SpectraPulse® Photofacial Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a SpectraPulse® Photofacial?

    SpectraPulse® Photofacial is a non-abrasive and non-invasive rejuvenation of your skin using the remarkable new technology of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). Photofacial technology can correct or erase the signs of photoaging, rosacea, sun damage, and brown spots on the face, hands and body. It has also been used to reduce the appearance of mild acne scars, dark circles around the eyes, and to reduce fine lines around the eyes and mouth.

  2. How does it work?

    Using a cold gel applied to the area to be treated, the SpectraPulse® Photofacial handpiece is gently applied to your skin as pulses of light are emitted. It can resolve facial redness, flushing, pigment problems, and sun damage. New collagen growth is stimulated to improve skin texture, increase skin smoothness and reduce pore size.

  3. How long does a treatment take and how many do I need?

    Usually, four to six treatment sessions, lasting about 20 minutes each, will provide you with beautiful long term results. There is no recuperation time necessary. With an IPL Photofacial you can return to work the same day or resume your normal activities. Some people experience a mild pink sunburn-like sensation after treatment. This usually fades within a few hours. There is no disruption to your active lifestyle. You will notice a gradual, yet natural, looking improvement providing you with outstanding results. IPL is a safe solution tailor-made to your skin type and condition. Most people have an initial series of 3-5 treatments and then a maintenance treatment every 6 months to 2 years depending on your needs.

    The series is most commonly done in 5 sessions. The first two help to remove redness (small vascular areas) and brown spots (pigmentation, also called age spots). The third and fourth treatments help to remodel the superficial dermal collagen. Lastly, the fifth treatment targets the deep dermal collagen. Over all the IPL Photofacial removes sundamage starting from the top layer down. They are commonly done at three week intervals.

  4. Who should get an IPL Photofacial?

    It works best for skin types 1-4. Anyone who desires a younger, healthier appearance; Show signs of early aging; Exhibits signs of sun damage; Suffer from redness, flushing and dilated capillaries associated with rosacea; Wish to smooth skin, reduce pores, freckling, and irregular pigmentation; Do not want to take time off to heal.

  5. Can a Photofacial be done on other parts of the body?

    Yes, the term Photofacial got its name because it was initially done on the face. Excellent rejuvenation can be obtained using it on the neck and décolleté (chest) and hands/arms.

  6. Can IPL Photofacial be used in conjunction with any other treatments?

    To obtain excellent results, Photofacial can be done on a rotating schedule with BOTOX®, microdermabrasions and chemical peels.

  7. What can expect after my treatment?

    Immediately following a treatment, the skin may appear red and flushed and tiny capillaries may appear more visible. These changes gradually fade over a period of hours to a few days. Brown spots at first appear darker. After several days they begin to flake off. There is no bruising or discoloration. The skin is not broken by the treatment.

  8. Are there any contraindications to a Photofacial treatment?

    Yes, it is not recommended for clients with connective tissue disease or auto immune disorders. It cannot be done during pregnancy, nor can it be done on recently sun-tanned skin or in those who may receive excess sun exposure for a few weeks following treatment. It cannot be used on patients taking Accutane or for 18 months after stopping Accutane. The procedure is not usually done on patients with active acne cysts and large pustules. The same is true for highly active rosacea.

  9. Who performs the Photofacial treatments?

    Our physician assistant has been trained in this procedure according the Texas Board of Medicine requirements.

  10. Can I tan before, during or after treatment?

    Tanning can decrease the efficacy of the treatment and increase the chances of side effects such as blistering. Remember sun exposure and tanning is what caused these age spots, discolorations, redness and wrinkles in the first place. The more sun exposure you get the more treatments you'll need. As medical professionals it is our duty to inform you of the dangers of tanning such as skin cancer.