High-tech cosmetic treatments are earning a reputation for being highly effective, skin-friendly treatments that are highly customizable to each patient’s unique needs – including yours! At Steele Creek Dermatology in Charlotte, NC, we know one of the most popular energy-based treatments is IPL Photofacial, a revolutionary treatment that utilizes the power of light to completely refresh and restore your skin.
What Is IPL Photofacial Good For?
An IPL Photofacial is one of the most adaptive energy-based treatments around because it is capable of addressing a dynamic variety of skin-related concerns. As a facial treatment, the light energy emitted by the handheld treatment device is applied to your skin to stimulate the body’s natural rejuvenating abilities to reverse visible skin imperfections. Sometimes this is done by inciting an increase in collagen production deep in the sub-dermal layers of your skin, and other times this is done by speeding up your natural skin cell turnover cycle.
Specifically, this treatment is ideal for reducing skin-related concerns such as:
Pigmentation
Pigmentation issues can be caused by unprotected UV exposure and sun damage, or they can happen as a result of the natural aging process. For example, while melasma (dark spots) are generally caused by hormonal fluctuations, freckles and broken capillaries on the face are caused by sun damage.
Uneven Tone and Texture
Uneven tone and texture typically have several causes, many of them compounded over a long period of time. Uneven skin texture, for example, is often the result of chronic dryness and skin conditions, whereas uneven skin tone can be caused by medical conditions, irritation from skin care products, or previous skin conditions.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Both fine lines and wrinkles are the result of the natural aging process, which slows down collagen production and allows the skin to lose essential elasticity. Fine lines and wrinkles both have a tendency to develop on areas of your face closely associated with facial expressions.
Acne
Acne is caused by both an inability to naturally shed dead skin cells quickly enough and by bacteria trapped by oil and dirt on the skin. Photofacials can kill acne-causing bacteria to help control breakouts, minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, and reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Scarring
Both scarrings from injury and scarring related to acne are the result of improper fibrin and collagen distribution during the healing process. While a photofacial can’t break down collagen tissue, it can increase the collagen in the surrounding skin to soften the appearance of textured scars.
What Is Treatment Like?
This treatment consists of an appointment that lasts for about 20 to 30 minutes, making it an ideal “lunchtime” treatment. Patients are encouraged to arrive at the appointment with a face free of make-up. Your treatment will involve a technician moving the treatment device over your face to ensure that every inch of the intended treatment area receives enough light energy.
How Quickly Can You See Results?
Patients are generally able to see results starting about one week after the initial treatment appointment. How quickly you can see your results will depend on some factors, such as your age and the skin condition that the photofacial is treating. Optimal results for this treatment are usually visible several weeks after the initial appointment.
How Long Do Results Last?
The results of IPL Photofacials can last for a few years under the right conditions. Although you will require several treatment appointments to achieve the desired results, you can expect the results of this treatment to last for at least 12 months, at a minimum.
The length of time your results last will usually depend on your age and the conditions being treated. For example, if you are using a photofacial to reduce the visible signs of aging, your results may fade over time. Treatments for scars, on the other hand, may last for a much longer time or be permanent, depending on location and skin condition.
How Many Treatments Will You Need?
The number of treatments you will need is determined by factors related to age, your skin condition, and your aesthetic goals. It’s common for patients to require at least four treatment appointments spaced about three to six weeks apart. Patients who have mild concerns may need only three treatments, while patients with moderate and severe concerns may require more than six treatments.
The frequency of your treatments will be determined by your age as well, as mature skin may require treatments closer together to properly encourage collagen production and skin cell turnover. We will help you determine the ideal frequency for your treatments so you can achieve your aesthetic goals.
How Can You Enhance Results?
Absolutely! There are actually several things you can do to enhance the results of your treatment. For example, protecting your skin from UV rays will prevent further damage and premature aging. It’s also important to establish a good skincare routine and use products that are ideally suited to treat your specific concerns.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Whether you have mild skin concerns or you’re contending with troubles as complicated as dynamic wrinkles, you are likely a good candidate for this treatment. We determine good candidacy for this treatment during a consultation appointment, which allows us to get a better idea of your specific skin concerns.
Refresh and Restore Your Skin With IPL Photofacial
It’s time to get serious about refreshing and restoring your skin to achieve your skin-perfecting goals. Contact Steele Creek Dermatology in Charlotte, NC to schedule your first IPL Photofacial treatment today!
