IPL Photofacial Side Effects

One of today's most popular cosmetic laser treatments is IPL Photofacial or photorejuvenation. Its intense pulsed light technology has become a well-known, effective solution for rosacea, age spots, sun damage, fine lines, spider veins, acne and even hair removal. But in spite of the treatment's popularity, there are still risks and side effects involved with IPL Photofacial, and many patients are curious about their susceptibility to these risks.

How Does IPL work?

It's easier to understand and avoid IPL side effects if you first understand how IPL works. IPL technology uses beams of intense pulsed light to target specific skin areas for treatment. The IPL laser uses a full spectrum of light wavelengths, as opposed to the single wavelength used in most standard laser treatments for hair removal, skin rejuvenation and skin tightening.

The IPL light beam is altered through the use of different filters, which can change the intensity of the laser. The IPL's laser light is focused on hyperpigmented spots on the skin, or individual hair follicles, and then uses the process of photothermolysis to treat skin with combined light and heat energy.

For skin rejuvenation, IPL lasers penetrate deeper into the dermis skin layers and use light and heat to energize skin cells, boost collagen production and improve skin's regenerative abilities. IPL for hair removal utilizes light energy to lock onto individual hair pigments and disintegrate hair shafts at the root.

Common IPL Side Effects

For patients who are new to laser skin care, the prospect of zapping skin and hair with a laser sounds a little frightening. However, the most common side effects reported with IPL treatments are both minor and temporary:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Light bruising
• Itching
• Peeling
• Scabbing

Some patients, typically with darker skin or specific skin conditions, have reported more serious IPL side effects such as burning, blistering and scarring.

Avoiding IPL Side Effects

While there is always some risk involved with cosmetic treatments, you can greatly improve your odds for successful results and help to avoid IPL side effects by:

• Following all pre and post IPL treatment guidelines
• Always having your IPL treatments administered by an experienced skin care professional

Additionally, individuals who are pregnant, who are taking certain medications like Accutane or Isotretinoin (which increase skin's light sensitivity), and those who have skin infections will all be more prone to IPL side effects and poor treatment results. Many skin care providers may deny patients IPL treatment if they are found to meet these or other criteria that could jeopardize a patient's safety.

Before undergoing an IPL Photofacial treatment, for skin rejuvenation or for hair removal, it's best to meet with a trusted cosmetic provider to ask procedure questions, to learn what to expect with treatment, and to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for IPL laser treatments.

Related Articles

Affirm vs Fraxel: Comparing Laser Resurfacing Treatments
Aluma Skin Renewal Review
Aramis Laser Skin Treatment Review
Arctic Peel vs. Traditional Laser Skin Treatments
At-Home Microdermabrasion vs Professional Microdermabrasion
ClearLift Cuts to the Core of Your Collagen
Cosmelan Depigmentation Review
Dermaplaning for Skin Rejuvenation
DOT Therapy: The Future of Laser Skin Rejuvenation?
eMatrix Skin Rejuvenation System Review
eMatrix vs Refirme Skin Tightening
ePrime Energy Based Dermal Optimizer
Excel V Laser System Targets Varicose Veins, Rosacea
How Do Fotofacial Treatments Work?
How Photo Rejuvenation Works
HydraFacial: When Dermabrasion Meets Hydration
IPL Photofacial Costs
IPL Photofacial Side Effects
Laser Skin Rejuvenation for African American Skin
Laser Skin Rejuvenation vs IPL Skin Treatments
Laser Skin Resurfacing: Fraxel vs Lux 1540
Leading Types of Facial Treatments
LED + Green Tea = Wrinkle Removal
Liver Spot Removal Options
Microdermabrasion Costs and Comparisons
Microdermabrasion: Healing Properties Revealed
Microdermabrasion Side Effects
Microdermabrasion vs Dermabrasion
Microdermabrasion vs. Photofacial
Milia Treatments for Adults
Pelleve Wrinkle Reduction System Review
Portrait Plasma Skin Regeneration Review
Radio Frequency Wrinkle Treatments
Reducing Large Pores
Scar Removal Options
Silk Peel Dermalinfusion: The Basics
Spectra Laser Peel by Lutronic: a Review
Top 5 Types of Chemical Peels
Treating Dark Under Eye Circles
Ulthera Skin Rejuvenation System: Overview and Review
Ultherapy: Ultrasound Skin Tightening
V-Beam Laser Skin Treatment Review
Ulthera Amplify: Improving the Non-Surgical Facelift

Popular Treatment Cities