Vancouver Photofacial
Facial Rejuvenation - Vancouver IPL Laser (photofacial)
Visit Electra Laser's
Skin Rejuvenation webpage, for information and prices on
Diamond Tome
Microdermabrasion,
Chemical Peels, and
IPL Photofacials
What is intense pulsed light (IPL) and how does it work?
Intense pulsed light (IPL) is a skin care technique commonly used for skin rejuvenation treatments and as an alternative to laser hair removal. It consists of short bursts of high intensity light, usually xenon flash, and it is employed by both medical practitioners and trained estheticians. Rather than treating a broad area all at once, the light is focused using specialized optics that facilitate the higher energy level needed.
The intense pulses of light are able to penetrate past the top layer of skin, causing blood vessels below the epidermis to constrict and encouraging the natural production of collagen. This helps to reduce the appearance of redness, discolouration, and blotchiness on the surface of the skin. It can also reduce wrinkles and fine lines caused by sun damage and aging.
How safe is IPL treatment?
IPL in Vancouver:
IPL has been used in Vancouver for over ten years with few minor side
effects reported. IPL, when properly administered is safe to use anywhere the sun touches your skin.
It is most commonly used on the face, throat, chest and hands. IPL
delivers intense bursts of light which produces maximum results with
maximum safety. IPL's varying wavelengths treat different skin
conditions, giving you a custom-tailored experience which ultimately
yields safe results. Our Vancouver IPL technician is
professionally certified with many years of experience: your
safety and satisfaction is our top priority.
Does IPL hurt?
IPL does not hurt and is very safe to use. Many people describe the sensation as a pulse of warmth. A few people have described IPL as feeling like a rubber band lightly snapping against their skin. These sensations last for only a few seconds and are minimal. A cooling gel may be applied to the area being effected for your comfort. The Electra Health Floor uses the Syneron Galaxy IPL which is well-known among dermatologists and technicians for its comfort and effectiveness.
What does it feel like?
When undergoing a typical IPL photofacial procedure, patients may feel a heat-like sensation from the pulses of light. As mentioned above, it can also feel as if someone is "snapping" a rubber band on the focal point of the light. Discomfort is minimal, because unlike laser techniques, the procedure is non-ablative. This means that no skin is removed during the treatment process.
Who should use IPL and what is it used to treat?
There are many different people who can benefit from IPL photorejuvenation procedures. It can be used to treat redness, inflammation, and fine lines from a number of different causes, including acne, aging, and sun damage. Skin that has become discoloured by smoking or hormonal changes can be made to look radiant and healthy again, offering a clearer and smoother complexion.
Intense pulsed light therapy is generally safe for all ages, though younger children may not be appropriate candidates for the procedure due to the perceived discomfort. If the child is able to sit still throughout the procedure and is accepting of the sensation caused by IPL, he or she may be suitable for intense pulsed light.
What benefits can IPL have if I do not have minor skin problems?
IPL causes fine lines and wrinkles to decrease and, in most cases, disappear altogether. Any discolouration, which women often use foundation or concealer to hide, will be erased, allowing a more youthful complexion to shine through. Loose skin and texture irregularities will also be treated by IPL. You will notice tone return to your face, your skin's irregularities become smooth and your pores tighten – giving you that “ten years younger” look no cream or concealer can imitate or attain, especially with any permanence.
How long does one session take?
A typical IPL photofacial procedure lasts about thirty minutes, but individual differences in the treatment may result in longer or shorter sessions.
How much downtime am I expected to need?
IPL is very popular, not only because of its effectiveness, but also because there is no downtime after the procedure. This makes IPL an ideal choice for active athletes, busy professionals, and anyone else looking for beautiful, younger looking skin immediately. Since the possible side effects related to IPL photorejuvenation treatments are typically minimal, patients oftentimes experience no down time. Many patients are able to undergo the procedure on a lunch break, for instance, and return to work immediately afterwards. Your individual experience may vary.
When will I start seeing results?
As with any other procedure, individual differences can lead to different results and responses to the treatment. Many patients are able to notice some improvements after just one treatment. However, an average of 5 treatments are required to obtain maximum and more permanent results.
How much time should there be between sessions?
It is best to consult with a dermatologist or other related professional for the most accurate advice suitable to your individual situation. However, generally speaking, IPL treatments can be spaced approximately three weeks apart. This gives enough time for the natural healing process, which helps to encourage the best possible results.
Where else can IPL treatments be applied aside from the face?
While photofacial treatments are, by definition, treatments of light for the face, the photorejuvenation techniques used in IPL can also be applied to other parts of the body. Anywhere on the body where the patient is exhibiting redness, discolouration, or fine lines, intense pulsed light may be a viable option for encouraging a younger and more vibrant complexion.
Examples of other places where patients have used IPL include the neck and chest region, as well as the upper and lower arms. As with any procedure, it is best to consult with a medical professional or specialist for more information.
I have multiple skin problems, will I need different treatments besides IPL?
While no single treatment is effective for all conditions, our Vancouver IPL treats and often eliminates many skin problems, including:
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In addition, IPL also balances your skin's tone, providing improvements in the colour of your skin (broken capillaries, redness and brown spots) and the tone/texture of your skin. With IPL, excellent results are achieved across a wide variety of skin problems and types.
What are the possible side effects?
There are minimal risks associated with intense pulsed light therapy in Vancouver, though there are some patients who may experience some side effects. These include bruising, scarring, blistering, and scabbing. Some patients may also exhibit changes in the skin's pigmentation. Many of these side effects are only experienced by a relatively small number of individuals and among those who do, the effects may resolve themselves.
Common side effects associated with IPL treatments include some pinkness, darkening of pigmentation and mild swelling. This is normal and the side effects typically subside on their own within a day or so, if not sooner.
How effective is IPL?
Our Vancouver IPL machine is of the latest technology, so you receive state of the art treatments at all times. IPL is best used in a safe, wellness-centered setting by trained and qualified technicians where the highest energy wands may be used to create dramatic results. Usually, you will notice results after one or two treatments. To ensure these treatments last, make sure you talk to our technician who will be able to estimate how many treatments you will require for more permanent results. Depending on your sun exposure and lifestyle, your technician will be able to estimate how long the effect of IPL will last for you specifically.
Am I a good candidate for IPL?
Most people are excellent candidates for IPL since it is non-invasive, has very few side effects and requires no downtime. There is no minimum or maximum age requirements because of its safety. You should talk to one of our skin care specialists before treatment if you suffer from diabetes, are prone to keloid scars (raised, excess scarring), or have a severe sensitivity to burns. Our skin care specialists will be able to determine which course of treatment is right for you and your skin.
What do I need to do after the treatments?
Be sure to keep the treatment site clean with gentle cleansing twice a day. Avoid harsh scrubbing and any heavy exfoliation of the area for at least one week following treatment. If there is any blistering or scabbing, apply antibiotic ointment on the site; do not attempt to remove scabs or crusts by force as this can result in scarring. Allow them to fall off naturally.
It is recommended that you avoid direct exposure to the sun following your IPL treatment. Use an appropriate sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat to minimize this exposure. Do not use any self tanning methods, like lotions and sprays, for at least one week after treatment. You can apply light makeup immediately after treatment.
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