Photofacial
If you’re looking for a time-tested, effective skin rejuvenating treatment that provides a skin reset without significant downtime, it’s the beloved Photofacial. This quick treatment helps improve the skin’s condition and eliminate apparent signs of sun damage—think spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and texture issues—so that the skin emerges more rejuvenated, glowing, and refreshed in about one week.
Photofacial
If you’re looking for a time-tested, effective skin rejuvenating treatment that provides a skin reset without significant downtime, it’s the beloved Photofacial. This quick treatment helps improve the skin’s condition and eliminate apparent signs of sun damage—think spots, fine lines and wrinkles, and texture issues—so that the skin emerges more rejuvenated, glowing, and refreshed in about one week.
What 
Is a Photofacial
A Photofacial is a light-based treatment that focuses primarily on improving skin discoloration and texture. The two types of energy devices used in a Photofacial are Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and BroadBand Light® (BBL® ), with BBL® being the more advanced option, which is what we offer.
BBL® is the most advanced and targeted type of Photofacial. Whereas IPL targets melanin in the upper layers of the skin to eliminate spots and hyperpigmentation, BBL® works below the skin’s surface. It also uses a different wavelength to treat the skin. It can also be used to reverse the effects of aging and sun damage and rejuvenate the skin with no downtime.
An IPL laser facial improves the look of broken blood vessels, stubborn redness, signs of rosacea, fine lines, wrinkles, and more. IPL lasers don’t come with serious, or any, downtime or compromise the outer layer of the skin like ablative lasers do. An IPL laser facial uses high-intensity light that breaks up pigment and enhances the skin’s texture while addressing other issues like uneven skin texture, unwanted hair and pigment, and redness.
For a photofacial to improve the skin, the light emitted from the device must be directed into the pigmented cells so that they absorb it and then convert it into heat deep within the dermis, breaking up the pigment in the skin.
How Does a Photofacial Work?
A Photofacial emits light energy that targets the dermal matrix, blood vessels, pigment, and hair follicles. The skin absorbs the light and then converts it into heat to treat facial lines, wrinkles, rosacea, broken capillaries, port wine stains, brown spots, acne, and even removing unwanted hair. Additionally, it stimulates the skin’s natural ability to produce collagen and repair discoloration.
Unlike a laser, the light in a Photofacial penetrates the second layer of skin without harming the epidermis, so there’s little to no risk of side effects. The BBL® device features a cooling mechanism that helps make the skin more comfortable during treatment and reduces any possible pain.
Since IPL uses light energy to target dark discoloration, it’s most effective on lighter skin tones with pigmented areas. In darker skin, the light is harder to locate the target. If you have medium to dark skin, you can still undergo a Photofacial as long as the right technology and settings are used.
What Are the Benefits of a Photofacial?
There are several benefits of regular Photofacials, which treat a variety of skin conditions, including:
BBL® Photofacials use non-invasive light waves to rejuvenate and replenish the skin and treat imperfections in any body area without downtime.
The Treatment Process
Photofacials are easy and convenient for many patients. However, we recommend a consultation first to determine if BBL® is suitable to treat your skin. Before the treatment begins, your skin will be assessed. Then, the skin will be cleansed, and a clear gel will be applied so that the handpiece glides more smoothly across the skin. You’ll also be given a special pair of dark glasses to protect your eyes from the light.
By heating the pigment in the skin, the treatment breaks it down, which improves the skin’s overall tone. Photofacials use pulsed light to target pigment and redness in the skin, which in turn works to reduce any discoloration while also stimulating collagen. The light is adjustable, so the settings can be dialed up or down to best target skin issues.
A Photofacial treatment feels like a hot rubber band snapping on the skin. There may also be a slight feeling of heat or mild pinching. To make the treatment more comfortable, topical numbing cream may be used.
Immediately after the treatment, the skin may look slightly pink or red and feel like you have a mild sunburn, which will subside on its own after a few hours. A few days later, the treated areas become slightly darker and take on the look of small, rough coffee grinds. Then, the spots will fall off and fade as the skin heals.
On average, three to five 30-minute Photofacial treatments are recommended to improve the skin, depending on the issues targeted. The treatment covers a large surface area with little downtime.
Common FAQs
How Much Does a Photofacial Cost?
Photofacial costs vary from person to person and depend on the specific type of treatment you choose, the treatment area, and the number of sessions you need. Therefore, we recommend a consultation for a detailed estimate to determine your treatment's cost.
Who Is a Photofacial Good For?
A Photofacial using BBL® is beneficial for anyone wishing to improve age spots, sun damage, hair and spider veins, signs of redness and rosacea, pigment, or rejuvenating the skin. It's generally better suited for those with lighter skin tones, as darker skin tones might be at a higher risk for hyperpigmentation or other adverse effects.
How many treatments do I need?
Every patient is different, but on average, you'll need two to five treatments to address your skin concerns. Then, annual maintenance sessions are recommended to maintain the effects.
Can I get a Photofacial even though my skin is darker?
While IPL and BBL® are safest for lighter skin types, darker skin tones can be treated, provided extreme caution is exercised.
What results can I expect, and how long do they last?
Results often include improved skin tone, reduced pigmentation, and a more even texture. The longevity of results varies, and since the results are cumulative, routine touch-ups are recommended.
Are there any side effects or risks?
As with any elective skin treatment, there are potential side effects and risks. With Photofacials, it is normal for there to be post-treatment redness, swelling, and minor discomfort. Rare risks include hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypopigmentation (lightening), especially in those with darker skin tones.
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Begin your journey to a more confident and beautiful you at Serenity MedSpa. Connect with us today to discuss your aesthetic goals and learn how our customized treatment plans can make your vision a reality. Book your consultation now and take the first step towards lasting beauty and wellness.
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