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Photofacial / IPL

Photofacial / IPL

Intense Pulse Light(IPL)

Perceptions Aesthetic Spa takes pride in offering our clients the very best in non-invasive cosmetic treatment options. For non-surgical skin rejuvenation that is non-invasive and backed by results, light-based therapies can restore the health and natural beauty of your skin without extensive downtime. At Perceptions Aesthetic Spa we offer a broad range of skin rejuvenation treatments and IPL/Photofacial is one of our most popular, highly-effective skin treatments. Intense Pulse Light (IPL) therapy, aka photorejuvenation or photofacial, address many common skin concerns including:
  • Sun Damage (sun spots),
  • Age Spots
  • Broken capillaries (blood vessels)
  • Rosacea
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Spider veins
  • Freckles
  • Fine lines
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of IPL in Roseville, Fair Oaks, and the greater Sacramento area, please reach out to Perceptions Aesthetic Spa to schedule an appointment at 916-844-0155 or 916-787-0155. 

How IPL Treatment Works

The treatment device emits a range of light waves that target hemoglobin or melanin. This light is absorbed and the skin is heated, which causes your body to absorb the unwanted cells and melanin pigment fragments. When the light bypasses the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and gently heats the deeper layers of skin (dermis). Fibroblasts are stimulated in the deeper layers of skin, which causes the production of more collagen and improves texture and fine lines.

Unlike lasers, an IPL device sends out more than one wavelength of pulsating light, and because of this it can treat a range of skin conditions at the same time. After IPL, your skin tone and texture are more even and skin appearance is enhanced.

In order to maximize your results Perceptions recommends clients are proactive in all parts of their skin care (skin fitness) regimen. This includes a recommended medical grade skincare treatment program as well as a daily broadband sunscreen.

Benefits of IPL Treatment

As with any skin rejuvenation treatment, future results will ultimately depend on your age, skin condition, and overall health. There are numerous benefits to IPL, including:

  • rejuvenates your skin
  • improves overall skin tone and texture
  • reverses early signs of aging
  • reduces brown spots/dark spots and redness
  • shrinks pores
  • reverses the appearance of sun damage & acne scars
  • works on most skin-types
  • is noninvasive and non-surgical
  • has minimal downtime

How To Prepare for IPL

  • Avoid tanning in the sun, in a tanning bed or using tanning creams 4 weeks prior to treatment.
  • Avoid makeup on treatment area day of treatment.
  • Avoid retinoids, microdermabrasion and peels two weeks prior to treatment.
  • Discontinue any medications that would cause excess bleeding.
  • With your physician’s approval, you should be past any antibiotic treatments for 10 days.

What to Expect with IPL / Photofacial

All IPL treatments will include a consultation with a medical professional prior to treatment. During the procedure, a handheld device is passed over the skin delivering pulses of broad-spectrum light to the layers of your skin. Since the handheld device employs a light to influence the skin on a molecular level, there is no need for any incisions or injections. You can think of it as a blinking flashlight, sending out scattered wavelengths of light, making an IPL a skin treatment that is very targeted for specific problem areas or skin concerns.

 

