IPL Photofacial

If you're ready to look in the mirror and see flawless, healthy skin instead of sun damage, big pores, and age spots, and IPL photofacial may be just what you need. This comfortable, non-invasive procedure is an excellent way to clear up and refresh your skin.

What is an IPL Photofacial?

An IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) photofacial or photorejuvenation is the latest in modern dermatology, allowing patients to transform red, blotchy, sun damaged or aging skin into a radiant even toned complexion. During this short procedure intense pulses of light are applied to penetrate deep into the skin, causing collagen and blood vessels below the epidermis to constrict, resulting in reduced redness, lightened age spots and diminished fine lines.

As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Marcus is among the top doctors to administer some of the best IPL Manhattan Beach has to offer. If you suffer from age spots, rosacea, sun damage or even fine lines and wrinkles, IPL photofacial treatments may be the solution you've been looking for.

Procedure

The IPL device emits a radius of light waves that are adjusted and targeted at hemoglobin (the red blood cells in the blood vessels) or melanin (the brown pigment in freckles and age spots). The light waves pass through the epidermis and are absorbed by either hemoglobin or melanin resulting in destruction to the vessel wall or fragmenting of melanin. Subsequently, the tiny vessels and melanin pigment are absorbed by the patient's body rendering them less evident.

IPL involves only minimal discomfort, if any at all. Most patients describe the sensation of the procedure to be similar to the snap of a rubber band as the pulses of light penetrate the skin. A topical numbing cream can be used if desired.

Dr. Marcus often recommends 3-5 sessions of photorejuvenation for most patients to achieve the desired results.

Ideal Candidates

Patients with a lighter, more fair complexion are the best candidates for an IPL photofacial. When performed on the right person, it effectively improves the texture of the skin, eliminating dark spots, shrinking pore size, and minimizing wrinkles and fine lines. If you have rosacea, a skin condition causing blotchy redness in the face, you may also benefit from an IPL photofacial. Patients with more serious conditions such as deep facial lines or severe acne scars, for example, may wish to consider other cosmetic approaches that may better address these issues. Dr. Marcus and his staff are more than willing and happy to discuss your options.

Results and Recovery

Immediately following the procedure your face may appear slightly red, but this should fade within a few hours and you should begin to see the results within the first 24 hours. You may reveal darker spots where the IPL treats sun damaged skin but this will fade over the next 5-7 days until the treated age spot has diminished or disappeared.

Gradually with each session you will see more and more results until the final outcome of a rejuvenated, smoother, more even toned skin is revealed. As there is very little pain experienced from this non-invasive procedure there is virtually no down time and most patients return to their routine activity immediately.

Consultation

While the information in this website may be helpful, it will never fully relate facial plastic surgery to you. If you are interested in a facial procedure, please call our office and one of our representatives will schedule your consultation.