IPL Photofacial: Benefits & Is It Right for You?

Looking to renew your skin as you enter the new year? Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa offers a variety of skin renewal treatments to wipe away the stress and tension of the past year and uncover fresh new skin for the new year!

Among our most recommended treatments, we offer Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial therapy to improve skin tone, treat discoloration, diminish the appearance of surface imperfections, clear acne, and stimulate production of collagen and elastin, promoting improved tone, firmness, and elasticity in the skin.

What Is an IPL Photofacial?

Our Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) photofacial treatments harness the energy of light to improve your skin’s color and texture, reversing much of the visible damage caused by photoaging and excessive exposure to sunlight and the elements. Typically, the damage caused by photoaging is most visible on the areas of the face, neck, hands, and décolletage.

What conditions does IPL therapy treat?

IPL is designed to treat discoloration, such as patches of red, brown, or splotchy skin, as well as removing surface imperfections in the skin and uncovering healthy layers of new skin cells. IPL therapy is most effective in treating the following conditions:

Acne and acne scars

Age spots and liver spots

Birthmarks

Broken blood vessels in the face

Discoloration caused by hormonal changes

Facial hair

Fine lines and wrinkles

Freckles

Rosacea

Scars

Spider Veins

Stretch marks

How does the IPL Photofacial work?

The IPL Photofacial treatment is similar to a laser treatment, but instead of emitting a single wavelength of pulsating light as a laser does, the IPL device delivers multiple wavelengths of light energy, making it effective at treating various conditions at once.

The pulsated light is delivered with precision to target a specific color in your skin. As the light gently heats the skin, the pigmented spots become darker and a few days later start to “scab”. Then depending on the area treated (some parts of the body have a faster cell turnover like the face for instance, and some are slower like legs or arms) those “scabs” will begin to flake off.

After an IPL Photofacial treatment, your skin will appear younger because your skin tone will be more even and surface imperfections such as age spots and fine lines and wrinkles will be diminished. IPL Photofacial treatments do not affect surrounding tissue, so healing from the procedure is quick and painless. There is no downtime required after a photofacial treatment, but you will be advised to avoid sun exposure after treatment to protect your results.

Who is a good candidate for an IPL Photofacial Treatment?

Because treatment targets pigmentation in the skin, the IPL Photofacial is most suitable for those with lighter complexions.  Please inform Dr. Bachilo if you are pregnant, taking medications, or have any skin condition, and she will advise you whether to go ahead with treatment or postpone it to a later time.

IPL facials are not recommended for individuals with the following conditions:

Are very dark-skinned

Are prone to developing keloid scars

Have very tanned skin

Have any indications of skin cancer

Have any type of skin resurfacing disorder

Have severe scarring

Use a retinoid cream

Where can I get an IPL Photofacial in Houston?

The IPL Photofacial is a specialized cosmetic procedure that is best performed by a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon such as Dr. Olga Bachilo at Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa.

How should I prepare for my IPL Photofacial?

We recommend that you avoid wearing lotion, makeup, perfume, or any type of scented product on the day that you come in for treatment, as the products may irritate your skin during treatment.

Start the year off with a fresh new face! If you’re ready for a full facial rejuvenation to kick off the new year, there is no better time to schedule your introductory appointment with Dr. Bachilo at Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa.