Photofacial or Intense Pulsed Light Treatments (IPL)

PROMISES

A skin surface treatment that effectively addresses pigmentary problems (dark spots or irregular coloration) and facial vascular problems (spider veins, angiomas, etc). IPL tightens skin and reduces wrinkling. This same technique can be used for hair removal. There is no down time and little risk with this technology.
 

PITFALLS

• There are several different types of photofacial technology. These involve transmitting energy to the skin through the application of pulses of light, which reduces pigmentation and redness.
• Although effective for most pigmentation, multiple treatments are often required. Brown spots turn darker after treatment, but then lighten.
• The small facial vessels (redness) can be treated effectively, but larger ones are not susceptible to this treatment.
• Hair removal is most effective on darker hair, but may be used on any hair color, except blond.
• Though pore size may temporarily decrease and skin may seem tighter, this is not an effective wrinkle treatment.
• Recent changes in Texas law require physician supervision of technicians using lasers and IPL.