A photofacial is completed in about 20 – 30 minutes per treatment area. To start the session, your technician will clean and dry the skin to be treated before protecting your eyes with special shields. IPL is performed using a handheld device that passes over the skin while emitting light energy pulses. While some patients may have slight discomfort during the IPL photofacial, it’s usually bearable for the fast treatment length. We are able to use a numbing cream to offset any sensitivity.  Our team advises you to keep a cream on the skin’s surface to decrease any irritation and encourage healing. While you will notice some visible results after your first treatment, you will achieve your best results with multiple IPL photofacial sessions.

IPL can address various skin concerns, including:

1. Sun Damage: IPL is excellent for reducing the appearance of sunspots, freckles, and other signs of sun damage on the skin.
2. Pigmentation Issues: It can help even out skin tone by minimizing redness, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation, such as melasma and age spots.
3. Vascular Lesions: IPL can be used to treat vascular lesions like spider veins and broken capillaries.
4. Acne and Scarring: IPL can reduce the redness associated with acne and may also help improve the appearance of acne scars.
5. Fine Lines and Wrinkles: It can stimulate collagen production, which may lead to a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
6. Hair Removal: IPL is also used for hair removal and can effectively reduce the growth of unwanted hair in specific areas.

IPL is suitable for a broad range of individuals. It is often recommended for those who:

1. Want to Improve Skin Tone and Texture: Individuals looking to address issues related to uneven skin tone, texture, and pigmentation can benefit from IPL.
2. Prefer Non-Surgical Solutions: IPL is a non-surgical and non-invasive treatment, making it an attractive option for those who want to avoid surgical procedures.
3. Have Mild to Moderate Skin Concerns: IPL is most effective for individuals with mild to moderate skin concerns. For severe issues, other treatments may be more appropriate.
4. Desire Minimal Downtime: IPL typically has minimal downtime, allowing individuals to return to their regular activities shortly after the procedure.
5. Seek Long-Lasting Results: The results of IPL are long-lasting, especially when addressing sun damage and pigmentation concerns. Maintenance treatments may be necessary for best results.

However, it’s important to note that IPL may not be suitable for everyone. People with darker skin tones may be at a higher risk of pigmentation changes, and individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking specific medications should consult with one of our healthcare providers to determine if IPL is a safe option for them.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light):

1. Treatment Method:
   • IPL utilizes broad-spectrum light, delivering multiple wavelengths of light energy into the skin. The energy is absorbed by targeted pigment in the skin, such as melanin or hemoglobin.
2. Purpose:
   • IPL is primarily used to address pigmentation issues, sun damage, redness, and vascular lesions (e.g., spider veins). It’s also used for hair removal.
3. How it Works:
   • The light energy heats and destroys targeted pigment in the skin, causing it to flake off and be replaced with new, healthy skin cells.
4. Downtime:
   • IPL typically has minimal downtime, with some redness and mild swelling, which often subsides within a few hours to a day.
5. Number of Treatments:
   • Multiple IPL sessions are often needed to achieve the desired results.
6. Suitable for:
   • People looking to improve skin tone and pigmentation issues, and those who prefer a relatively quick and non-invasive procedure.

Microneedling:

1. Treatment Method:
   • Microneedling involves the use of a handheld device with fine, sterile needles that create controlled micro-injuries in the skin.
2. Purpose:
   • Microneedling is used to stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and address acne scars.
3. How it Works:
   • The micro-injuries trigger the body’s natural healing response, leading to increased collagen and elastin production. This results in smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin.
4. Downtime:
   • Microneedling may cause redness, swelling, and mild discomfort for a few days, with the recovery time varying depending on the depth of the treatment.
5. Number of Treatments:
   • A series of microneedling sessions is typically required to achieve optimal results. The exact number depends on the individual’s skin concerns and goals.
6. Suitable for:
   • Individuals seeking to improve skin texture, reduce signs of aging, and diminish the appearance of scars, including those with acne scars.

Key Differences:

• IPL targets pigmentation issues and redness, while microneedling is primarily focused on skin texture and collagen production.
• IPL is suitable for a broader range of skin issues, while microneedling is often chosen for its anti-aging and scar-reduction benefits.
• IPL has minimal downtime, while microneedling may require a few days of recovery, depending on the depth of the treatment.

Both treatments can complement each other when used in a combination approach for comprehensive skin rejuvenation.

The choice between IPL and microneedling should be based on your specific skin concerns, goals, and the guidance of one of our qualified skincare professionals. We are happy to help determine which treatment or combination of treatments is best for your individual needs.

Microneedling and microneedling with radiofrequency (RF), such as the Morpheus8, are both skin rejuvenation procedures that involve the use of fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin. However, they differ in their techniques, depth, and the results they achieve. Here’s a comparison:

Microneedling:

1. Treatment Method:

1. • Microneedling uses a device with fine, sterile needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin’s surface.

1. Purpose:

1. • Microneedling primarily stimulates collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and minimizing scars (including acne scars).

1. How it Works:

1. • The micro-injuries trigger the body’s natural healing response, promoting the production of new collagen and elastin, which leads to firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin.

1. Downtime:

1. • Microneedling may result in some redness, swelling, and mild discomfort for a few days, with the recovery time dependent on the depth of the treatment.

1. Number of Treatments:

1. • Multiple microneedling sessions are typically needed to achieve optimal results, with the exact number determined by individual skin concerns and goals.

1. Suitable for:

1. • Individuals looking to improve skin texture, reduce the signs of aging, and diminish the appearance of scars, including acne scars.

Microneedling with Radiofrequency using the Morpheus8:

1. Treatment Method:

1. • Microneedling with radiofrequency combines microneedling and RF energy. The device has microneedles that deliver RF energy into the deeper layers of the skin.

1. Purpose:

1. • Morpheus8 is designed to address skin laxity, texture, and wrinkles, providing both the collagen-stimulating benefits of microneedling and the skin-tightening effects of RF.

1. How it Works:

1. • Microneedles penetrate the skin, delivering RF energy to heat the deeper layers. This stimulates collagen and elastin production while tightening and remodeling the skin.

1. Downtime:

1. • Microneedling with RF can result in some redness and swelling, similar to traditional microneedling, but may require a bit more downtime due to the added RF energy.

1. Number of Treatments:

1. • Like microneedling, a series of Morpheus8 treatments is typically needed to achieve desired results, depending on the individual’s skin concerns and goals.

1. Suitable for:

1. • Individuals seeking skin tightening, texture improvement, and the reduction of wrinkles, along with the benefits of collagen stimulation.

Key Differences:

• Microneedling with RF, such as Morpheus8, offers the additional benefit of skin tightening due to the radiofrequency energy.
• Both treatments can stimulate collagen production, but Morpheus8 is more targeted at addressing skin laxity and deeper wrinkles.
• Morpheus8 may require slightly more downtime due to the combined effects of microneedling and RF energy.

The choice between microneedling and microneedling with RF should be based on your specific skin concerns and desired outcomes, and it can be determined with the guidance of one of our qualified skincare experts.