There are plenty of factors that can lead to an uneven complexion or unwanted changes to the color or texture of your skin. Age, genetics, and exposure to the sun are just a few of the most common contributors. The good news is that there are safe, effective, non-surgical ways to regain a radiant and youthful appearance, starting with IPL photofacials.
IPL Photofacials Defined
The initials IPL stand for intense pulsed light. This technology harnesses short bursts of full-spectrum light energy to remedy the effects of photoaging (that is, skin damage that can be attributed to prolonged exposure to the sunlight), as well as other issues with skin texture or color.
IPL technology is often applied to the face, hence the term photofacial. Applications are also available elsewhere on the body, including the upper part of the chest, the hands, and anywhere else you experience the effects of photoaging.
What Does an IPL Photofacial Treat?
Photofacials using IPL technology provide a safe, effective, non-surgical way to address a wide range of skin problems, including many problems affecting the skin’s color, texture, and tone. A few of the conditions that we can treat with IPL photofacials include:
- Sun damage
- Age spots
- Darkened or discolored spots
- Stretch marks
- Birthmarks
- Significant freckling
- 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 Do IPL Photofacials Work?
This treatment works by emitting intense bursts of light energy, which target specific colors contained in the skin. The light energy heats up the skin, which results in the shedding of outer skin layers. Unlike traditional laser treatments, IPL uses a full wavelength of light, which means it can effectively treat a wider array of skin conditions.
You should also know that IPL treatments do not damage the surrounding skin, which means this treatment is low-risk and comes with a very brief recovery time. You may experience some mild bruising or redness, but these symptoms typically subside within just a few days’ time.
Am I Eligible for IPL Photofacials?
To ensure that you are a good candidate for a safe and successful treatment, we recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our dermatology physician assistants in De Pere, WI. We will evaluate your skin condition and let you know whether an IPL photofacial is right for you, or whether there is an alternative treatment to consider.
Generally, these treatments are best for those with lighter-colored skin. We do not recommend IPL photofacials for:
- Anyone with an active acne outbreak or other ongoing skin condition
- Women who are pregnant
- Anyone with a sensitivity to light
- Those who have recently tanned via a cream, a tanning bed, or exposure to the sun
- Anyone with a skin resurfacing disorder
- Patients who have a darker skin tone
How Many IPL Photofacial Treatments Will I Need?
The answer can vary from patient to patient, depending on the type of skin disorder you are looking to address, plus the severity of your skin problem. For most patients, we recommend between four and six total sessions. Sessions are typically scheduled four weeks apart so that your skin has plenty of time to heal and recover between treatments.
Each session will last between an hour and 90 minutes. Treatments are very comfortable, and results may be evident in as little as ten days’ time.
Will My Results Be Permanent?
Without ongoing maintenance, your IPL photofacial results may begin to fade after a year. However, patients can have two or three photofacials a year, and that is usually more than enough to sustain collagen production. This can extend your skin rejuvenation benefits indefinitely. There are also simple lifestyle changes, such as always wearing appropriate sunscreen when going outside for a prolonged period of time, that can help you preserve your results.
Schedule an Appointment for an IPL Photofacial Near Oshkosh, WI
IPL photofacials can rejuvenate the skin and reverse some of the most common signs of the photoaging process. We would love to discuss the benefits and work with you to achieve your desired results. Learn about the other dermatology services we offer near Oshkosh, WI and schedule a consultation with us at (920) 944-6614.
