IPL Photofacial
At our Seattle-area cosmetic dermatology practice, Dr. Michalak performs IPL Photofacial treatments for patients who struggle with many surface skin impurities and concerns on their face. This pulsed laser treatment is a non-invasive means to treat your skin and reveal a healthier appearance.
- Uneven skin pigmentation
- Vascular birthmarks
- Facial redness
- Freckles
- Age spots
- Broken capillaries
- Rosacea
- Sun damage
How Can I Prepare for My IPL Photofacial Treatment?
Dr. Michalak will provide you with pre- and post-procedure care instructions to ensure you feel prepared for IPL Photofacial treatment. Because the treatment is non-invasive, very little preparation is necessary, although patients will need to avoid excessive sun exposure, facial waxing or shaving and use of exfoliating agents and acne treatments products prior to undergoing Photofacial treatment.
How Is the Photofacial IPL Treatment Administered?
During your Photofacial IPL treatment, your skin is cleansed and IPL laser settings are entered depending on your skin type, the severity of your skin tone irregularities and the degree of improvement you hope to achieve.
Photofacial IPL treatment can be performed on the face, neck, chest and hands to reduce the signs of photo-aging and diminish dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Redness is also targeted with the IPL laser, so port wine stains, hemangiomas and other vascular birthmarks, as well as redness and broken capillaries associated with rosacea, can also be treated with a series of 4-6 IPL Photofacial treatments spaced a few weeks apart.
The entire IPL Photofacial takes only 45 minutes to perform. Be sure to protect your skin from the sun after your skin treatment to prevent additional sun damage and pigmentation changes.
Can I Expect Any Side Effects from the IPL Treatment?
Photofacial treatment with intense pulsed light is very safe, however, as with any cosmetic procedure, Photofacial side effects may occur. Temporary side effects include darkening of brown spots, mild redness, flaking and peeling, which should resolve within a few days once the intended exfoliation process is complete. Do not pick or scratch at peeling skin, as this can cause pigmentation changes.
When poorly trained technicians attempt IPL procedures, or if device settings are too high, patients can experience blisters, burns and permanent skin pigmentation changes. These Photofacial side effects are uncommon and your risk can be minimized by seeking treatment with a qualified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon, like Dr. Michalak.
What Should I Expect Following My IPL Treatment?
IPL treatment typically requires little to no downtime, although rosacea patients may experience some swelling in sensitive skin areas after the procedure. As long as no blisters are present, makeup can be applied immediately following IPL treatment.
Within just a few days, areas treated with the IPL laser will gently and discreetly shed unevenly pigmented, sun-damaged layers of skin, leaving your skin smoother, clearer and more radiant.
To find out more about IPL Photofacial or other non-invasive skin treatments, contact our Issaquah cosmetic dermatology office, convenient to Bellevue, Redmond, and Kirkland. Please dial 425-391-2500 extension 7 for Genie, our cosmetic patient coordinator.
