IPL Photofacial - Plastic Surgeon Scottsdale AZ

IPL Photo Rejuvenation

All year long your skin has to defend itself against environmental influences, and every day you are exposed to damaging light from the sun and other sources. If you have been looking for a comfortable, safe, and effective laser facial, you can turn to our practice in Scottsdale, AZ. With Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photo Rejuvenation by Quanta Systems, this laser technology destroys the upper layer of the skin to prompt the skin to regenerate. This new skin growth will result in a younger and invigorated appearance. It may also significantly reduce mild acne scars and other skin irregularities. Laser facials may also be used to not only treat the face but also the neck, chest, and hands. Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Carlos Mata, a.k.a. Dr. Scottsdale® can help you erase the years of damage sun overexposure and harmful UV rays have done to your skin color, tone, and texture.

Procedure Information

Photo rejuvenation is a non-invasive procedure. With IPL, the doctor utilizes pulses of light strong enough to damage skin lesions and initiates a healing process that will start production of new skin tissues. Typically, a cold gel is applied to the skin to help with any discomfort. The eyes are also protected from the intense light. The treatment may only last less than 30 minutes as extended exposure to the laser may cause complications. Patients are able to return to their normal routine after a few hours.

What to Expect

IPL Photo Rejuvenation FAQs

Immediate results?

Improvements are noticeable even after the initial treatment but optimal results may be evident after several months. The positive results of this laser treatment are gradual as the skin must be given time to heal to avoid any complications of an aggressive approach. There is no standard recovery time the patient’s condition may greatly vary.

Temporary Side Effects?

Side effects are mild. Redness, swelling, bruising are normal right after treatment. After a few days, blisters and crusting and skin peeling may be present. The patient must not pick on the skin as it is undergoing a normal process as it heals itself.

Pre-Treatment Prep?

It is recommended for patients who are scheduled for an IPL photo treatment to refrain from tanners and exposure to sun 1 month prior to schedule. There are also medications that must be avoided such as minocycline, tetracycline, doxycycline or Retin-A/Renova a few weeks before schedule. These precautions minimize and risks of complications and reactions the laser light may cause. To help prevent bruising and excessive swelling, patients may be required to take aspirin and ibuprofen 1 week before treatment.

Sun Exposure?

Although patients will not be as sensitive to sun exposure as one might think after undergoing the IPL, going out under the sun must be a limited activity especially in between treatments. Doing so may significantly affect the outcome and may cause complications. Sunblock must be regularly applied. This also helps in minimizing possible recurring skin issues like sun spots, wrinkles, and skin cancer.

Single Session Only?

A single session can’t last more than 30 minutes as extended exposure to IPL may be risky to the patient. An aggressive approach may bring negative effects instead of correcting skin irregularities. Several sessions are spread in between at least weeks so the resurfacing is gradual and results are also longer-term as the skin heals naturally.