Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial Treatment

PONSKY FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY & CLEVELAND MEDICAL SPA

What Is an Intense Pulsed Light IPL Photofacial and How Does It Work?

LOCATED IN BEACHWOOD | SERVING CLEVELAND AND NORTHEAST OHIO

Intense Pulsed Light Photofacial, also known as broadband light therapy or photorejuvenation, uses advanced light-based technology to improve your skin’s color and texture, without surgery. This non-invasive treatment is especially effective at reducing visible signs of sun damage, which often appears on the face, neck, chest, and hands.

Photofacials are becoming increasingly popular for treating a range of skin concerns. They work by targeting pigment and vascular irregularities beneath the skin’s surface, helping to reduce brown spots, redness, splotchy skin, fine lines, acne, and minor acne scars, and uneven texture.

Many people choose IPL for its rejuvenating effects and minimal downtime. While the procedure is generally safe for most skin types, scheduling a consultation is recommended to determine if it’s right for you. Results can vary, but most patients begin to notice an improvement and more even skin after just a few sessions.

If you’re considering IPL, understanding what it can treat and what to expect is the first step toward brighter, more youthful-looking skin.

Before and after results of a woman who had 3 sessions of an ipl photofacial treatment at Ponsky Facial Plastic Surgery Cleveland Ohio

Benefits of Intense Pulsed Light Include:

✔ Reducing brown spots and sun damage
✔ Improving skin tone and texture
✔ Decreasing redness

Unlike traditional laser treatments, IPL uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths. This allows for customized treatment tailored to individual needs. The procedure is quick, typically lasting 20 to 30 minutes. Results improve with multiple sessions.

5 Skin Complaints A Photofacial Can Help:

  1. Brown spots, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation
  2. Fine lines and wrinkles
  3. Acne and acne scars
  4. Rosacea and skin redness
  5. Uneven skin tone and texture

How IPL Helps

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial uses light energy to simultaneously send out wavelengths of pulsating light to treat various skin conditions. The light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the targeted pigments or imperfections, causing the skin to heat up and triggering the body’s natural healing response. After the treatment, you may look younger because your skin tone is more even. 

Redness: After one to three treatments, light therapy can eliminate 50%-75% of broken blood vessels for most people. This is excellent for those struggling with rosacea.

Sun damage: You may see up to a 70% reduction in brown spots and redness caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Skin Type: You’ll benefit most if you have light skin and dark hair. It may not be suitable if you have dark skin or blond hair.

BEFORE

What To Expect Before The Procedure

Do not tan in the sun, in a tanning bed, or use tanning creams for four weeks before treatment.  Refrain from chemical peels and waxing two weeks before treatment. Do not wear perfume, makeup, deodorant, or skin irritants before the procedure.  Do not take aspirin or medications that could thin your blood and cause more bruising.  Do not take medicines that sensitize you to the sun, such as doxycycline.

DURING

What To Expect During The Procedure

On the day of the treatment, Double-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Diana Ponsky or our nurse practitioner, Olivia Marino, will give you numbing cream to put on for 10-15 minutes before the procedure. Then, protective glasses will be placed on your eyes.  The gel will be placed on your clean skin, and the IPL device will be placed on your skin. The device delivers intense pulses of light to the treatment areas. You may feel uncomfortable, like a rubber band snapping on your skin. The session will last about 20-30 minutes.

AFTER

What To Expect After The Procedure

You will feel like you have a sunburn for 4-6 hours after you’ve finished the treatment.  Use aloe vera, ice packs, or a cool washcloth for relief.  Your skin may be red or bruised for a day or two. Some brown spots may temporarily look darker but should peel off within a few weeks. Do not use makeup if your skin is sensitive. Use adequate moisturizers and sunscreen (30 SPF) daily, even if not sunny outside. Most people need between 3-7 sessions to see the desired results. IPL sessions should be scheduled 2-4 weeks apart.

PONSKY FACIAL PLASTIC SURGERY

IPL Photofacial Q&A

Photofacials offer an effective solution for brown spots, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. The treatment targets melanin, breaking it apart to reduce pigmentation. It is a non-invasive method that improves skin clarity. Brown spots and sun damage are common skin complaints. Prolonged sun exposure often leads to these issues, causing uneven skin tone.

Improvement varies, but many see a noticeable reduction in spots:

✔ Brown spots lighten progressively
✔ Sun damage appears less pronounced
✔ Hyperpigmentation diminishes over time

Most patients notice changes after a few sessions. Full fading may take 3+ treatment sessions, depending on the severity of the spots.

As skin ages, fine lines and wrinkles become more visible. They can alter your appearance, sometimes adding years to your look.
IPL photofacials stimulate collagen production, which helps to smooth out lines. The treatment works by delivering pulses of light to the skin, encouraging cell rejuvenation.

Many patients notice improvements in skin texture, leading to:

✔ Reduced appearance of fine lines
✔ Fewer noticeable wrinkles
✔ Smoother, more youthful skin

Results can vary, but several sessions often yield significant improvement. IPL is a gentle alternative to more invasive wrinkle treatments and can provide a subtle yet effective solution.

Acne can be persistent and leave unwanted scars. IPL photofacials offer a promising solution for these skin issues. This treatment targets the bacteria causing acne and aids in reducing inflammation. Over time, it can significantly improve skin clarity and evenness.

Acne scars, especially those that leave the skin texture rough and uneven, also benefit from IPL. The procedure promotes skin healing, leading to:

✔ Minimized occurrences of acne breakouts
✔ Diminished acne scars
✔ Enhanced skin tone and texture

Patients usually notice a reduction in acne within a few sessions. It’s a non-invasive way to tackle both active acne and leftover scars effectively.

Rosacea causes skin redness and visible blood vessels. These symptoms can be frustrating and hard to manage. IPL photofacials address the problem by using light energy to target the blood vessels. This process minimizes redness and improves overall skin appearance. Many individuals with rosacea find relief through IPL treatments.

Benefits include:

✔ Reduced skin redness
✔ Decreased visibility of blood vessels
✔ Smoother skin appearance

The treatment helps calm the skin, offering lasting relief from redness. Although results can vary, many experience significant improvements with consistency.

Achieving an even skin tone often feels challenging. Factors like sun exposure and age contribute to uneven skin texture.

IPL photofacials are a solution for these issues. The treatment utilizes light pulses to penetrate the skin, promoting collagen production. This process smooths the skin, enhancing texture and tone.

Here are the benefits of IPL for uneven skin:

✔ Smoother skin surface
✔ Balanced skin tone
✔ Improved overall skin health

Many notice brighter, more vibrant skin after a few sessions. Although results aren’t instant, patience leads to noticeable improvements.

PATIENT REVIEWS

Read what our Patients have to say…

“I had the most amazing experience with Dr. Ponsky and her entire team. Everyone in the office is incredibly friendly and welcoming which made me feel comfortable from the start. Dr. Ponsky herself is truly a master…”

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