IPL Photofacial Treatment in Birmingham & Detroit, MI
IPL laser treatment uses intense pulsed light to target discoloration, redness, and uneven skin tone without the downtime of more aggressive resurfacing treatments. Also known as IPL photorejuvenation, this treatment helps improve visible sun damage, brown spots, redness, rosacea-related discoloration, and uneven tone for a clearer, brighter complexion.
At R Skin Aesthetics in Birmingham, MI, we offer IPL photofacial treatment for patients throughout Metro Detroit who want to refresh their skin, reduce visible pigmentation, and support a more even, healthy-looking glow.
Rejuvenate Your Skin with Chemical Peels
As we age, our skin undergoes numerous changes, such as the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and uneven texture. If you are looking for a solution to rejuvenate your skin and restore its youthful glow, chemical peels could be the answer. In this comprehensive overview, we will delve into the world of chemical peels, exploring what they are, their benefits, the different types available, and how to prepare for a chemical peel. By the end of this article, you will be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision about whether a chemical peel is right for you.
Benefits of IPL Laser Treatment
- Sun Damage and Hyperpigmentation Treatment: Helps fade sunspots, age spots, freckles, brown spots, and uneven pigmentation caused by UV exposure, supporting a clearer, brighter, and more even skin tone.
- Rosacea and Redness Treatment: Helps reduce facial redness, visible vessels, broken capillaries, and rosacea-related discoloration, especially around the cheeks, nose, and chin where broken capillaries often appear.
- Stimulates Collagen Production: Promotes the growth of new collagen, leading to firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin.
- Permanent Hair Reduction: Provides a long-term solution for unwanted hair, making it an excellent alternative to shaving or waxing.
- Non-Invasive with Minimal Downtime: Achieve significant improvements in skin clarity and texture without the need for invasive procedures or extended recovery time.
- Customizable Treatments: Can be tailored to address specific skin concerns, offering a personalized approach to skincare.
Common IPL Treatment Areas
IPL laser treatment can be used on several areas of the face and body where sun damage, redness, brown spots, uneven pigmentation, or unwanted hair may appear. Common IPL treatment areas include the face, neck, chest, shoulders, arms, and hands.
At R Skin Aesthetics in Birmingham, MI, your provider will evaluate your skin tone, treatment area, and goals to determine whether IPL photofacial treatment is the right option for you.
Who Is a Good Candidate for IPL Photofacial?
IPL photofacial may be a good option for patients who want to improve visible sun damage, brown spots, age spots, freckles, redness, rosacea-related discoloration, broken capillaries, uneven skin tone, or unwanted hair with minimal downtime.
Good candidates typically have lighter to medium skin tones, are not currently tan or recently sunburned, and are able to follow pre- and post-treatment sun protection instructions. IPL may not be the best choice for every skin type, especially for patients with deeper skin tones, recent tanning, certain medications, or active skin irritation.
At R Skin Aesthetics in Birmingham, MI, your provider will evaluate your skin tone, treatment area, medical history, and goals to determine whether IPL photofacial treatment is the safest and most effective option for you.
IPL Laser Treatment Instructions
Prior to Treatment
● Avoid sun exposure for 4-6 weeks.
● Do not apply self-tanning products for at least 4-6 weeks before your treatment. The presence of tan or artificial pigments can increase the risk of side effects.
● Discontinue these prescribed medications 3-5 days prior and post of treatment due to light
sensitivity; Doxycycline and/or Metrogel. (Consult your physician before discontinuing any prescribed medications)
● Do not exfoliate with any skin care products or use glycolic/salicylic acids, retinol cream, and/or Hydroquinone 5-7 days prior to the Procedure.
● Avoid Accutane (or isotretinoin products) for 6 months prior.
● Avoid Blood thinning medications, aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning medications for at least 3-5 days before treatment, as they can increase the risk of
bruising. (Consult your physician before discontinuing any prescribed medications)
After Treatment
● Ice for 1 hour minimum. 10 mins on 20 off. Continue cooling over the next 24 hours as needed.
