Introduction
IPL Photofacial
The signs of aging can certainly take a toll on our face and skin. Sun damage and other factors such as diet and lifestyle play a major role in how our skin ages, along with genetics. But there is a way to take your skin health to the next level and visibly reverse the signs of aging, without ever going under the knife. Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, aka photofacial, is a way to improve the color and texture of your skin without surgery. It can undo some of the visible damage caused by sun exposure — called photoaging. You may notice it mostly on your face, neck, hands, or chest. IPL may help if you have red, brown, or splotchy skin because of a health condition. If you are considering IPL in the New Jersey area, come and see us at Geria Dermatology. Our team understands how important it is to look and feel your best, safely and comfortably.
Our practice is conveniently located to serve IPL patients in Rutherford, Verona, Bergen, and Essex Counties.
What is IPL?
IPL uses light energy to target a certain color in your skin. When the skin is heated, your body gets rid of the unwanted cells, and that gets rid of the thing you’re being treated for. Unlike lasers, an IPL device sends out more than one wavelength of pulsating light. It can treat a range of skin conditions at the same time. The IPL treatment uses short blasts of high-intensity light to produce younger-looking skin that’s firmer and more even in tone and texture. IPL light is soaked up by the hemoglobin (red blood cells) and melanin (pigmentation) in the skin, intentionally damaging these areas. The damaged melanin breaks up and is absorbed by the skin, decreasing its appearance on the skin’s surface. The damaged hemoglobin stimulates blood flow, causing the melanin to be absorbed more efficiently.
What are the benefits of IPL?
IPL in New Jersey is used to treat skin blemishes and pigmentation issues. However, several specific conditions fall under these categories. IPL can be used to treat the following:
- Broken capillaries (blood vessels)
- Rosacea
- Sun damage (sun spots)
- Hyperpigmentation
- Spider veins
- Freckles
- Fine lines
If you are noticing any of these conditions on your skin and are interested in getting IPL to treat them, call us today for a consultation.
Who are the best candidates for an IPL treatment?
You might be a good candidate for a New Jersey IPL treatment if you have the following:
- Desire to remove unwanted pigmentation (age spots, freckles, sun damage)
- Suffer from rosacea
- Have unwanted small vascular lesions
- Have acne that has been unresponsive to topical treatments
- Desire to brighten and even skin complexion
- Are not tan at the time of desired treatment
- Are not on any photosensitizing medications
If you can identify with one or more of the listed conditions, talk to us about scheduling a consultation for an IPL treatment today.
What’s the
First Step?
The first step on the road to getting an IPL treatment is to book a consultation with one of our providers. During this session, you will discuss your goals and examine the problematic areas, which the provider can then assess. It is important to share any crucial medical history or health issues with our providers so that we can give you correct information regarding whether IPL is right for you, and how it can benefit you. If you are interested in treating multiple areas, this is also a good thing to discuss during consultation.
Once your personalized treatment plan is created, our Patient Coordinator will help you schedule your procedure date and provide you with instructions to follow that will help you achieve optimal results.
What to expect on the day of an IPL treatment
Before your treatment, your assigned provider will give you a list of instructions to prepare you for the procedure. They will recommend you avoid tanning salons, and staying out of the sun. They will ask you to arrive with fully cleansed skin: no makeup, moisturizers, perfume, cologne, sunscreen, or any other products on the skin. Bring a wide-brim hat to wear on the day of your procedure. You may also be asked to stop taking certain medications that could interfere with the results of IPL.
When you arrive at our clinic, the first step will be for your provider to apply a topical numbing agent to minimize pain and discomfort. Next, the provider will apply a cool gel to your face and supply you with dark glasses to protect your eyes from the light. Once you’ve been prepped, your provider will take a hand-piece with a cold smooth surface and run it along your skin as it pulses light.
IPL treatments are performed in a series, with each treatment lasting from approximately 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of skin being treated. Once your treatment is complete, your provider will give you instructions on how to care for your skin in between appointments and while you are in recovery.
IPL Recovery
The best thing about a New Jersey IPL is that there is no significant downtime to speak of. With IPL photo facials, there may be some mild side effects immediately after the procedure that can take up to a week to diminish.
The following is what you can expect in the next week or two after your IPL treatment:
Day 1 — It is normal and expected for your skin to feel red, sunburned, tight, dry, swollen, and sensitive to the touch. You may also experience some stinging. Drink plenty of water, avoid makeup, and use only your post-treatment recovery balm. Stay away from exfoliants or glycolic acids that are present in other cleansers as these can make your skin very dry after the procedure.
Day 2 — You may feel the same as you did on day 1. Skin feels dry, tight, and irritated, and the discoloration and freckles may appear darker. Continue using the post-treatment recovery balm. You may use makeup but only water-based powders and be very gentle.
Day 3 – 7 — Spots may start to get darker and to flake. Do not pick at the areas. Continue to apply post-treatment recovery balm. Avoid sun exposure. Wear sunscreen and hats for sun protection.
Day 8 — We may ask you to start using Hydroquinone &/or steroid creams. Begin using sunscreen. Continue wearing hats for sun protection.
Day 14+ — You may return to your normal skincare routine. The skin should be completely healed. Retin–A products are okay to continue. Always wear sunscreen. Continue hydroquinone. Avoid the sun. For best results and efficacy, we recommend a series of 3-5 treatments at 4-6 week intervals and subsequent maintenance or booster treatments for best results at least once a year.
How much?
How much does IPL Photofacial cost in New Jersey?
The cost of IPL will vary based on the following factors including the areas being treated, how many appointments are recommended for optimum results, and the severity of the skin issues we will be working on.
During your consultation, your provider will assess the details of your skin, create a treatment plan, and give you a price for your package.
Why choose us?
Why choose
Geria Dermatology?
Geria Dermatology is led by Aanand N. Geria, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology (ABD), a member of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), New Jersey Dermatological Society (DSNJ), and Skin of Color Society.
Since 2018, Dr. Geria has made the Castle Connolly list of “Top Doctors”, an honor awarded by his peers, and is frequently sought out for his input on the latest trends in dermatology as evidenced by his commentary in publications such as Allure, Fashionista, The Zoe Report, Business Insider, and Coveteur. Dr. Geria is one of only 15 dermatologists in the nation to be recognized in both the Medical and Cosmetic categories by Newsweek.
Contact Us
Dedicated to Exceptional Services
Are you ready to take the plunge towards a rejuvenated and refreshed you? If so, an IPL ohotofacial from Geria Dermatology in New Jersey, could be the answer you’re looking for! Please fill out the scheduling form below or call our office directly and a helpful member of our team will be able to assist you. This is just the beginning of an honest collaboration towards achieving your goals for the new you. Contact us today.