IPL Calgary
IPL Photo Facial Treatments
IPL Photofacials in Calgary
Revive provides a quick, no downtime solution called IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) with the powerful Lumenis® M22™. This is also known as a Photofacial treatment and can safely and effectively treat a wide variety of skin conditions, including:
Skin pigmentation (sun/age spots and freckles)
Active acne and hyperpigmentation spots left from the blemishes
Broken capillaries and facial redness from Rosacea or sun damage
Telangiectasia on the chest (redness from sun damage)
Sun damage/age spots on hands and arms
HOW DOES IPL TECHNOLOGY WORK FOR SKIN REJUVENATION?
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR AN IPL PHOTOFACIALTREATMENT?
Only those with lighter skin colors are good candidates for this treatment, as it treats very superficially and can sometimes be unsafe for those with very dark brown or black skin.
You are also not a good candidate if you spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun without daily sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Those use regularly use tanning beds are also not good candidates and would have to stop tanning for 5-6 weeks prior to an IPL treatment. Tanning should also be avoided after the treatments.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS WITH AN IPL TREATMENT?
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR AN IPL PHOTOFACIALTREATMENT?
The technician will thoroughly cleanse your skin and take some “before” photos. A thin layer of ultrasound gel will be applied to the area to be treated. The technician will begin with a couple of test spots around the hairline, working with you to determine the exact amount o heat that will be best for your skin and concerns, while being safe and achieving the best results. The remainder of the treatment should take no more than 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the area. You will feel very quick, “snaps” of heat, which are uncomfortable, but very tolerable and the pain will completely disappear the second the pulse has finished.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS WITH AN IPL TREATMENT?
IPL is generally a very safe treatment, if performed by an experienced technician. Factors like skin colors and sun exposure are very important to take into account with this treatment, as well as understanding proper settings. Risks of IPL include bruising and mild burns, which will heal and are mitigated by safe and gentle treatments and experienced technicians.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER MY IPL TREATMENT?
IPL treatments can either involve some downtime or little to no downtime, completely depending on the intensity or aggressiveness of the treatment.
‘Downtime’ involves redness and flushing for a few hours after the treatment, as well as darkened pigment spots that were treated. For any pigmented spots, they will appear to be darker right after the treatment, as the pigment rises to the surface, then will slowly turn to what looks like coffee grounds, or ‘peppering’ on your skin. They will very slowly and naturally flake off your skin over the next 2-3 weeks. Your skin could also experience some mild swelling and itching after the treatment. It is important not to rub, exfoliate or scratch the skin while it is healing, as this could cause scarring.
Immediately after the treatment, you may feel some tingling or some heat, similar to a sunburn. This usually fades after a few hours. Most clients can return to work and normal activities and the darkened spots can usually be (mostly!) covered with makeup afterwards. Depending on your tolerance for downtime, this may or may not be noticeable. The more aggressive the treatment, the more heat, redness and “peppering” you would experience.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN IPL PHOTOFACIAL TREATMENT?
Your IPL Photo facial treatment shouldn’t take more than 30-45 minutes. It is a quick, in-office procedure with minimal discomfort and no numbing cream is needed. Prior to the treatment, the initial consultation will go over proper skin care, safety and expectations. It is important to follow up your IPL treatment with the proper skin care to get the best possible results. Using a daily mineral sunscreen is also extremely important. The technician may also recommend some skin lightening products to lighten the unwanted dark spots at home, as well as make the treatment safer and more effective.
The technician will thoroughly cleanse your skin and take some “before” photos. A thin layer of ultrasound gel will be applied to the area to be treated. The technician will begin with a couple of test spots around the hairline, working with you to determine the exact amount o heat that will be best for your skin and concerns, while being safe and achieving the best results. The remainder of the treatment should take no more than 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the area. You will feel very quick, “snaps” of heat, which are uncomfortable, but very tolerable and the pain will completely disappear the second the pulse has finished.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS?
The recovery period does not usually require “downtime” and you can wear makeup immediately after the treatment. You will require daily sunscreen during your IPL treatments. Your skin should look back to normal between two and seven days, depending on your sensitivity and which type of treatment was performed. Most patients will see a significant difference in hyper-pigmented spots, vascular lesions, and your overall skin texture within 1-2 weeks after the IPL treatment. More than one treatment is usually necessary. Typically, 2-4 treatments are recommended.
HOW LONG DO RESULTS FROM IPL PHOTOFACIAL TREATMENTS LAST?
IPL can fix EXISTING ISSUES, but it cannot prevent new ones from developing or occurring in the future.
The length of time your results will last depends on many factors. The good news is most of them are under the patient’s control.
Using the skin care products recommended during the consultation, wearing daily mineral sunscreen and overall living a healthy lifestyle will greatly prolong your glowing skin. Without daily sunscreen, most likely the sun damage/freckles will return.
For those with Rosacea, it is a condition that comes from within the body. Usually dietary and lifestyle changes must be made to achieve best results, but even with a perfect diet and lifestyle, the broken capillaries often return and ongoing touch-ups are needed. Things like temperature changes, hormones and even blowing your nose could cause some broken vessels.
Most patients will require touch up treatments every 1-4 years, depending on how well they cared for their skin after their initial sessions.
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