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What Is an IPL Photofacial?

Your picture means a lot to you in a world where so many of our interactions take place on social media. There are ways to improve the appearance of your skin in these pictures if it doesn’t look the way you want it to. What if you could get the results that filters used to touch up your image give you, but in real life? We’ve got a new treatment that can do exactly that: an IPL photofacial. Our professional team at North Texas Vein and Vascular in Flower Mound, TX is experienced with this revolutionary new treatment method.

Providing benefits that other treatments simply cannot match, this treatment targets the most stubborn imperfections of your skin. You’ll be amazed once you see the drastic improvements that something as simple and non-invasive as intense pulsed light can provide for your skin.

 

What Is an IPL Photofacial?

This treatment method uses targeted beams of light to treat various skin imperfections and pigmentation issues, evening out your skin tone. Whether your imperfections are a result of sun damage or come from other skin-changing events such as pregnancy, IPL can be used to restore the skin you desire. In addition to helping with pigmentation issues, IPL also improves other skin issues such as those resulting from inflammation or the natural aging process.

 

How Does an IPL Photofacial Work?

This treatment is essentially a facial that uses light instead of creams or other products. By using a specific combination of light wavelengths, this process reduces the visible signs of aging and corrects irregularities in your skin. The specialized device used to administer the treatment is designed to rejuvenate skin and eliminate imperfections in your skin. Your skin absorbs the different colors and wavelengths of the light used in the treatment, revitalizing your skin to provide a range of benefits.

What Conditions is This Treatment Effective in Relieving?

Rosacea

One skin pigmentation issue that can be alleviated with IPL is rosacea. The excessive redness on the surface of the skin that is typical of this condition is the result of visible blood vessels appearing in the face. Small red bumps may also develop in the affected areas. You can never quite anticipate when these symptoms will show up because this condition comes and goes in waves. An IPL treatment can help to heal tissue and decrease the redness of your skin, alleviating the signs of rosacea.

 

Damage from the Sun

Most people aren’t thinking about the future health of their skin when going about their day-to-day lives. However, spending too much time under the sun without taking the proper steps to protect yourself can begin to affect your skin later on in life. This treatment can assist with any signs of sun damage, including melasma, age spots, wrinkles or fine lines, uneven pigment, and freckles, by penetrating the lower skin layers to remove damaged skin cells and increase collagen production. The appearance of your sun-damaged skin will visibly improve after only a handful of quick treatment sessions.

 

Dark Spots

Whether through exposure to the sun or regular use of a tanning bed, many people develop dark spots on their skin over time. You may notice these spots on the face, hands, arms, neck, or chest. These spots result from increased melanin production in your skin after it is exposed to UV rays. A number of at-home skin lightening solutions and devices exist, but none are as quick and effective as using IPL treatments. You’ll notice a 70 percent reduction in the appearance of these spots following the completion of your treatment plan.

 

Skin Laxity

Elastic, firm skin is one of the defining features of a youthful appearance. Two proteins that our body produces, collagen and elastin, are responsible for firm and elastic skin. As we begin to grow older, the production of these proteins slows down. By repairing the skin at the foundational level and stimulating collagen production, this treatment can help restore younger, elastic, and firm skin. The results will give you a stronger support system for your skin, smoothing out wrinkles in the process.

 

Oversized Pores

Various skin conditions as well as your genetics can result in large pores. Pores also appear more prominently as a result of skin losing its elasticity as we age. One of the most effective ways to minimize pores is to reduce the oil production in your skin. An IPL photofacial is designed to achieve exactly that. This treatment reduces the oil content of your skin and diminishes pore size by killing bacteria that sits on the surface of your skin. You’ll see a reduction in blemishes such as pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads, as well as an overall improvement in your skin’s appearance due to the smaller size of your pores.

 

Wrinkles and Fine Lines

One of the most noticeable visible signs of the aging process is wrinkles and fine lines beginning to appear in various spots on your face. These lines are stubborn and often resist treatment from other anti-aging products available. However, by targeting this issue at its source, this treatment can be an effective way to reduce lines and wrinkles. You’ll notice a dramatic improvement to your skin’s appearance as your body’s collagen production increases, smoothing away wrinkles and lines until they’re no longer noticeable.

 

What Occurs During a Treatment Session?

The first step before beginning treatment itself is assessing your skin to confirm IPL is right for you. We’ll discuss your concerns and goals for your skin’s aesthetic during this initial consultation as well. Working with your desires and preferences, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan for you, including the number of sessions that will be necessary to get the results you want.

When you then come in for your treatment, the IPL device will be adjusted to match your type of skin, skin tone, and the results that you’re looking for. Then quick flashes of light will move across the surface of your skin, administering the specific wavelengths needed to treat your skin.

 

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

A series of three to six sessions will typically get most patients the results they desire. We’ll be able to tell you more specifically how many treatments you’ll need once we assess your skin condition and goals. Every successive session will build upon the results from previous treatments, so you’ll notice improving results after each appointment you stop in for. While results will begin to show after just one session, you’ll maximize the benefits you see by attending three to six consistent treatments separated by one month.

 

How Long Do Results Typically Last?

The results achieved by an IPL photofacial are permanent. But in order to protect your skin from the effects of aging post-treatment, there are a number of preventative measures you can take. Sun exposure is the number one sign of aging, so you should wear sunscreen daily to get the necessary protection. Eating a healthy diet filled with vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables as well as healthy fats can also promote healthy skin. Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption and drink plenty of water to ensure your skin is properly hydrated as well.

 

What Should I Do Following Treatment?

To ensure the best results, there are a few things to keep in mind after your treatment. We’ll provide you with a detailed list of everything you need to know about the aftercare process during your appointment. Some of those directives include:

  • Keep away from direct sunlight or too much sun exposure
  • Utilize a high-SPF sunscreen, a minimum of 30 but preferably at least 50
  • Refrain from strenuous exercise for 24 hours following treatment
  • Use moisturizer to keep your treated skin hydrated
  • Clean your skin with a pH balanced cleanser
  • Don’t touch skin on the treated area
  • Avoid picking at peeling skin
  • Stay out of saunas, hot tubs, and direct exposure to heat sources for 24 hours post-treatment
  • Refrain from taking hot baths or showers

 

Rejuvenate Your Skin with the Power of Light

This simple and non-invasive treatment provides relief for a wide range of skin pigmentation issues. Achieve the complexion of your dreams, as well as all of your other skin goals that you may have previously thought were unattainable. Contact North Texas Vein and Vascular today to get more information about how this revolutionary treatment can use the power of light to change your skin for the better in just a few easy treatment sessions.

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