IPL is a light based device - Intense Pulsed Light, whereas "photofacial" is a treatment. Normally photofacials are performed with IPL devices which is why the confusion over the terms. It is significant to note that the term "photofacial" is very generic because it can... more
IPL vs. Photo Facial: what's the difference?
I think IPL and photo facial is the same thing. please correct me if wrong
2 answers to “IPL vs. Photo Facial: what's the...”
A: You are correct.
Thank you for your question. In a VAST majority of cases, IPL and photofacial are the same. A photofacial aims to get rid of red vessels and dark spots, and these are the two primary goals of the IPL. However, some people use photofacial to describe the Vbeam laser for these uses, and even more recently, the... more
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81 posts
13 Jan 2008
In most cases, “Photo Facial” treatments are the same as “IPL” treatments. The trademarked name “PhotoFacial™” refers to the use of intense pulsed light in a procedure developed by Patrick Bitter, Sr., MD, of Los Gatos, CA. “IPL,” which stands for Intense Pulsed Light, is also known as BBL or Broad Band Light. IPL is mainly used to treat “brown spots”, and “red spots.” These “brown spots” and “red spots” are usually due to sun exposure over time. When IPL is used, “brown spots” get browner temporarily, then rise to the surface and flake off in roughly 10 days. “Brown spots” are usually made of pigment just below the skin surface. “Red spots” are usually made up of small blood vessels deeper in the skin. The blood vessels in the “red spots” close up after IPL treatments, and then are broken down over several weeks time. Usually several IPL treatments are needed for best results. I usually space 4 treatments about 2 to 4 weeks apart in my office. If you are looking to decrease “red and brown spots”, discuss this with a medical doctor who is experienced in Intense Pulsed Light treatments.