Photofacial

Photofacial Seattle & Tacoma

Skin discoloration occurs for a multitude of reasons. From sun exposure to aging to medical conditions like melasma and even birthmarks. Regardless of the cause, when they are in a highly visible location such as the face or neck, it can cause distress, premature aging, and sometimes irritation or sensitivity. When it comes to removing unwanted pigment, a photofacial—or IPL treatment—is considered one of the most effective options. Seattle Plastic Surgery offers the best photofacial Seattle and Tacoma provides.

Overview: What Is A Photofacial?

A photofacial is an intense pulsed light that helps reduce and treat unwanted discoloration and pigmentation. Along with this, an IPL photofacial also treats signs of aging, sun damage, spider veins, and vascular lesions. The treatment is particularly good for treating red and brown spots. This makes it unique among light and laser treatments that generally only treat one color or overall ablate the skin.

The photofacial is not exactly a laser treatment. It is a broadband light treatment that essentially saturates the skin with light. The pigmented areas take in specific wavelengths of light based on the filters placed in the IPL device. Initially, this may make the discoloration stand out more. However, over the coming weeks, the pigment cells will break up and flake off. It often takes more than one session to see the desired results. 

Photoaging & What Photofacial Treats

Photoaging is a form of premature aging caused by sun damage and exposure, primarily from UV rays. This can lead to age spots, wrinkles, and generally an uneven skin tone. It can range from subtle to extremely noticeable depending on how much the sun and environment contribute to your overall appearance.

A photofacial treats and reduces photoaging. However, because it targets red and brown pigments, it can treat a variety of other skin conditions and concerns. Some of the other concerns a photofacial may address include:

• Rosacea
• Spider veins
• Broken capillaries
• Sun damage
• Birthmarks
• Freckles
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Vascular lesions
• Brown spots
• Reduced collagen production

Benefits

A photofacial offers patients many benefits, especially for those with exceptionally noticeable discoloration. However, like with all medical treatments, there are risks to consider. Your master esthetician will discuss both the benefits and risks with you to help you make an informed and confident decision.

The benefits of a photofacial can include:

• More even skin tone
• Younger looking skin
• Reduced redness
• Lessened appearance of brown spots
• Stimulate new collagen production
• Long lasting results
• Treatment usually less than one hour
• No downtime
• Minimal aftercare
• Versatile and can address several concerns at once
• Performed by experienced and professional master estheticians

Risks

The risks and possible complications associated with a photofacial are generally avoidable and mild if they do occur. They should still be considered before treatment. Certain people are at a higher risk of complications. Your master esthetician will screen you for any increased risks during a consultation. The risks include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Prolonged side effects
• Sunburn due to increased sun sensitivity
• Scarring
• Hyperpigmentation
• Burns (rare)
• Unexpected results

Largely, these risks are preventable, treatable, and uncommon. Patients who are good candidates for an IPL photofacial are extremely unlikely to experience severe complications or side effects.

Photofacial vs. Microneedling

There are many ways to cause controlled damage to the skin to rejuvenate it or treat a certain condition. A photofacial does cause only minimal damage to the surface of the skin, but because of the use of certain light wavelengths is not suitable for all skin tones. However, microneedling is another treatment that causes controlled damage, but is safe for all skin types. The table below compares the two procedures to help you determine which may be right for you.

The two procedures do have several similarities. For example, they both induce a collagen response and can treat large or small areas depending on the patient’s needs. Each treatment is exceptionally versatile and combines well with other treatments. For example, microneedling is sometimes combined with radiofrequency treatment. IPL can be combined with other laser treatments or radiofrequency as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IPL Photofacial Worth It?

Determining whether an IPL photofacial is worth it for you ultimately depends on a few factors. First, what is the main concern you want to treat? If it is discoloration or pigmentation then you will likely see good results from a photofacial. However, if you primarily want to address skin texture or wrinkles, you may find more benefits from another procedure. Though, your master esthetician may also recommend rotating a photofacial with other treatments.

Second, are there medical conditions you want to treat? Rosacea, melasma, and spider veins cause cosmetic symptoms, but a photofacial is often considered the most effective treatment for these conditions. Finally, are you a good candidate? If you have darker skin or are high risk, it is likely not worth undergoing the treatment.

However, patients who fit the ideal candidate profile often see great results from a photofacial and find it worth it. This is especially true among patients treating rosacea and melasma.

How Many Sessions Are Recommended?

Generally, our master estheticians recommend an initial package of three sessions. A few weeks after each session, you will evaluate the results together to determine if more sessions are necessary. Some patients with only mild pigmentation problems may see good results after one session. Though others may need several sessions to see the level of improvement they want.

Is A Photofacial Permanent?

Yes and no. It ultimately depends on what you are treating with the photofacial. If treating something such as general discoloration or brown spots, then yes, the treated spots should not come back. However, a photofacial cannot prevent future sun damage or aging, so you may see brown spots, in general, come back.

For rosacea, it does typically permanently reduce redness, but without occasional touch-ups, it can worsen again. However, with things such as spider veins, the treated spider veins should not come back. Though, of course, you can develop other spider veins. Basically, a photofacial is a treatment for existing concerns and cannot prevent future sun damage or aging.

What Is The Difference Between Hyperpigmentation, Rosacea, And Melasma?

Hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and melasma can all be treated with an IPL photofacial. However, all of these conditions can present with redness or darkened patches of skin on the face. While they have some varying symptoms, it can be hard to tell them apart. The basic difference between the three conditions is their causes. Hyperpigmentation is frequently caused by some sort of skin damage such as sun damage or injuries. It is also a more generalized term for an increase of melanin at a certain point on the skin. 

The exact cause of rosacea is not known. There does appear to be a genetic link and the immune system may play a role. Rosacea also only affects the cheeks. Finally, melasma is a darkening or reddening of the skin due to hormonal changes. It is most commonly seen during and after pregnancy but can appear during other significant hormone changes such as stopping birth control or menopause.  

What Does An IPL Photofacial Cost?

The cost of an IPL photofacial in Seattle depends on your specific needs and treatment. We offer both single treatments and packages. By default, pricing is for the full face with the option to add on other areas. It should be noted that if a patch test is performed, this may incur additional costs. The starting photofacial prices are as follows:

• Single Treatment (Full Face): $399
• Package of 3 (Full Face): $1,050
  • Neck or Decollete Add-On: $399 per session
• Arms: $1,000
• Hands (Single Session): $299
• Hands (3 Sessions): $600

Seattle Plastic Surgery does work with outside financing companies such as Care Credit. Visit our financing page to learn more and find direct links to apply. Additionally, you can see our full suite of pricing on our price list. Then, use the Price Simulator to add up the total projected cost of all your procedures combined.

Gold Standard IPL Photofacial Treatment In Seattle

The master estheticians at Seattle Plastic Surgery help treat and reduce unwanted skin pigmentation caused by a variety of sources. Whether you want to treat photoaging, freckles, or rosacea, our master estheticians are among the most qualified and experienced in intense pulsed light treatments for these conditions. Seattle Plastic Surgery performs the best IPL Seattle and Tacoma provide.

Our master estheticians are highly trained in intense pulsed light and other laser treatments. With the knowledge to both beautify and medically treat the skin, they work under the skill of our plastic surgeons to make long lasting improvements to your skin. We understand that it can be difficult or stressful to seek treatment for these conditions. Our master estheticians will take the time to walk you through the procedures and create a personalized treatment plan.

To schedule a consultation, call us at 206-324-1120. You can also reach out online via Price Simulator, chat, and our contact form.