Intense Pulsed Light Therapy – IPL Fotofacial

Intense Pulsed Light therapy treatment is a new non-ablative, (meaning it does not damage the surface of the skin) technique, which stimulates the production of collagen to rejuvenate the skin.

fotofacial ipl therapy

IPL therapy is a non-surgical, safe and effective method to revitalize the skin, whilst removing unwanted spider veins, sun damage, age spots and some fine lines and wrinkles. It gives a smooth, glowing and more youthful appearance to blush-free skin.

In addition to this treatment, other procedures such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels and micro-dermabrasion have been used to improve all of these conditions, but they are a little more harsh on the skin.

IPL Fotofacial, intense pulsed light treatment or IPL photorejuvenation, works by delivering intense pulses of light into the dermis (deeper part of the skin) leaving the epidermis (the superficial or surface part of the skin) undamaged, in fact untouched. The energy created from the heat of the light promotes collagen production, which improves the appearance of lines and wrinkles and any of the above conditions.

There are a variety of different IPL treatments available that are offered by a variety of different IPL machines, each targeting different structures in the skin.

Pigmented lesions, specifically age spots and melasma, are targeted by the PhotoDerm PL, vascular lesions eg vascular birthmarks and spider veins are targeted by the PhotoDerm VL, and hair is targeted by Epilight and the PhotoDerm HR.


IPL Therapy Procedure

A cold gel is applied to the area prior to the treatment, and protection for your eyes will be given. The IPL procedure involves gentle pulses of the intense light over the treatment area.  Unlike a laser however, this light gives out energy over a number of wavelengths, thus permitting it to penetrate the skin’s surface without damaging it.

The abnormal and dilated blood vessels beneath the surface of the skin, shrink back to a more normal size with each pulse of light.  As they do so, the sunspots and age spots fade and reduce dramatically.

Each IPL therapy session takes approximately twenty minutes and the individual can resume their normal daily routine straight away, however a mild redness may appear for a few hours initially.


IPL Therapy Resultsfotofacial ipl therapy

Generally speaking, patients are delighted with the results of their ipl treatment as it tends to give a more youthful appearance to the treated area.

The results from a complete series of IPL therapy treatments can last up to twelve months, provide a good level of sun protection is maintained.


Advantages of IPL Fotofacial Treatment

  • Recovery time is almost instantaneous.
  • Treatments take between 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Patients can re-apply their make-up immediately after the procedure.
  • Patients can return to work on the same day as their procedure.
  • Minimal pain.
  • A relatively large area can be treated as one procedure as opposed to smaller areas with laser treatment.


Disadvantages of IPL Fotofacial Treatment

  • Between 4 and 6 treatments will be necessary for optimum results.
  • Treatments need to be spaced three weeks apart for best results.
  • Some slight side effects of a potential increase or decrease in pigment and transient redness in the treated areas.
  • Some slight pain may be experienced during the treatment but recovery is instant.
  • These side effects, can be reduced by minimizing exposure to the sun.

The full benefits and any potential risks of IPL treatment should be discussed with your consultant at the initial appointment.


Is IPL Expensive?

The cost of IPL treatments, vary according to the size of the area to be treated, however the average cost for each session of Intense Pulsed Light therapy or Fotofacial treatment is approximately $350 to $600.

Your IPL treatment cost will be determined at your initial consultation with the Fotofacial physician, when the number of treatments required will be determined.