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What is a Photofacial?

A photofacial is a cosmetic treatment that uses IPL (intense pulsed light) technology to rejuvenate the skin. It’s an ideal way to target pigmentation such as brown spots, sun exposure, acne scars, age spots, broken blood vessels, spider veins, and more. It’s also an effective way to boost collagen production, resulting in fewer fine lines and signs of aging skin, as well as smoother skin texture.

How Does a Photofacial Work?

IPL works by targeting pigment in the skin. It’s especially effective at targeting spots containing melanin or hemoglobin. The light pulses are absorbed by these pigments, and the heat generated damages the nearby circulatory or skin cells. In the case of brown spots or moles, they will eventually flake off. In the case of spider veins or redness, the affected blood vessels will fade from the surface of the skin. This process also promotes collagen production, helping improve your skin’s thickness and elasticity. With a single laser treatment, you can see significant improvement in your overall skin health and skin tone.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Photofacial?

Discussing your goals and medical history with our team is important to ensuring a good treatment process. You’re likely a good candidate for a photofacial if you want skin improvements for concerns like dark spots, broken capillaries, uneven skin tone, sun damage, and more. However, patients with darker skin tones or who use tanning beds may need to take special precautions. Our team will help you learn more about your skin rejuvenation options.

What to Expect During Photofacial Treatment

Photofacial treatment sessions are relatively quick. Our team will provide protective eye shields and prepare your skin. During the intense pulsed light therapy, light pulses will be sent to the treatment area, where the light will be absorbed by the pigment. These pulses are very fast, and treatment only takes a few minutes. Afterward, you can go about the rest of your day.

After Photofacial Treatment

IPL photofacial treatments require only minimal downtime. The most important aspect of aftercare is avoiding prolonged sun exposure, tanning creams, and tanning beds. We recommend wearing SPF 30+ daily on the treatment area for several weeks. Also, avoid scratching, picking, or exfoliating the treatment area. Keep it moisturized and protected from the sun.

Within 2-3 weeks of your IPL treatment, you will begin to see results. If you treat brown spots, for example, they will begin to flake off around this time. If you treat redness or visible blood vessels, they will begin to fade from the skin’s surface. You will also notice brighter-looking skin and fewer signs of aging. Multiple treatments can enhance your results, and our team will give you a schedule to follow for best results – typically, we recommend one to three treatments spaced a few weeks apart.

Photofacial FAQs

What skin concerns can a photofacial treat?

A photofacial can treat a variety of skin concerns, including brown spots, acne scars, spider veins, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. During your consultation, our team will help you determine if this is the right treatment for you.

How does IPL technology work in a photofacial?

IPL technology used in a photofacial uses broad-spectrum, high-intensity light pulses to penetrate the skin's surface, targeting melanin (pigment) and hemoglobin (blood) to break down age spots, redness, and broken capillaries. The light converts to heat, destroying damaged tissue while stimulating collagen production for tighter and more rejuvenated skin. With a single laser treatment, you can see significant improvement in your overall skin health and skin tone.

How many photofacial treatments will I need to see results?

Most patients require a series of 3 to 6 photofacial treatments to achieve optimal results, typically spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. While some improvement may be visible after a single session, the full, cumulative results usually appear after the complete series.

Is a photofacial painful or uncomfortable?

Photofacials are typically not painful. You may notice a snapping sensation against your skin. It is often described as feeling like a sunburn. If necessary, we can apply a topical numbing agent to the skin before your treatment.

How long does a photofacial treatment session take?

Photofacial treatment sessions often take 20 to 45 minutes. You can be in and out of our office in no time.

What should I expect after a photofacial treatment?

After your photofacial treatment, you can expect a mild sunburn-like sensation, redness, and slight swelling for a few hours to days. Brown spots will likely darken but will flake off naturally within 7–14 days. Daily sun protection is critical to avoid hyperpigmentation and to protect the newly-sensitive skin from the sun’s rays.

Is there any downtime after a photofacial?

Photofacials have minimal to no downtime, allowing most people to return to work or daily activities immediately. You may experience temporary redness, swelling, or a sunburned sensation for a few hours to 48 hours. Pigmented spots often darken before flaking off within 1–2 weeks.

Who is a good candidate for a photofacial?

An ideal candidate for a photofacial (IPL) is someone looking to treat sun damage, age spots, freckles, redness, rosacea, or broken capillaries. Candidates should also have realistic expectations for improving skin tone and texture without significant downtime. It’s also perfect for those looking for a non-invasive, quick procedure with minimal downtime.

How soon will I see results after a photofacial?

You will typically start to see visible improvements in your skin tone and a reduction in sun spots about two weeks after your first IPL photofacial. While some results appear quickly, optimal, long-lasting improvements in collagen and texture develop over a series of 3–6 treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart.

How long do photofacial results typically last?

Photofacial results typically last between 6 months and one year, though they can last longer with proper maintenance and sun protection. A series of 3–6 initial treatments is usually recommended, followed by maintenance sessions every 6–12 months to address new pigment changes.

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Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about how an IPL photofacial treatment can help you achieve brighter skin and improved skin texture, contact our Wilmington, DE office by calling or filling out our online form.

Dr. Heather Dealy

Dr. Heather Dealy

Board-Certified Ophthalmologist & Glaucoma Specialist

Dr. Dealy is a dedicated and experienced ophthalmic practitioner and surgeon who enjoys taking care of patients and invests particular attention to their surgical care. She began her career in private practice in 2004 in the Wilmington, Delaware community and has been ranked among the Top Physicians in New Castle County in the Delaware Today… Continue reading Dr. Heather Dealy

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This is an excellent facility. I have glaucoma and have been treated by Dr. Dealy for over four years. Mine is not an easy case and Dr. Dealy has been so knowledgeable and thorough in answering all questions. She has always spent the time necessary to put me at ease. The front office staff are kind, welcoming, and genuine.

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