IPL Photofacial

Offered at our convenient location in Raleigh, NC

IPL Photofacial is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment that targets facial imperfections such as sun damage, age spots, hyperpigmentation, and vascular lesions. It also stimulates collagen production, improving the skin’s overall texture and tone. 

This advanced technology delivers precise pulses of light to the skin, targeting specific problem areas without damaging surrounding tissue. You’ll experience little to no downtime, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule. With Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), patients can achieve healthier-looking skin with minimal hassle.

At Allen Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Amber L. Allen offers IPL Photofacial treatments to help her patients achieve a more youthful, radiant complexion. To learn more about IPL Photofacial treatments or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Allen, contact us at (919) 676-5052 or complete a simple online inquiry form for more details.

About Aging, Damaged Skin

Although changes are gradual, skin damage slowly becomes a more noticeable reality on our faces as we grow older. Whether it’s photodamage, pollution, or simply intrinsic aging, our skin gradually loses its vitality and elasticity. And as natural aging progresses, combined with environmental factors such as sun exposure and pollution, a host of issues like pigmentation irregularities, fine lines, wrinkles, and facial veins can become less subtle and more challenging to disguise. 

Collagen Production

One reason for the decline in our skin’s health is collagen depletion. Collagen is a vital part of our skin’s scaffold, the extracellular matrix. But over time, the body’s production of collagen slows down, particularly as a result of sun damage. (1) IPL targets and damages areas of abnormal pigmentation, which triggers the body’s natural healing response, a facet of which is neocollagenesis, or new collagen production.

How Does IPL Photofacial Work?

A medical professional administers IPL via an ergonomic handpiece. IPL Photofacial treatment is effective for skin rejuvenation because it causes photothermolysis. High-intensity pulses of light penetrate deep into the skin’s layers, selectively targeting and destroying specific cells or structures in the skin. These pulses emit photons (tiny particles) that carry thermal energy. The thermal energy then targets chromophores like melanin, water, and hemoglobin, destroying the targeted tissue and stimulating collagen production. (2) It is highly effective in the treatment of the following skin conditions.

  • Sun Damage 
  • Age Spots
  • Uneven Pigmentation
  • Redness (Rosacea)
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Fine Lines
  • Enlarged Pores

IPL vs. Laser

IPL PhotoFacial is a popular choice for non-surgical skin rejuvenation. It is a light energy device, not a laser, that utilizes broad-spectrum light to target specific skin concerns. In comparison, laser skin rejuvenation uses a single wavelength of focused light to target the treatment area. 

When deciding between IPL and laser skin rejuvenation, it’s important to consider your individual needs and skin concerns. Both treatments can be effective in improving skin quality and reducing signs of aging, but their differences make them more suitable for certain skin types and conditions. The best way to find out which treatment suits your needs is to book a personal consultation with a skin expert.

Benefits of IPL

IPL treatment is suitable for lighter skin types and tones, such as Fitzpatrick I-III. If you’re looking for a fast, non-invasive way to rejuvenate your skin, an IPL Photofacial may be exactly what you need. Dr. Allen is proud to offer this cutting-edge treatment to her patients in Raleigh, North Carolina. Here are the benefits you can expect from an IPL Photofacial:

  • Stimulated Collagen Production: Collagen helps to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Cell Turnover Promotion: IPL leaves you with a brighter, more youthful, balanced complexion.
  • Sun Damage Repair: If you’ve spent too much time in the sun, an IPL Photofacial can help to repair the damage caused by UV rays.
  • Age Spot Removal: IPL can help to fade age spots and other dark spots on the skin.
  • Redness Reduction: If you have redness, Rosacea, or broken capillaries on your face, an IPL Photofacial can help to reduce their appearance.
  • Fine Line and Wrinkle Reduction: This treatment can help to lessen the fine lines and wrinkles on the face, leaving you with a more youthful appearance.
  • Pore Size Reduction: IPL can help to minimize the appearance of pores, giving your skin a smoother texture.

Candidates

Ideal candidates for IPL Photofacial are those who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the results of the procedure. Whether you’re in your 20s or 60s, this treatment can be effective in addressing a wide range of skin concerns. Additionally, since IPL Photofacial is a non-invasive treatment, there is no downtime, making it a convenient option for busy individuals.

