IPL Photofacial in San Diego, CA

IPL photofacials performed by the talented team at Fontaine MD are an outstanding option for individuals who want an easy method to counter blemishes and achieve a rejuvenated look. Benefits of IPL treatments at our San Diego, CA facility include:

• Leads to a healthier complexion
• Evens out skin tone
• Reduces the appearance of age spots
• Reverses hyperpigmentation
• Alleviates sun damage
• Diminishes redness
• Promotes the production of collagen
• Treatments are fast and noninvasive
• No downtime

IPL is performed at our San Diego, CA office in around 20 – 30 minutes in one of our treatment rooms if performed alone. To prepare for the IPL facial, the technician will clean and dry your skin before covering your eyes with special shields. The IPL photofacial is administered using a handheld wand that passes over the skin while emitting light energy pulses. While most patients will have some discomfort during the IPL, it's usually bearable given the fast treatment length.

There is no recovery period associated with an IPL photofacial. You may leave your appointment with your complexion a little inflamed and red. This should go away naturally in about a day, but it can be concealed with makeup. Fontaine MD recommends you keep a cream on the skin to minimize irritation and promote healing. It may also help to take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine to reduce swelling. Over the next 2 – 5 days, the sun damage and other irregularities that rested under the skin will rise to the surface and flake away. It's essential to keep your skin protected from the sun as often as possible after a photofacial and to not pick at your skin while it heals. While you will have some results after the first treatment, your skin will attain ideal results after several IPL photofacial sessions. Dr. James D. Fontaine and his team recommend approximately 3 – 6 treatments scheduled monthly at Fontaine MD.

How much does an IPL photofacial cost?
An IPL Photofacial is a customizable cosmetic treatment that can be used to address a wide range of skin issues. The cost of the treatment depends on the treatment area(s) and the number of treatment sessions required to achieve the desired results. Our skilled team will develop your personalized treatment plan and discuss the associated cost during your consultation.

When will I see results from an IPL photofacial?
Soon after your treatment, unwanted pigment and veins coagulate or shrink, and many completely diminish. Skin tightening may result as well. During the following weeks, your body gradually eliminates or absorbs any fragments that remain. IPL photofacials also stimulate new collagen production, so you’ll probably also notice restored volume over time.

How should I prepare for my IPL photofacials?
Before a photofacial, our team in San Diego, CA, may suggest not taking certain medications or dietary supplements, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or vitamin E, which could increase bleeding and bruising. If you smoke, stopping for a couple of weeks beforehand can enhance the healing process. As with all aesthetic procedures, ongoing skin care with medical-grade products is essential. You will need to stop all retinol or retinoid products for seven days before the procedure and may benefit from pre-procedure hydroquinone. If you have a history of cold sores, a prescription for an antiviral will be given.

What should I do after my IPL photofacial?
IPL photofacials are very gentle, and most people can resume their regular daily activities immediately after the treatment. You’ll want to protect your skin from UV rays; however, by limiting sun exposure, applying sunscreen, or wearing sun-protective clothing. Following any laser procedure, it is a good idea to keep your skin well moisturized by applying a gentle lotion after washing your face or showering.