IPL PhotoFacial in Torrance & Palos Verdes; Your Complete Guide
Sunspots, also known as age spots or liver spots, are flat patches of brown, gray, or black spots on the skin.
They are harmless; however, they can be unsightly. You are more likely to develop sunspots after the age of 40. They typically appear on the face, back of the hands, shoulders, upper back, and forearms; however, they can appear anywhere. They are the same texture as your skin and do not cause any physical pain or discomfort.
You can prevent sunspots by limiting your exposure to the sun.
Always apply sunscreen of at least 30 SPF before going outdoors and reapply it every two hours. Choose makeup products that contain sunscreen to help protect your skin! Learn more about the science of sunscreens by Harvard University!
If you are looking to decrease the visibility of sunspots, freckles, broken capillaries, liver spots, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, or other areas of hyperpigmentation, then an IPL Photofacial is for you!
Both men and women enjoy clearer looking skin after treatment! It is important to get you’re a skin consultation in order to determine if they are sunspots. Visit a board-certified doctor, like Dr. Matt Tahsini, to determine what treatments are best for your condition.
IPL stands for intense pulsed light.
The bright light creates energy that is used to cauterize or close red vessels/blood vessels and break up pigmentation, reducing the appearance and color of red and brown spots. Most areas of the body can be treated; however, the sun-damaged face, neck, chest, and arms usually have the best results.
For individuals with skin that is Fitzpatrick type 1-4, treatment is extremely safe and should have minimal side effects and recovery time; however, individuals with Fitzpatrick skin types 5 or 6 are not candidates for treatment. At Skin Works Medical Spa, one of our skilled medical professionals will determine your skin type and let you know if you are a candidate for an IPL Photofacial.
Individuals who are very tan or that have darker skin tones should not get an IPL Photofacial because of the treatment targets pigment in the skin.
You cannot receive an IPL Photofacial if you have an active herpes breakout or have used Accutane within the last 6 months. Those with a history of seizures are warned about the bright light that occurs at the beginning of treatment and, depending on the seizure history, possibly advised against treatment. Women that are pregnant or nursing are advised to postpone treatment, as is common with most elective procedures.
Getting an IPL treatment is painless and easy; however, you must prepare for your procedure in a few different ways.
For 3 days prior to your treatment, do not use Retinols. For 2 weeks prior to treatment, avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear sunscreen. You may be turned away if you have a recent tan, as these pigments could be targeted by the treatment.
During the process, based on your skin conditions you may feel a warm sensation at the treatment site.
Most of our patients get the treatment without any numbing cream at all because the sensation is very mild and produces little to no discomfort. If you are very sensitive to pain, or if you need a cooling gel, talk to one of our medical professionals to see what options are available. Treatment typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes; however, the amount of time may vary depending upon the area or areas being treated. The arms can take as little as 15 minutes while areas on the face may take 20 to 30 minutes. The number of treatments depends on the level of pigmentation in the treated area. Some individuals are happy with the results after one session, but 3 sessions are usually recommended to get clearer and brighter skin.
There are typically little to no side effects with an IPL Photofacial.
Some redness is common after the treatment. Immediately after the procedure or in 1 to 2 days, the areas of pigmentation may darken and look flaky before becoming lighter. You can cover these areas with makeup or tinted sunscreen. You shouldn’t need any time to recover; however, you may notice the treatment area becomes slightly darker following treatment, which is why we recommend that treatment occur 2 to 4 weeks prior to any important event that you attend for optimal results.
The most important thing to remember is to moisturize and protect yourself from the sun after the procedure!
Avoid peeling, scratching, or using dermabrasion on the treated areas. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and, if you must be out in the sun, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30! Do not engage in watersports or get into a hot tub, a swimming pool, or the ocean for 1 to 2 weeks after your procedure.
It is important to discuss your IPL PhotoFacial or laser treatment options with a board-certified doctor, like Dr. Matt Tahsini.
Always remember to tell the doctor what treatment options you are currently using, including herbal and over-the-counter medications.
Not sure if IPL PhotoFacial is right for your skin? Call now and book your FREE Laser Genesis consultation at Skin Works Medical Spa in Torrance, and get the opinion of a board-certified doctor.
Call (844) 759-6757 or Click to Schedule Your Visit