The IPL Photofacial is a good option for you if:

  • Your skin tone is blotchy or uneven
  • You have noticeable brown spots, rosacea, or redness
  • Your skin is looking older much faster than it should
  • You want to increase the volume in your face
  • You need a quick procedure with minimal downtime

Patients with darker skin tones should seek out alternatives treatments such as Erbium laser or SylfirmX. You may also explore these as well as microneedling treatments on our website.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation at the Allen Aesthetic Surgery medspa, we will conduct a thorough analysis to assess the unique needs of your skin. Based on this evaluation, we will develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific goals. 

It’s important to note that although IPL Photofacial is effective for a wide range of skin issues, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on the severity of your skin concerns, Dr. Allen may recommend a series of treatments, or an alternative treatment to achieve optimal results. 

Preparation

Before undergoing treatment, it’s important to take proper care of your skin. We will provide specific instructions for you to follow to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment. These may include:

  • Wearing a high SPF sunscreen and avoiding direct sun exposure
  • Using high-quality skincare products that are gentle on your skin
  • Telling us about any underlying medical conditions
  • Adjusting medications as necessary before and after treatment
  • Staying well-hydrated before and after your treatment session

Procedure

The procedure involves placing a cooling gel on the treatment area before applying the IPL handpiece. Patients may experience mild discomfort during the treatment, but no anesthesia or numbing cream is required. The duration of the treatment depends on the size of the treated area and the severity of the skin condition. Typically, a session lasts between 20 to 30 minutes, and most patients require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results.

After the treatment, patients may experience some redness and swelling, which usually subsides within a few hours. The treated area may appear darker initially, but this is a sign that the pigmentation is being eliminated. 

Recovery & Results

Over the next few days, the skin will gradually flake off, revealing a brighter and smoother complexion. The best part about IPL Photofacial is that it delivers long-lasting results without any downtime or recovery period. You’ll see improvements in your skin’s appearance after just one treatment, but multiple sessions are recommended for optimal results. Dr. Allen will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.

At Allen Aesthetic Surgery, we’re committed to helping our patients achieve their desired aesthetic results with safe, effective treatments. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how IPL Photofacial can help you achieve a more youthful, radiant complexion.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a highly effective procedure that utilizes laser energy to improve the texture and appearance of your skin. After the treatment, you can expect to see an improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, scarring, and hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, like IPL, laser energy stimulates collagen production, which helps to rejuvenate the skin and restore a youthful glow.

Sylfirm X RF Microneedling

Sylfirm X radiofrequency (RF) microneedling uses advanced RF technology to stimulate collagen production in the skin. This results in a firmer, smoother, and more youthful appearance. Sylfirm X is safe and effective for all skin types, making it an excellent choice for patients who want to achieve a more youthful, radiant, and refreshed appearance without undergoing surgery or more invasive procedures.

Cost of an IPL Photofacial in Raleigh

At Allen Aesthetic Surgery, we pride ourselves on providing skin rejuvenation treatments at competitive prices. Our goal is to help you achieve your desired results while staying within your budget. To learn more about our pricing for IPL Photofacial treatment, or to schedule a consultation with us, please call (919) 676-5052 or send us a message with your request.

Find out more about cosmetic surgery in Raleigh by reading Dr. Allen’s blog.

FAQ

Is there any downtime with IPL Photofacial?

The IPL Photofacial is a non-invasive treatment that requires minimal downtime. You may experience some redness or swelling immediately after the procedure, but this usually subsides within a few hours. It is recommended that you avoid direct sunlight and wear broad-spectrum sunscreen for several days after the treatment.

Is an IPL Photofacial the same as laser skin rejuvenation?

No, IPL is not a laser treatment. An IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Photofacial is a non-invasive skin rejuvenation method that uses light energy to target hyperpigmentation, sun damage, age spots, spider veins, and rosacea. The treatment also stimulates collagen production, which helps to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

References

  1. Zhang S, Duan E. Fighting against Skin Aging. Cell Transplantation. 2018;27(5):729-738. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/0963689717725755 
  2. Gade A, Vasile GF, Rubenstein R. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580525/