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If you are looking for a procedure that you can have done on your lunch hour, with no downtime, is non-invasive, and produces immediate results to treat a red complexion, fine wrinkles, sun spots, and large pores, then Photofacial or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment is the answer.

The photorejuvenation process works on the same principle as lasers in that IPL energy is absorbed into particular target cells with color (chromophores) in the skin.  The light energy is converted to heat energy, which causes damage to the specific target area.  Unlike lasers, this procedure utilizes many wavelengths (or colors) in each pulse of light instead of just one wavelength.  Many IPL systems may use different filters to provide the exact amount of energy output that is required to treat a specific area, thereby enhancing penetration of the light and avoiding any excessive energy use that could lead to tissue damage.  

Photofacial is a non-ablative procedure that targets the lower layers of skin (dermis) without affecting the top layers of skin (epidermis). This allows for a minimal downtime treatment. For vascular lesions, such as spider veins and vascular birthmarks, light pulses are targeted at the red-pigment (hemoglobin) in the blood which heats up and destroys the blood vessels without affecting the skin or other tissues. For pigmented lesions, such as freckles, age spots, and flat pigmented birthmarks, light pulses target the melanin in the skin’s surface which heats and destroys the melanin to remove the pigmented lesions.   The thermal effect of IPL also causes production of new collagen. From this collagen stimulation process patients will feel a significant difference in the tightness and softness of their skin and a remarkable improvement in fine lines and wrinkles. 

The treatments are relatively painless compared to other laser treatments or deep chemical peels. Anesthetics are not needed, though patients with very sensitive skin may apply a numbing cream 20-30 minutes before the procedure if desired. Avoidance of sun exposure and tanning in the days and weeks before and after the treatment is the essential prerequisite.  

Treatment of the face takes approximately half an hour. Protective eye-wear is worn by both patient and technician throughout the treatment session. Cold gel is applied to the area being treated. The smooth, glass surface of the IPL treatment head is applied to the skin, delivering precise pulses of light to the area being treated.  The sensation is compared to a light shock or snap of a rubber band. Most IPL devices often have integrated cooling systems. Some Photofacial devices have a contact cooling crystal which is applied close to the skin’s surface to eliminate discomfort for most patients.  Some technicians may choose to use an additional cooling device to offer more comfort for the patient.  

The spot size of the treatment head varies depending on the device used. The larger the spot size means a wider amount of coverage per pulse of light and, therefore, a shorter treatment time. For example, the advanced Palomar Starlux500 System uses the LuxG handpiece with a spot size of 15x10mm. Syneron eMax system uses the SRA handpiece with a spot size of 12x25mm. The Sciton BBL treatment handpiece has an even larger spot size of 15x30mm. Lumenis One device has both a 15x35mm and 8x15mm spot size handpiece. Treatment times of the face can range from 20-30 minutes.  IPL can be performed on other body areas such as the neck, chest, arms, hands, back, and legs.  

Immediately after the treatment, the area is cleansed with a mild soap and a soothing moisturizer and sunscreen is applied to the skin. Icing of the treated area may be performed if desired.

Most patients can return to work immediately after treatment and resume most of their regular activities.  A series of 4-6 sessions performed every 3-6 weeks may be needed to achieve desired results.

Photofacial treatments vary based on physician or technician, geographic location, and the treatment size/area.  The average cost for a Photofacial/IPL is $350-$600, depending on the body part.  Costs to treat one body area, such as the face, may range from $400-$2500 depending on the amount of treatments one purchases, one or a series of four or five.  Most practices will offer a discount if a series of treatments is purchased.  Prices may vary according to the treatment area and treatment time. A face can be treated faster with few pulses than a back, and, therefore, the cost to treat the face will most likely be less.  Some offices may offer reduced prices for maintenance treatments as well.

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