IPL Treatment Vs IPL Photofacial - What is the Difference?

IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light IPL is a non-invasive technology that can correct a variety of skin conditions, such as hyper pigmentation, birthmarks, broken capillaries and vascular lesions. Some devices have a photorejuvenation program or different handpiece that can be used to stimulate the collagen production and improve the skin texture. In this case the procedure is considered an IPL Photofacial, or IPL Photorejuvenation.

The names are different, the treatment is not. This is a generic name to denote cosmetic treatment of the face with either a laser or an IPL to improve color and texture, and a little collagen stimulation.

It's interesting that the two categories have very different satisfaction levels on this site, we would not have guessed that. IPL stands for "Intense Pulsed Light" and the term is generally used to refer to a physical piece of equipment. "Intense Pulsed Light" is the type of light used by these pieces of equipment (there are many different manufacturers. "Photofacial" (fotofacial) is generally used to describe a light based (laser or IPL) facial treatment to... more

"IPL" and "photofacial"  are the same and the terms are used interchangeablly.  IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and the full name is "IPL Photofacial".  Perhaps the difference in category is due to 1 Photofacial or 1 IPL treatment versus a series of IPL Photofacials because they are done in a series of 4-6 treatments.  Some people only have one treatment and they're disappointed.  But that's very different that having one... more

The term Fotofacial was introduced by a California dermatologist, Dr. Patrick Bitter.  In a Fotofacial procedure, a series of intense pulsed light (IPL) or broad band light (BBL) treatments are performed to decrease the reds (dilated blood vessels, diffuse redness, rosacea, etc) and browns (freckles, brown spots, sun spots, etc)  in the skin at the same time.  Intense pulsed light may be used to perform a photofacial or just to decrease redness or brown spots alone, or... more

The term Photofacial can actually mean just about anything.  Photo meaning light. Facial of the face. So some people will use this for anything from laser resurfacing to nonablative devices. An IPL actually uses light, not a laser, to treat the skin. Photofacials with an IPL can be used to target redness and brown sun spots effectively. Some research suggets that it may also tighten skin but this would be a secondary gain for this type of device. So whether they call it an IPL... more

IPL and IPL photofacial are used interchangeably, but there are vast differences in the power of various machines. In my experience (I have been doing IPL since 1999), the Ellipse and Lumenis devices give better results. It is best to discuss the options with your dermatologist, providing they have experience. You can also use the physician finder on company web sites, but be sure the doctors have other credentials, not just that they bought a machine. Good luck.