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.
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
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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Your health is our top priority and we look forward to assisting you in your eyecare journey. Please call the office at (302) 998-2333 or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment.
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