Skin Procedures

IPL® Photofacial In Newport Beach, Orange County, CA

An intense pulsed light (IPL®) photofacial is a non-surgical treatment that heals the damage to your skin, as well as symptoms of certain skin conditions, such as acne and rosacea. Boosting skin health and appearance with an IPL® treatment restores tone and texture, and it may help your skin be more resilient to environmental factors that break down skin cells. An IPL® photofacial requires little downtime, and you can see and feel the results immediately after the treatment.

What Does An IPL® Photofacial Do?

Photo treatment with intense pulsed light stimulates collagen production and cell turnover. The light energy reaches the deeper layers of your skin where much of the damage originates. Also known as collagen stimulation therapy, the pulsed light energy gently heats the skin layers, and your body responds with a natural healing process. New collagen fibers are produced to reduce wrinkles and replace cells that have been damaged by sun exposure, acne, rosacea, and other factors.

IPL Vs. Laser

At first, it may seem like IPL® photofacials and laser skin treatments are the same, but there are some subtle differences. The main difference between laser and IPL is that laser uses monochromatic concentrated light, while IPL uses broadband light of different wavelengths. Each of these aesthetic technologies can be used for a range of concerns, and downtime may be comparable. Lasers may be more effective depending on the severity of the damage.

You may also need more treatments with intense pulsed light therapy compared to a laser treatment for the same concern. The advantages of IPL® vs. laser are that the treatment may be more affordable. Additionally, IPL® tends to have fewer risks of complications, but this varies by individual.

Intense Pulse Light Treatment |

What Are The Benefits Of IPL® Treatment?

There are many benefits of IPL® that make it a worthwhile cosmetic treatment for wrinkles, acne, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and other concerns. Some of the IPL® photofacial benefits that make it a preferred non-surgical anti-aging treatment for our patients are:

  • Treatments take very little time, averaging 30 to 90 minutes
  • IPL® is an effective enlarged pore treatment that improves your complexion
  • Most patients see an immediate improvement after one treatment
  • Optimum benefits are achieved in as few as two to three sessions

What Can Be Treated With IPL® Photofacials?

Intense pulsed light therapy is recommended for correcting several of the most common signs of aging and skin damage. An IPL® photofacial is excellent for the treatment of sun damage on your face, and IPL® facial even helps to get rid of sun spots. A photofacial for wrinkles produces incredible results by stimulating collagen development.

We also recommend IPL® for hair removal, acne, rosacea, broken capillaries, and hyperpigmentation. You can find out if our IPL® skin treatment is your best option by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Bunkis.

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IPL® FAQ

Is IPL® Good For Acne?

IPL® for acne is a very effective and safe treatment to reduce the severity and frequency of your blemishes. The treatment also helps with acne scars. A photofacial for acne destroys the harmful bacteria that cause inflammation in your pores, and it also removes the dead skin cells and excess oil that contribute to acne.

How Often Can You Do IPL® For Acne?

Depending on the severity of your acne, we may recommend that you begin with two treatments per week for one month. Once your acne is under control, we may recommend maintenance treatments for acne redness and blemishes every four weeks.

Is IPL® Good For Hyperpigmentation?

IPL® is good for treating areas of hyperpigmentation, including sun spots and age spots. Intense pulsed light for hyperpigmentation breaks down the excess melanin in your skin. After the treatment, the darker skin cells rise to the surface and slough off, leaving behind healthier cells that match the color of your skin.

Does IPL® Work For Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition that is believed to be genetic. It causes bumps, redness, and broken capillaries on the face. When combined with certain lifestyle changes, IPL® for rosacea is a safe and effective option to help reduce the severity and frequency of your symptoms. The bumps that you see on your face may be caused by clogged pores.

IPL® is often used as a clogged pores treatment for people with rosacea. The redness is a sign of inflammation, and light therapy for rosacea helps soothe your skin. IPL® treatment for broken capillaries on your face works by shrinking the tiny vessels so they are less visible.

Is IPL® Good For Your Skin?

IPL® therapy boosts skin health, so it is a good way to help care for your skin. IPL® on your face soothes your skin to reduce inflammation, and it also destroys harmful bacteria on the surface and in your pores. These benefits are in addition to the skin rejuvenation that IPL® offers by stimulating collagen. During your consultation, we explain the many other ways that an IPL® skin treatment can help you.

Does IPL® Hurt?

During your IPL® skin treatment, you may notice some minor discomfort, such as stinging and burning. After the treatment, your skin may feel warm and have a slightly red appearance. We explain the healing stages for IPL® and facial care after your treatment. By following our IPL® aftercare directions carefully, you should experience little to no discomfort post-treatment. If you do notice any issues with your skin after IPL® photofacials, please call us for advice as to how to best manage the symptoms.

What Will My Face Look Like After IPL® Treatment?

Immediately after your IPL® treatment, your skin has a smooth texture and supple appearance. The redness may last for up to five days.

What Are The Risks And Side Effects Of IPL®?

There are some risks and side effects of IPL® skin rejuvenation that you should keep in mind. Although rare, hyperpigmentation is one of the known intense pulsed light risks. Photofacial side effects may be long-term or short-term. Some of the more common short-term photofacial side effects are scabs, itching, flaking, swelling, redness, and minor bruising. These indicate that the treatment is working.

How Long Do IPL® Photofacials Last?

Because intense pulsed light stimulates collagen development, your photofacial results may last for several years. Using high-quality sunscreen and taking good care of your skin helps to ensure that you enjoy the results for as long as possible.