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Columbia Residents Ask: Do IPL Photofacials Really Work?

IPL Photofacial Near Washington DCOur faces are the first things people see when they meet us. This also means that they often take the brunt of what the world has to throw at us. Whether you are a reformed sun worshipper or are dealing with other unpleasant pigmentation issues, you don’t have to suffer in silence. IPL photofacials target unsightly spots, reducing the appearance of blemishes for a smoother complexion.

What is an IPL Photofacial?

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a light-based treatment that targets pigmentation such as freckles, melasma, acne scars, liver spots, moles, broken capillaries and other such instances of hyperpigmentation found on the face and body. By heating up the targeted area, IPL breaks up pigmentation, cauterizes broken capillaries and causes the appearances of spots to clear up over time.

While virtually any area of the body can be treated with IPL, the procedure works best on the face, hands, décolleté, and neck.

What Can I Expect?

One of the biggest questions we receive about the IPL photofacial treatment is, “Does it hurt?” The answer depends on a wide variety of factors, as every person is different. However, it is common for patients to experience slight discomfort throughout the procedure.

Results are not instantaneous; rather, they appear gradually over time. Pigmented lesions usually slough off within three to four days; while vascular lesions can take up to 2 weeks to completely clear up.

Am I a Candidate for an IPL Photofacial?

If you have sun damage, excessive freckling, red spots, broken capillaries, liver spots, or any other pigmentation-based blemishes, an IPL photofacial could work for you.

One thing to note is that an IPL photofacial works best on fair to medium skin. Since the treatment targets a change in pigmentation, those with darker skin or even a tan may not be ideal candidates for this procedure. If you are melanin-blessed and are feeling hassled by blemishes, set up a consultation with Dr. Banks to see which treatment best suits your complexion.

Schedule an IPL Photofacial Consultation Today

To find out if an IPL photofacial is right for you, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. Beaux Arts Institute of Plastic Surgery serves the Columbia, MD and Washington, D.C. areas.