FAQ

The average treatment cost ranges from $300 to $500, depending on what is being treated. Packages of 5 sessions are offered and encouraged for best results. Therefore, this type of skin-revitalizing therapy provides you with an affordable way to look your best.

IPL or yellow laser photofacial therapy is a technology that is used by both medical and cosmetic practitioners to provide aesthetic and therapeutic benefits to the skin. During the treatment process, a handheld device is passed over the surface of the skin, giving off short bursts of a broad-spectrum light. This light is absorbed into the skin’s deep layers. Because the light reaches the deeper layers of the skin, no injections or incisions are needed. The blinking device scatters wavelengths of light so targeted areas of the skin can be treated.

By using a powerful broadband light, an IPL photofacial treatment can reduce the appearance of dark or brown spots, or sun spots, from over-exposure to the sun. It also can remove rosacea and treat or alleviate acne. The treatment improves the texture and smooths the skin of fine lines and wrinkles and can even be used to remove excess hair. Because of its many uses and affordability, the use of IPL is trending among people who want to use a non-invasive treatment to improve their appearance or reduce the signs of aging.

Before you schedule a photofacial treatment, you need to refrain from using any products containing retin-A or retinol. Also, before you begin the therapy, you should completely wash your skin of any makeup or skincare products. Doing so will help you achieve overall better results and prevent complications.

Before performing a photofacial treatment, a numbing cream is applied topically to ensure a patient’s comfort during the therapy. After about 20 minutes, the numbing cream is removed and an ultrasound gel is applied. The gel allows the practitioner to easily glide the device over the treatment site. It also cools the skin and protects it from the heat emitted by the laser. Dark glasses are given to the patient to wear to shield the eyes from the laser’s bright light.

The light is not directed to the eye area, so the practitioner can avoid micro-bladed eyebrows when using the IPL device. Also, a skilled practitioner can effectively target specific spots with the IPL hand piece, thereby avoiding any tattoos you wish to maintain.

Most people compare a photofacial to getting lightly snapped with a thin rubber band. However, because a topical anesthetic is applied before treatment, most patients feel comfortable during therapy. If a patient’s skin tends to be more sensitive, the practitioner can always reduce the settings on the device to reduce any type of discomfort.

Most patients will experience some redness after they are treated. This redness normally fades in a few hours or by the following day. Light swelling may also result, which quickly dissipates.

While a photofacial can be scheduled anytime during the year, it is best to receive treatment in the fall or winter to repair summer exposure to the sun. You should also have 3 to 6 treatments spaced about 4 weeks apart. After you receive the desired results, it helps to schedule treatment sessions about once or twice a year. Use sunscreen daily that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15. Even if you don’t spend much time outside in the sun, you should ensure your investment by using the protective cream.

An IPL or yellow laser treatment is usually more expensive than a chemical peel or microdermabrasion procedure. However, the results you realize are well worth the price. While spas or medical offices can charge $500 to $600 per treatment, some places feature prices that are more friendly to your wallet.

For instance, you can have a face only treatment done for $250 or schedule a treatment for the face, neck, and chest for $500. Before you decide on a treatment facility, check out the credentials of the practitioner and read patient reviews. It is better to pay more for the procedure and get top-level care versus paying less money and having the procedure done by an inexperienced practitioner.