UV rays from the sun are responsible for most of the signs of aging on your face. From small lines and wrinkles to brown spots and blotchy skin, all these signs of damage can be attributed to years of sun exposure. As odd as it may sound, one of the best ways to undo the damage from the light of the sun is with more light. Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatments or Photofacial procedures can offer beautiful results for resolving skin sun damage.
What Is a Photofacial?
UV light can damage the skin over time. Areas of the body that are routinely exposed to sunlight are the most susceptible to evidence of brown spots and discolorations, which are created when melanin or pigment in the skin clumps together. Photofacial treatments using intense-pulsed light (IPL) use broad spectrum light energy that is directed into the deeper layer of skin. The light is attracted to the darker melanin and hemoglobin in blood vessels, which absorb the light. The IPL destroys the melanin, which is then carried away effectively by blood vessels. The result is diminished pigmentation in the targeted areas.
IPL Treatment Benefits
IPL Photofacial treatments can remove the solar lentigines, freckles and brown spots that occur on the face, neck, chest or hands due to overexposure to the sun. The IPL targets the melanin that creates these discolorations on the skin. IPL treatments can also destroy small capillaries under the skin that create red patches, birthmarks (port wine stains) or rosacea.
While there are many laser treatments that can improve the aesthetics of the skin, IPL Photofacial treatment has specific advantages. Unlike some resurfacing laser treatments that remove the top layer of skin, IPL does not cause this type of damage. After the treatment, the skin may be reddish or swell slightly, but these effects diminish quickly. There is no notable downtime needed with IPL treatments – you can wear makeup or use topical creams again the next day.
If your skin has changed tone and texture over the years from sun damage, an IPL Photofacial may be perfect to restore a more youthful appearance. Contact our team at Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery in Atlanta, GA to schedule a Limelight Photofacial consultation.
