How our IPL Photofacial Can Banish Pigmentation Issues From Age Spots to Rosacea and More

The IPL photofacial is a noninvasive cosmetic procedure that treats a wide array of skin conditions. IPL stands for intense pulsed light. 

If you’ve had laser treatments or perhaps heard about them, IPL works in a similar way. The light heats your skin, which targets certain unwanted cells that may be the culprit of your issues. 

IPL differs in that it emanates light in different wavelengths at one time. Our practitioners at Limmer Dermatology in San Antonio, Texas, customize the wavelengths to your skin’s type and condition. Therefore, IPL addresses multiple skin issues at once during your procedure!

What does it treat, and who is it for?

IPL is most well-known for treating hyperpigmentation-related skin issues, such as age spots, acne scars, and melasma.  However, it has many more clinical applications. IPL can treat rosacea, fine lines, varicose veins, and more. 

If you have sensitive skin, you may prefer to opt for an IPL photofacial over other treatments. 

For example, while the light from a laser is more targeted and concentrated, the light therapy of IPL is much more dispersed across the skin surface. This allows us to prevent damage to the epidermis, the top layer of your skin, while working on your dermis, the deeper layer.

Some individuals must take extra care to seek professional advice before receiving IPL therapy. 

For example, if you’re pregnant, have an inflammatory skin condition like eczema, experience severe scarring, or have taken Accutane® within six months, we may not recommend IPL for you at this time. 

Be sure to inform us of any relevant information from your medical history during your consultation, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

How to prepare and what to expect.

We ask you to stop using any topical retinoid products at least a week before your procedure. Proper sun protection is always important but particularly so before and after an IPL procedure. Don’t deliberately sunbathe or tan surrounding the procedure.

We provide you with sunglasses to protect your eyes during your IPL session. It might be slightly uncomfortable on the skin, occasionally producing a mild stinging sensation, but it’s a pretty gentle overall process for its effectiveness. 

The length of an IPL session varies based on your particular treatment area, but it takes an average of about 30 minutes to complete. We often recommend multiple IPL sessions for the best results. 

To make an appointment with us at our San Antonio, Texas, office or ask any questions, call us at 210-496-9929, request an appointment online or send us a message here at any time.