IPL Photofacial FAQ'S
IPL works best on fair to light brown skin (Fitzpatrick types I-IV). You're a good candidate if you have sun damage, age spots, freckles, rosacea, redness, or broken capillaries and haven't been in the sun recently. IPL is NOT recommended for very dark skin tones, recently tanned skin, active sunburn, pregnancy, keloid scarring, active skin infections, or if you're taking photosensitizing medications like Accutane, isotretinoin, or doxycycline. You should also avoid IPL if you have certain skin conditions, allergies, or might have skin cancer. A consultation is required for all new patients to determine candidacy, assess your skin type and concerns, and ensure safe, effective treatment.
With topical numbing cream applied 30-60 minutes before treatment, most patients find IPL very tolerable. Each pulse lasts just a fraction of a second. Sensitive areas like the nose or areas with thinner skin may be slightly more uncomfortable. After treatment, your skin will feel warm and sunburned for 4-6 hours. This discomfort is manageable with ice packs, cool washcloths, and over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
IPL is safe when performed by trained professionals. Common temporary side effects include redness, swelling, warmth (like sunburn), skin sensitivity, and darkening of pigmentation before it peels off—these typically subside within hours to a few days. Less common side effects include bruising (rare), blistering, crusting, temporary discoloration, or infection. Very rarely, hormonal brown spots (melasma) may flare up, or permanent hyperpigmentation can occur if post-care instructions aren't followed—especially regarding sun exposure. Scarring is extremely rare when proper protocols are followed. Following all pre- and post-care instructions carefully, avoiding sun exposure, and using high-SPF sunscreen minimizes risks and optimizes results.
You may notice some immediate improvement in skin brightness and tone right after treatment, but optimal results develop gradually. As pigmentation flakes off over 7-14 days and vessels are reabsorbed, you'll see progressive clearing. Most patients need 3-6 treatments spaced 2-4 weeks apart for optimal results, depending on severity of sun damage. . Results continue improving for several weeks after your final session as collagen production increases.