● Apply aloe to the area to help soothe skin.
● Treated areas usually darken slowly over the next 24-72 hours, and crusting begins to form within a few days. This crusting usually resolves in 1 to 3 weeks. It should be allowed to naturally flake off for best results.
● Redness, hives, and/or swelling may also be present and typically resolve within 24-72 hours.
IPL Photofacial FAQs: Birmingham & Detroit, MI
What does IPL photofacial treatment do?
IPL photofacial treats sun damage, age spots, freckles, brown spots, rosacea redness, broken capillaries, and uneven skin tone. It works by delivering broad spectrum light at multiple wavelengths, which lets a single session target both pigment and redness at the same time. At our Birmingham studio we most often treat sun damage on the face, neck, chest, and hands for clients across metro Detroit. Book a complimentary consultation and we will map out what IPL can realistically clear for you.
How many IPL sessions will I need?
Most clients need three to five IPL sessions spaced about four weeks apart. The number depends on how much pigmentation or redness you are treating and how quickly your skin clears between visits. Some people see a noticeable difference after one session, particularly with isolated brown spots, but an even overall result usually takes a series. We build your plan at the consultation and adjust as your skin responds.
Does IPL hurt?
Most people describe IPL as a quick warm snap against the skin, similar to a rubber band. No anesthetic is needed, and a full face takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes. The areas around the nose and upper lip tend to be the most sensitive, and we can adjust settings or add cooling if a spot feels sharp.
What is the downtime after IPL?
Expect mild redness and warmth for a few hours, similar to a light sunburn. Treated brown spots then darken over the next 24 to 72 hours, form a fine crust, and flake off naturally within one to three weeks. Do not pick at them. Plan your treatment at least two weeks ahead of a wedding, photos, or any event where you want clear skin.
Am I a good candidate for IPL?
IPL works best on fair to olive skin tones with no active tan. Deeper skin tones carry a higher risk of pigment change, so if that describes you, we may recommend microneedling or a chemical peel instead. IPL is also not appropriate if you have taken Accutane in the last six months or are using photosensitizing medications. Every consultation includes a skin assessment before anything is booked.
What is the difference between IPL and a laser?
A traditional laser emits one focused wavelength, while IPL delivers broad spectrum light across many wavelengths at once. That range makes IPL better suited to treating pigment and redness across a wide area, and lasers better suited to texture and resurfacing. If your main concern is fine lines, large pores, or acne scarring rather than discoloration, Laser Genesis or Pearl Fractional may be the better fit. We will tell you honestly which one your skin needs.
How should I prepare for my IPL appointment?
Avoid sun exposure and self tanner for four to six weeks before treatment, and stop retinol, glycolic and salicylic acids, and hydroquinone five to seven days prior. Skip aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood thinners for three to five days if your physician approves. Come to your appointment with clean skin and no makeup on the treatment area. Full instructions are listed further down this page.
How much does IPL cost?
IPL pricing depends on the size of the treatment area and how many sessions your plan calls for. Smaller targeted areas such as the hands or a spot treatment cost less than a full face and neck series. We give you a complete quote at your complimentary consultation, including package pricing when you commit to a series up front. Call (248) 890-1411 or book online to get started.
Dos and Don’ts
● Do not pick at or scratch the treated area, as this can cause scarring.
● Do not rub the skin and avoid hot water 2-3 days after treatment
● Patient should avoid working out for 24-48 hours after treatment.
● Patients should avoid artificial tanning, or sun exposure between treatments.
● Patients should actively wear sunscreen 50, reapplying multiple times daily.
● Continue to avoid retinoids, acids, and other potentially irritating products for at least 5-7 days post-treatment.
● The recommended treatment interval is 4 weeks or longer, depending on the rate of clearance.