow Up Care
The frequency and number of treatments required to achieve your desired outcome completely depend upon the condition of your skin. For optimal dramatic and sustainable results, on average, 4-6 treatments are recommended, scheduled at 4-5 week intervals. However, one treatment can refresh the skin!

• Malignant or pre-malignant pigmented lesions
• Photosensitive medications (e.g. Alpha Hydroxyl or Glycolic Acid) within a week of treatment
• Pregnancy
• Known anticoagulative or thromboembolic condition or use of anticoagulation medication
• Uncontrolled Diabetes
• Active infection at the site of treatment
• Pacemaker or internal defibrillator
• History of seizures triggered by light
• Use of Isotrentinoin (Accutane) within the past 6 months
• Presence of a deep suntan, sunburn, or artificially toned skin. Avoid sun exposure and tanning, including self-tanning products for 2-4 weeks prior to treatment. Remove skin bronzers completely prior to treatment. A sunscreen with SPF 35 or more should be used on any treatment areas exposed to the sun. If you have recently tanned you will be instructed to stay out of the sun and return for treatment when the tan has faded