IPL Photofacial
What is IPL and how does it work?
Dermatologists have been using lasers since the mid-1980s to treat rosacea. Today, a state-of-the-art non-laser light therapy called intense pulsed light (IPL) is available for rosacea treatment, often used in combination with topical therapies. IPL can safely and effectively reduce dilated blood vessels, persistent redness or flushing, and acne-like breakouts. It also treats the brown spots of sun-damage, called melasma and lentigines. It works by sending a low-energy beam of light directly into the affected skin. For many patients frustrated with topical and/or oral medications to treat rosacea, IPL is the gold standard treatment for long-lasting results. There is no downtime associated with this treatment so patients often return to work immediately after treatment sessions.
What does it feel like?
It is generally described as tolerable discomfort. Some patients say it feels like warm pinpricks or rubber band snaps on the skin. We do offer topical numbing cream and ice to make our patients feel more comfortable during treatment if needed.
How many treatments will I need?
On average, most patients should expect 5 treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. A recent clinical study showed 83% of patients experienced reduced redness, 75% had less flushing and improved skin texture, and 64% reported fewer acne-like breakouts after five treatment sessions. Most patients notice a marked reduction in dilated blood vessels and brown pigmentation after only one or two treatments and continue to improve through the series of initial treatments.
Am I a good candidate?
If you are considering IPL, it is important to keep a few points in mind:
- While some patients experience dramatic results and these can be long lasting, IPL does not cure rosacea or melasma. You still need to continue to see your dermatologist for further IPL treatment and avoid your personal rosacea or melasma triggers. Sun avoidance and daily sunscreen use are extremely important! Also, it is not recommended during pregnancy.
- Realistic expectations are essential. Most patients do see improvement; however, with any medical procedure there is always the possibility that you will only see a minor change or not see a response. To date, dermatologists have found that people with lighter skin who limit their sun exposure after the procedure tend to have better results.
Why is sun avoidance so important?
Sun exposure can dramatically cause or worsen both rosacea and melasma. This is why some patients suffer from both conditions. IPL treatment success depends on several factors skin type, condition of your skin, lifestyle, and the amount of sun exposure you get following the procedure. For example, not protecting your skin from the sun after treatment can provoke a strong reaction and possibly worsen your skin condition.
How much does it cost?
Typically, IPL treatments are not covered by medical insurance. On some occasions, insurance has covered IPL treatment for facial razor bumps, a condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae in men. You are welcome to file with your insurance if you wish for possible reimbursement. You can expect an average of 5 treatments spaced apart every 4 weeks for optimal results. Follow-up treatment every is necessary to maintain the results, usually recommended every 3 months.
Dermatologists have been using lasers since the mid-1980s to treat rosacea. Today, a state-of-the-art non-laser light therapy called intense pulsed light (IPL) is available for rosacea treatment, often used in combination with topical therapies. IPL can safely and effectively reduce dilated blood vessels, persistent redness or flushing, and acne-like breakouts. It also treats the brown spots of sun-damage, called melasma and lentigines. It works by sending a low-energy beam of light directly into the affected skin. For many patients frustrated with topical and/or oral medications to treat rosacea, IPL is the gold standard treatment for long-lasting results. There is no downtime associated with this treatment so patients often return to work immediately after treatment sessions.
What does it feel like?
It is generally described as tolerable discomfort. Some patients say it feels like warm pinpricks or rubber band snaps on the skin. We do offer topical numbing cream and ice to make our patients feel more comfortable during treatment if needed.
How many treatments will I need?
On average, most patients should expect 5 treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. A recent clinical study showed 83% of patients experienced reduced redness, 75% had less flushing and improved skin texture, and 64% reported fewer acne-like breakouts after five treatment sessions. Most patients notice a marked reduction in dilated blood vessels and brown pigmentation after only one or two treatments and continue to improve through the series of initial treatments.
Am I a good candidate?
If you are considering IPL, it is important to keep a few points in mind:
- While some patients experience dramatic results and these can be long lasting, IPL does not cure rosacea or melasma. You still need to continue to see your dermatologist for further IPL treatment and avoid your personal rosacea or melasma triggers. Sun avoidance and daily sunscreen use are extremely important! Also, it is not recommended during pregnancy.
- Realistic expectations are essential. Most patients do see improvement; however, with any medical procedure there is always the possibility that you will only see a minor change or not see a response. To date, dermatologists have found that people with lighter skin who limit their sun exposure after the procedure tend to have better results.
Why is sun avoidance so important?
Sun exposure can dramatically cause or worsen both rosacea and melasma. This is why some patients suffer from both conditions. IPL treatment success depends on several factors skin type, condition of your skin, lifestyle, and the amount of sun exposure you get following the procedure. For example, not protecting your skin from the sun after treatment can provoke a strong reaction and possibly worsen your skin condition.
How much does it cost?
Typically, IPL treatments are not covered by medical insurance. On some occasions, insurance has covered IPL treatment for facial razor bumps, a condition called pseudofolliculitis barbae in men. You are welcome to file with your insurance if you wish for possible reimbursement. You can expect an average of 5 treatments spaced apart every 4 weeks for optimal results. Follow-up treatment every is necessary to maintain the results, usually recommended every 3 months.