Photofacials (IPL) in San Diego, CA
IPL® photofacials rely on various wavelengths of light to correct common skin concerns, such as blemishes and hyperpigmentation. La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic offers IPL® photofacials for men and women in San Diego, Encinitas, La Mesa, El Cajon, and surrounding areas of California.
About Light And Your Skin
Medical lights have specific “targets” that they go after. Brown and red pigmentation targets are the primaries of IPL. When the light is absorbed, brown pigment shatters and red pigment coagulates. it is this process that removes both brown and red from your skin.
Intense pulse light (IPL) treatments with the M22™ provide safe and reliable resolution of many skin abnormalities through the process of photo rejuvenation. IPL skin treatments are ideal for patients who desire to even the tone and texture of their skin, while reversing the signs of photo aging or sun damage. There is minimal discomfort during the procedure (IPL is not like laser, which has higher energy). Due to the low energy used and the aid of the sapphire chill tip, which provides pre- and post-cooling of the treatment area, the need for topical anesthetic is minimal.
Since the treatments do not require downtime for healing, IPL is an appealing choice. After your session, you may apply your make-up and resume your normal activities. We do ask you to avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear SPF 30 on a regular basis.
IPL treats a wide variety of skin conditions:
- Actinic keratoses
- Rosacea
- Sun damage
- Flushing
- Skin texture
- Redness
- Broken capillaries
- Brown spots
- Age spots
- Dark circles around the eyes
- Sun-induced freckles on the hands, chest and face
- Broken capillaries around the nose
Common IPL Questions
What Is IPL Or Intense Pulse Light?
Intense pulse light (IPL) is a treatment that addresses a variety of benign skin conditions such as photo damage, broken blood vessels, pigmentation and other blemishes. It is a safe, noninvasive treatment that can be tailored to meet your particular needs.
How Is The IPL Photo Rejuvenation Treatment Performed?
The skin is first cleansed. Your eyes are covered with protective glasses or eye shields and a thin layer of cold ultrasound gel is applied to the skin. The chilled sapphire crystal tip of the hand piece is placed onto the skin and the light is pulsed. The chill tip eliminates the need for topical anesthetic. The treatment takes about 20 minutes per treatment area.
What Is Recovery Like After IPL Treatment?
Downtime is at most 2-3 days. It is okay to wear sunscreen and makeup immediately following IPL treatment. About 1-2 days after treatment, the patient can expect a “coffee ground” appearance of skin and may notice that the pigmentation of their skin is darker or more noticeable, which is normal. The pigment being treated will get worse (darker) before it gets better. During the treatment, the pigment is broken up by the broad band light, which then causes it to be eliminated by the body. As this is happening, the pigment may appear somewhat darker than normal. The patient may also experience mild dryness or flaking of the skin, for which they can use their regular moisturizer or aloecort.
Why Are Multiple Treatments Necessary?
The IPL treatments are recommended in a series of 4 to 6 sessions, after which you will be given a maintenance schedule to maintain your results depending on the condition of your skin and severity of your problem. You will be able to resume your normal activities immediately after the treatment. By dividing the treatments into a series, you will see gradual improvement with minimal risk.
How Do Other Treatments Compare To Photo Rejuvenation?
While there are many lasers, most will address either brown pigmentation or broken capillaries. IPL technology allows both vascular and benign pigmented lesions to be addressed in a single treatment without interruption in your busy lifestyle.
What Conditions Can IPL Photo Rejuvenation Treat?
IPL technology helps to reverse the sign of aging creating smoother looking skin, it evens out the skin tone and texture. After a series of treatments, you will see a reduction of unwanted pigmentation and broken capillaries. The same treatment can be used effectively to treat the face, neck, chest, arms and hands.
What Makes Photo Rejuvenation With Lumenis M22™ Special?
Lumenis M22 is a true fifth generation intense pulsed light system with patented state of the art technology which optimizes power, pulsing and light delivery to provide maximum results, comfort and safety. While lower powered technology may perform skin treatments using Photo rejuvenation, there is a visible difference in results. Lumenis M22 treatments are fast. With the large spot size and 1Hz repetition rate, a full-face treatment can be completed in 15 minutes.
Photofacials (IPL) FAQs
What Does an IPL Photofacial Do?
An IPL photofacial is a non-invasive treatment that uses quick bursts of light energy to address a variety of skin conditions. This treatment specifically targets issues related to pigmentation, such as freckles, age spots and port-wine stains.
What are the Benefits of an IPL Photofacial?
The IPL photofacial is beneficial in treating many skin conditions and concerns, including:
- Sun spots and freckles
- Hyperpigmentation
- Skin redness and rosacea
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne and acne scars
- Enlarged pores
- And more!
How Long Does IPL Take to Heal?
The IPL treatment boasts very little downtime. Patients are able to wear makeup and resume normal activities immediately after treatment. Any swelling, sensitivity or other side effects typically heal within a week.
How Many IPL Treatments Does it Take to See Results?
The number of IPL treatments needed for optimal results can vary, but most patients achieve their cosmetic goals with between three and five treatments. Keep in mind that dark spots and freckles can appear darker for the first few days after treatment.
How Long Do Photofacial Results Last?
The results from an IPL photofacial will last for years. However, it is important to note that they cannot prevent signs of aging or sun damage from developing in the future. Patients are encouraged to maintain healthy lifestyle habits following treatment to make their results last as long as possible.
Learn more about the incredible results that can be achieved with IPL® photofacials. La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic offers IPL® photofacials for men and women in San Diego, Encinitas, La Mesa, El Cajon, and surrounding areas of California. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.