Over time, the sun takes a real toll on our skin, sometimes contributing to uneven complexion, sunspots, and other unwanted changes to skin color and texture. IPL photofacials provide a non-surgical solution, allowing you to address red, brown, or splotchy skin and to regain a clear, radiant look.
At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, we are pleased to offer IPL photofacials to our patients in the Appleton and Green Bay communities.
What is IPL Photofacial?
This treatment relies on intense pulsed light (IPL) technology, which is a non-surgical method to correct issues with skin color or texture. Photofacials are most commonly used to remedy some of the damage done through prolonged sun exposure (or what is known as photoaging), though it can also help to correct issues caused by other health conditions.
Also, note that, while the term photofacial obviously denotes application to the face, photoaging can also affect the hands and upper chest. IPL therapy can be used on these body parts, as well.
What Does IPL Photofacial Treat?
IPL photofacials can treat a wide range of skin problems, including different issues that affect the color, evenness, or texture of your skin. Some of the conditions that can be treated with IPL photofacials include:
- Stretch marks
- Birthmarks
- Age spots
- Sun damage
- Darkened or discolored spots
- Freckles
- Broken blood vessels
Meet Our Team
At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, our dermatology physician assistants, Colleen Van Egeren, PA-C and Megan MacCarthy, PA-C, have 34 years of combined experience treating various skin conditions. As dermatology specialists, they would love to talk with you about your needs and recommend a skincare treatment program just for you.
How Does IPL Photofacial Work?
Through the use of light energy, IPL photofacials target a specific color contained in your skin.
Targeted pulses of light will then cause the skin to heat up, prompting the skin to shed the unwanted skin cells. IPL photofacials work differently than conventional laser treatments, using a full wavelength of light. This enables IPL to treat a much broader range of conditions.
The light from an IPL photofacial will not damage any of the surrounding skin, which means that the procedure is not only safe but comes with a brief recovery time. Patients who get IPL photofacials tend to look younger and enjoy a more even skin tone.
There is really no recovery time to speak of, though you can expect some redness or mild bruising following your treatment. These effects usually subside within a week.
Who is and Who is Not a Candidate for Photofacial?
It is important to schedule a consultation with one of our dermatology physician assistants in order to ensure that you are a good candidate for safe and successful treatment. IPL photofacials work best for patients with pale or light brown skin.
We typically do not recommend this treatment for women who are pregnant or for any patients who have active skin conditions, such as acne outbreaks. Additionally, avoid IPL photofacials if you:
- Have a sensitivity to light
- Have recently used a tanning bed or tanning cream
- Have recently spent a lot of time sunbathing
- Have severe scarring or a skin resurfacing disorder
IPL photofacials usually do not work as well for patients who have darker skin. If you want to know more about how IPL will work with your skin tone, the best approach is to schedule a consultation with one of our skin specialists at the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic.
How Many IPL Photofacial Sessions Do I Need to See Results?
The number of treatments required can vary from one patient to the next and typically depends on the condition you are hoping to treat, as well as the severity of your skin problems. For most patients, we will recommend between four and six total sessions. These sessions are scheduled four weeks apart.
A single session takes between 15 and 30 minutes. There is some mild discomfort during the treatment but is generally very well tolerated. While it can take several weeks to see full results, many patients begin noticing improvement to their complexion in as little as ten days.
How Long Will IPL Photofacial Results Last?
The results of an IPL photofacial will not last forever, though most patients are able to enjoy their results for up to a year. We also recommend coming in for maintenance treatments, which can help extend your results even further. Two to three IPL sessions a year can be enough to sustain collagen production and experience revitalized skin long-term.
Additional ways to prolong your results include wearing sunscreen when you go outside, limiting direct exposure to the sun, and otherwise protecting your skin from damage.
Schedule an IPL Photofacial with the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery
Looking to renew your skin and reverse problems of texture, tone, or color? IPL photofacials provide a safe, effective, non-surgical solution. With over 32 years of combined experience in dermatology, our specialists are ready to offer quality skincare solutions for patients in Green Bay, Appleton, and the surrounding communities.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation at (920) 380-9890.
