Turn Back Time with IPL
Looking for a quick way to rejuvenate your appearance and turn back the clock? An IPL photofacial might be the perfect solution. This non-surgical procedure is an effective way to erase some of the telltale signs of aging, leaving you with a smoother, more youthful appearance after just one treatment session. With a variety of benefits to look forward to and few side effects to worry about, we have a number of good reasons to consider an IPL photofacial as your next treatment option.
Consequences of Sun Exposure
The powerful UV rays from the sun are one of the biggest culprits in the aging process. Sun exposure produces changes to the melanin in the skin, which results in the appearance of brown spots and freckles in areas like the face, shoulders and chest. Visible veins can also appear on the face as a result of sun exposure, creating networks of red or blue lines around the nose and cheeks. Known as spider veins or telangiectasia, the veins are rarely a medical concern, but they can pose a significant cosmetic concern when they appear on visible areas of the face.
Benefits of IPL on Sun Exposure
Fortunately, an IPL photofacial effectively addresses these sun-induced signs of aging. This procedure uses intense pulses of light that work beneath the surface of the skin to reduce the appearance of brown spots and coagulate visible vessels so they disappear from view. The procedure specifically targets melanin and hemoglobin to treat these imperfections without damaging surrounding skin and tissue.
Other Anti-Aging Advantages
In addition to these specific treatment benefits, an IPL photofacial can also rejuvenate your skin to give it a more youthful glow overall. You may see a visible reduction in fine lines and shallow scarring, particularly after a series of treatment sessions. The procedure also stimulates collagen production underneath the skin’s surface, which can enhance the smoothness and suppleness of the skin over the long term.
Procedure Details
An IPL photofacial is performed on an outpatient basis at Houston Center for Plastic Surgery. The procedure is relatively comfortable for most patients, so topical anesthetic is not usually needed. The entire treatment session can often be completed in 30 minutes or less, depending on the size of the treatment area. At Houston Center for Plastic Surgery, we perform two swipes with the handheld applicator, moving in different directions each time to produce the most dramatic and natural results possible.
Recovery and Results
After treatment, you should be able to return to your regular activities right away. You may seem some mild redness in the treatment area, but this should not last more than a few hours. It is very important to protect your skin from sun exposure after the procedure to ensure UV rays don’t complicate the results of your procedure.
Results are usually seen within a few days and continue to improve in the weeks following treatment. You will notice your skin is smoother and brighter, while visible veins and brown spots eventually disappear. Some patients will require a series of treatment sessions to achieve the best possible results. We typically recommend around three treatment sessions, spaced 2-4 weeks apart, for those patients.
An IPL photofacial is another effective tool in the cosmetic treatment arsenal to address specific signs of aging. To learn more about this treatment, contact Houston Center for Plastic Surgery at (713) 790-4500.