Treatment Spotlight: Fotofacial/IPL

With the multitude of skin products out there, it can be overwhelming to try and find the best solution for your cosmetic concerns. Over the next few weeks look for the DermaNetwork Blog's 'Treatment Spotlight' segment, where treatments ranging from the brand new to tried-and-true are featured and explained.

Intense Pulse Light Therapy, also known as FotoFacial, Photofacial, or IPL, is a non-ablative skin rejuvenation technique that is delivered through a series of applications of intense pulsed light. 'Non ablative' means that the treatment doesn't damage the outer layers of skin, so you can return to work or other daily activities right after treatment. The light pulses are directed to the deeper layers of the skin, targeting skin concerns at the source.

Intense pulse light therapy is a good option for many patients because of the variety of skin problems it can address. There are a number of different types of IPL treatments available that are designed to target different structures in the skin--and different skin concerns. The PhotoDerm VL targets vascular lesions like spider veins and vascular birthmarks. The PhotoDerm PL targets pigmented lesions such as melasma and age spots. The PhotoDerm HR and Epilight target hair. The thermal effects of IPL also encourage collagen production, leading to improvement in wrinkles. Talk to your skin care specialist to learn which of these options, or combination of them, is best for your individual needs.

The FotoFacial/IPL procedure typically takes approximately 20-30 minutes as an outpatient procedure with little to no recovery time, making IPL a great option for people with a busy lifestyle. Keep in mind that multiple treatment options may be needed to achieve the best possible results.

To learn more about IPL or other skin rejuvenative procedures, visit DermaNetwork.org.