IPL/PHOTOFACIAL: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

IPL (intense pulsed light), also known as a photofacial, is used to treat pigmented and vascular lesions and malformations. This includes sun spots, age spots, brokenblood vessels, redness, sun damage, and red acne or surgical scars. This treatment has very little downtime and does not take much time in the office.

What is recovery like after IPL treatment?

The treated area may be swollen for a few days following treatment. Bruising can occur, especially when treating vascular problems such as broken blood vessels. This typically resolves within a week and can be covered with makeup. Pigmented lesions that are treated such as sun spots and age spots will become darker following treatment and flake off within 7-10 days. This can also be covered up with makeup while healing. The social downtime is usually 2-5 days.

What are the complications?

Complications from IPL are rare, but can happen. Risks and complications include pain, tenderness, skin irritation, bruising, crusting, and burns.

What is the treatment like?

Patients should expect to be in the office for 45 minutes to an hour for this treatment. The skin at the treated area is thoroughly cleansed prior to treatment. A thin layer of ultrasound gel is applied to the treated area before treatment starts. Your eyes will be protected and covered during the treatment in order to protect your eyes from the bright light. The treatment feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin and this feeling only lasts for a few seconds. After treatment is over, the ultrasound gel is removed and we apply SPF to the treated area.

What should I do to prepare for a photofacial?

Avoid sun exposure for 4-6 weeks before and after treatment. Apply SPF 30+ daily and avoid becoming tan at all, this includes self-tanner. Do not use retinol or retinoid products one week before treatment. Be sure to tell Dr. Fishman about any current medications. Medications such as doxycycline and minocycline should be stopped 3-4 days prior to treatment, as they increase your photosensitivity. Blood-thinning medications such as Aspirin and fish oil may increase the risk of bleeding. There cannot be Accutane or isotretinoin usage within 6 months of IPL treatment. Inforrm Dr. Fishman if you have a history of cold sores or HSV. We can provide you with a prescription for an antiviral medication to take the day before, day of, and day after treatment to prevent the formation of cold sores.

Do you want to know more about IPL? Give our office a call at 678-974-8435 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Fishman today!