What is IPL photofacial?

My doctor sent me an email that his office now offers IPL photo facial. When do you recommend IPL for your patients? For what skin conditions is it best?  Are there better alternatives to IPL photo rejuvenation for sun damaged skin?

3 answers to “What is IPL photofacial?”

A: Intense Pulse Light is good for treating sun spots, red spots, and fine wrinkles

Philip Young, MD
By Philip Young, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Intense Pulse Light can treat sun spots, small veins, rosacea, and other forms of skin discoloration.  This machine uses light to target your pigment and blood within your skin while sparing the other structures of the skin for less down time. You usually need 3-4 treatments to be fully effective often... more

A: I really like IPL for certain patients

Jordana S. Gilman, MD
By Jordana S. Gilman, MD - Manhattan Dermatologic surgeon

IPL uses a range of wavelengths of light to target brown (and, to a lesser degree, red) discoloration.  This discoloration occurs over time and after many years of sun exposure.  Filters are used to cut off wavelengths of light that could be harmful (in darker skinned patients, filters decrease the... more

A: IPL reduces the irregular discoloration of the skin caused by sun damage

Robert Swanson, MD
By Robert Swanson, MD - Bay Area General surgeon

Chronic sun damage causes irregular brown and red discoloration of the skin. These " sun spots" and "broken capillaries" are in the surface of the skin and make the skin look old. IPL reduces these discolorations and makes the skin tone more even and bright. It does this by heating up the... more

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Photofacial FAQ

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