Most people want clear, smooth skin, but it can be difficult to achieve, even with a healthy lifestyle and skincare routine. IPL (intense pulsed light) photofacial uses a bright light to help reduce the appearance of signs of aging, such as brown spots, melasma, broken capillaries, wrinkles, and other cosmetic imperfections.
Benefits
- Little to no downtime
- Results can be long lasting
- Can be performed on virtually any part of the body
Why Choose The Institute of Anti-Aging Medicine and Skin Spa?
The Institute of Anti-Aging Medicine and Skin Spa was founded in 1997 in Houston, Texas, and has a fully integrated medical spa. Dr. Richard LeConey has developed comprehensive personal anti-aging, wellness, hormone, and skincare programs for both men and women.
Our motto is: “Feel as good as you look, and look as good as you feel.”
We believe that there is simply no reason for you to look or feel your age. We are here to help create personalized treatment plans to help you achieve your aesthetic goals and provide natural-looking rejuvenation.
Ideal Candidates
The best candidates for IPL Photofacial are patients who wish to reduce the appearance of the following aesthetic concerns:
- Rosacea
- Brown sun spots
- Sun damage
- Acne scarring
- Enlarged pores
- Age spots
- Spider veins
- Stretch marks
How It Works
IPL therapy uses a bright, intense light to heat up the dermis (deeper layer of the skin), stimulating the production of more collagen. Collagen is the protein your body uses to give the skin its structure. The heat also destroys pigment cells, such as melanin, to help remedy uneven pigmentation. During treatment, you may feel mild discomfort, much like a rubber band snapping. The number of sessions required will depend on the size of the treatment site and the condition being addressed. Most patients undergo two to six sessions spaced four weeks apart.
IPL photofacial can also be combined with treatments like laser skin resurfacing for optimal results.
Our newest state-of-the-art laser is the Stellar M22™ by Lumenis®. This device includes four different modalities, including IPL photofacial with ResurFX™, Nd:YAG for spider veins, and Q-Switch for dark tattoos. We can combine IPL photofacial and ResurFX™ for our PhotoFractional treatment, which helps remove brown and red spots and improve the texture of the skin.
ResurFX™
ResurFX™ is a non-ablative, fractional laser treatment perfect for skin resurfacing in just one pass. The device can use different grid patterns for different purposes, and there is little to no downtime required.
The Lumenis ResurFX is the latest in non-ablative, fractional laser technology to improve skin discoloration, stretch marks, acne scars, wrinkles and more. Non-ablative means it does not destroy or ablate the skin cells, while fractional means it is only affecting a fraction or percentage of the skin. The benefit of the ResurFX is that it is able to get great results with minimal recovery time unlike the CO2 laser, which has several days or more of peeling, crusting and possible swelling after the procedure. The optimum benefits of ResurFX are obtained with several treatments depending on the condition and desired results.
WHAT CONDITIONS DOES THE RESURFX TREAT?
- Age spots or sun spots
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Stretch marks or striae
- Hyperpigmentation or discoloration
- Uneven skin tone
- Scars from acne or surgery
- Lax or loose skin
HOW DOES RESURFX WORK?
The ResurFX laser by Lumenis®, one of the world’s leading makers of medical devices, is a skin resurfacing option that prioritizes patient comfort just as much as effectiveness. It is a non-ablative laser, which means it stimulates the skin to develop collagen without harming or ablating any skin. As collagen increases, the skin looks tighter, more even, and more youthful. ResurFX is also a fractional laser, which means the laser is delivered to the skin in tiny dots and to only a fraction of the skin. The ResurFX requires only one pass over the skin to produce effective results, reducing treatment time. Finally, since it is a non-ablative, fractional laser, the recovery time after the procedure is minimized.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE RESURFX PROCEDURE?
During a ResurFX laser skin rejuvenation treatment, we typically use a topical anesthetic. Due to the non-ablative nature of the ResurFX laser, most patients find treatments extremely comfortable. Additionally, we use a cooling air device that blows refreshing, cold air on the treated areas for comfort. Treatments can take 20 minutes or more, depending on the size of the targeted area.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE RESURFX PROCEDURE?
After ResurFX laser skin resurfacing, patients generally have recovery time with some redness and swelling after the procedure. Patients can return to their normal activities the day after the procedure. Recovery time is short and relatively comfortable. Redness, swelling, and minor irritation similar to a mild sunburn may develop, but these effects typically subside in just a few days. Sun exposure before and after treatment should be avoided and a sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher should be worn daily in the days after the procedure. Once completely healed, ensure you wear at least a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher every day to help protect your skin long-term.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?
ResurFX is completed as a series of treatments. Because it is a limited downtime procedure, it usually requires multiple treatments for significant and meaningful results. Typically, at least 3-4 treatments about one month apart are necessary to obtain optimum results, although this varies by the individual and their goal.
PhotoFractional (Photofacial and ResurFX™ combined)
The combination of these two treatments provides comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Uneven pigmentation, finelines, and textural concerns can all be treated with minimal downtime.
Q-switch for Dark Tattoos
Dark tattoos are often difficult to treat. Q switched lasers are more effective at breaking up dark tattoo ink than traditional laser therapy. Ink particles are broken down so that they can be absorbed and eliminated by the body.
ActiveFX™/ DeepFX™ (CO2 fractional laser)
CO2 fractional laser resurfacing is performed to treat the appearance of sun damage, scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. The Lalser energy creates microchannels in the skin, stimulating the body’s healing response and the production of new collagen.
Recovery and Results
Immediately following your treatment, you may experience some redness and discomfort similar to a sunburn. These side effects should resolve in 24 to 48 hours. Aftercare instructions should be followed carefully to help ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of complications. Pigmented lesions may appear darker at first and then peel off as your skin flakes.
IPL photofacial can provide long-lasting improvement, but it cannot stop the natural aging process. A comprehensive skincare routine and proper sun protection can help prolong your results. Some patients may also decide to undergo maintenance treatments. A personalized treatment and maintenance plan can be discussed during your consultation appointment.
FAQS
What can I expect during the treatment?
The skin will be cleansed, eye protection placed and a cool gel applied to the skin prior to treatment. During the treatment, you will feel the pulse of the laser as it gently warms the blood vessels and brown spots, some of our clients describe it as a hot rubber band snap sensation. We have many types of mechanisms to help manage patient comfort.
What should I expect after the treatment?
You might feel a slight burning sensation similar to a sunburn after treatment that subsides in 15 minutes to 1 hour. After IPL, pigmented areas will turn pinkish red first, and in 24-72 hours will turn brown and begin to slough off. Redness from the laser can last up to 72 hours.
How do I care for my skin after the treatment?
Patients should wash with cool water and a gentle cleanser for the first 24 hours post treatment. A safe post-procedure moisturizer will be suggested to keep skin hydrated while healing. No picking or scrubbing of the darker crusty areas. The patient should avoid sun exposure for at least 2 weeks post treatment. If sun exposure cannot be avoided, wear a hat and apply a total block sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30. The patient should avoid use of Retin-A, glycolic acid, AHA’s, BHA’s and any other potentially irritating topical products for at least one week after treatment. The patient should avoid depilatories, bleach, wax, electrolysis or laser hair removal for at least one week after treatment.
We’d all like to have flawless, glowing skin. This desire becomes even more significant as we age, and our skin can no longer resist pigmentation and acne scars. Luckily, the latest technologies promise to help improve the skin. The most notable solutions are BBL® HERO™ and Halo™, both of which can effectively rejuvenate your skin. […]
