A Photofacial is a non-invasive Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL) in the form of a laser. This IPL laser targets acute areas of the skin as it treats common skin pigmentation challenges, such as brown spots, sun damage, and Rosacea. The process reveals younger, healthier-looking skin. While the process is called an IPL Photofacial, it is not exclusively for the face. It can also be used almost anywhere on the skin, including the neck, chest, shoulders, arms, and legs.

The IPL light penetrates the epidermis and targets the pigment-producing cells responsible for the over-production of pigment. The process diminishes wrinkles, fades acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks, reduces or eliminates the over-production of pigment, and promotes the production of collagen. The result is more plump, youthful, healthy skin that leaves clients refreshed. The process is also fast, non-invasive, and produces no-to-minimal discomfort, which allows you to jump right back into life to tackle the rest of your to-do list without having to worry about downtime for recovery.

Before treatment, you should take some precautions to ensure you get the most effective and safe results possible. The following guidelines explain what to do prior to and the day of treatment.

SIX MONTHS PRIOR TO TREATMENT

Accutane treatments must have been discontinued for a minimum of six months prior to an IPL photofacial.

TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO TREATMENT

Discontinue any exposure to direct sun, tanning beds, or spray tans.

Discontinue the use of any photosynthesizing drugs that can cause increased skin sensitivity to sunlight. This includes over-the-counter and prescription medications such as antibiotics, Tetracycline, Retin A, or St. John’s Wort.

24 HOURS PRIOR TO TREATMENT

Avoid the use of harsh cosmetics or those that include photosynthesizers such as Retinols or Tretinoin.

THE DAY OF THE PROCEDURE

Use a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF30 on the day of any treatment, whether sunny or cloudy.

Take medication for any of the following inflammatory skin conditions before your treatment:

Eczema

Active Herpes Simplex

Allergic Reactions

The number of treatments depends on the severity of the issues for which you are seeking treatment and your personal satisfaction with the results. While some people are happy with their results after just one treatment, most people opt for a series of three to six sessions. The results take time to see, so you should schedule follow-up appointments for at least two weeks out to allow time to see the full results of the previous treatment.

1 session every 3 to 6 months to maintain the results are recommended after a series.

Most patients do not describe the process as painful. On the more intense end of the scale, patients liken the pulses to that of the snap of a rubber band. Others are not bothered at all.

The most common side effects are redness and a slight sting like that of a sunburn, which normally subsides within 30 minutes. The treated area will darken over the next couple hours and may resemble dark specks. These will slough off over the next two weeks. In the meantime, it should be safe to wear makeup and continue with your normal skincare routine.

DyeVL uses Advanced Fluorescence Technology™ (AFT)—a technology developed to benefit the most important person in the treatment room—YOU, the patient. With AFT, every pulse generates a uniform energy density, eliminating the peaks and valleys from traditional IPL machines that can cause pain and adverse events. Furthermore, its proprietary IN-Motion technology further reduces the discomfort and shortens treatment times without sacrificing results.

Those with pacemakers or defibrillators

Those with skin conditions such as vitiligo or skin cancer

Those with epilepsy/seizures

Those who are pregnant

Those with impaired immune systems

Those with darker skin tones

Those with active sunburns