I'm Confused Why the % Ratings Are Different for Photofacial Reviews Vs. Specific IPL Laser Ratings?

I wanted to get a photofacial because the ratings are so good... I went and asked the gal about the laser she was using. I asked if it was a 'photofacial' laser. She said well, it's a type of a photofacial laser, there are many. She said this one is a limelight. I went home and searched those reviews - horrible - even scary!! Then looked at other photofacial laser reviews, also bad. So, I'm really confused. What is a photofacial and how can I be sure to get the 'right' laser treatment?

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2 Doctor Answers | Asked by onea

Doctor Answers (2)
Community Comments (1)

Photofacial vs. Laser, etc.

Hi Onea. Yes, the laser world can be very confusing, we agree. The first issue we would like to address is that the "photofacial" is a service not a laser. Photofacial is a generic term for using a light based device to improve the color or texture of the skin. The second issue is that an IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) device which is used to provide a photofacial is NOT a laser. Because it is not a laser it's not as specific at target sun spots, blood vessels or... more

Harold J. Kaplan, MD

4 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.celibre.com

Photofacial vs Fotofacial vs IPL

Thank you for your question. The world of lasers and laser treatments is certainly confusing! Photofacials (also called FotoFacials) are a procedure, not a machine. They are done by IPL (intense pulsed light) and the term was coined by some of the original creators of the devices to describe the activity taking place. Fortunately, and unfortunately, both names kind of stuck, and so there is much confusion. Also confusing is that IPLs are lights, not lasers, but they are often referred to as... more