IPL / Photofacial FAQ

  • Skin may be red and warm to the touch for 4-6 hours after treatment. You may feel as though you have mild sunburn. This is a normal occurrence and you may apply cool, (not cold) compresses to the treatment site. Do not apply ice or anything frozen directly to the skin.
  • In some cases, your skin may be red or bruised for a day or two.
  • It is normal for your sun spots, freckles, age spots to get darker for 3-7 days.
  • Some crusting can occur in the treatment area and can last up to 10 days.
  • Apply a moisturizing cream in the morning and at night. Apply and remove gently.
  • Makeup can be worn 24 – 48 hours after treatment.
Most patients will need a series of IPL treatments to obtain optimal results. A microdermabrasion facial or peel may also be recommended   2 – 3 weeks after the final IPL treatment to remove dead skin cells and help reveal the revived layer of skin. Essential tips on what to do after an IPL treatment are:
  • Avoid direct sun exposure and wear daily sunscreen of SPF 30 or more. Reapply sunscreen throughout the day. Treated skin will be sensitive to the sun after an IPL treatment, which could result in a painful sunburn. It is recommended to cover up and wear a large-brimmed hat for at least a week after each session.
  • Avoid strenuous exercising, hot baths, showers, or hot tubs for at least 48 hours. Overheating the skin in the first 24 – 48 hours can alter the final results.
  • As the skin heals from an IPL treatment, patients should keep their skin moisturized and it should be applied and removed gently.
  • Wash your face with a gentle cleanser during the healing process. Patients should also avoid skin care products that contain benzoyl peroxide, Retin-A, Retinol, or glycolic acids.
  • Do not scratch or pick at blemishes that will surface. Allow them to heal and naturally flake off.
  • Your provider can tell you when it’s safe to return to your normal skin care routine.
As a good rule ongoing, continue wearing sunscreen and limiting sun exposure. If you are exposed to a lot of sun, many of the underlying conditions you are trying to treat may return.

Individuals with sun damaged or age-related skin concerns. However, there are several skin-types and skin conditions that may not make IPL an ideal option for treatment. A consultation is recommended to learn more.

Please note, IPL requires a consultation with a member of our team prior to treatment. If you are pregnant, have a skin condition or are taking medications to treat a condition, please consult with your physician prior to your consultation.

This skin rejuvenation treatment can be used on multiple areas of the body including the face, arms, Décolletage (upper chest), and other body areas. IPL /photofacials can help correct multiple skin imperfections, such as:
  • Sun damage (Sun spots)
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Age spots
  • Broken capillaries (blood vessels),
  • Facial redness caused by broken capillaries
  • Rosacea
  • Spider veins
  • Fine lines

Typically, 3-5 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart are recommended for optimal results. Single treatments can be done, but the results will not be as dramatic as getting a series of treatments.

 

It is always important to note, that while IPL treatments will help roll back some of the signs of aging, no results are permanent or guaranteed, and at Perceptions Aesthetic Spa, we believe a good skincare regimen designed to fit your specific needs and goals is imperative to your overall skin fitness.

Most patients describe IPL treatment as the snapping of a rubber band on your skin with some stinging but overall a low level of pain during the procedure.

Laser Resurfacing treatments remove the damaged outer layer of the skin to promote growth of collagen and new skin cells. Lasers use only one wavelength of light in a concentrated beam while IPL uses pulses, or flashes, of several types of light to treat multiple skin issues.

Alternatives to IPL / Photofacial Treatment

These options also may treat your skin spots, fine lines, and redness.

Start Your Journey Today!​

To learn more about IPL Photofacials at Perceptions Aesthetic Spa in the Fair Oaks & Roseville area, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with our experts today. Please contact us or call Fair Oaks 916-844-0155 or Roseville 916-787-0155 to get started.IPL

Amanda, Lead Esthetician

Amanda has been a licensed esthetician for 17 years.

Amanda’s favorite services to perform include customized medical-grade facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and soon—Vivace!

She also enjoys receiving advanced skincare services herself, like microneedling and chemical peels, which continually deepen her appreciation for what we do at Perceptions. Outside of the treatment room, Amanda loves spending time with her family, working out, meal prepping, playing softball, and going for walks with her dog.

Nurse Nanci

With over 10 years of experience in aesthetics, I am passionate about helping clients feel confident and refreshed in their own skin. I love working at Perceptions because of the strong sense of teamwork and support among our staff, which truly enhances the experience we provide to every client. My favorite treatment to perform is Botox, as I enjoy delivering natural-looking results that leave people feeling their best. Originally from New York, I bring a warm, personable approach to every appointment. Outside of work, I dream of one day opening an animal sanctuary—a goal close to my heart.

Nurse Elena

lena was raised in Sacramento and obtained her BSN from CSUS. Why did she choose to work at Perceptions? Perceptions has become her home away from home. “I love all the girls I work with. We really do have the best team. They are so knowledgeable and kind.” Fun facts: Elena has been married 17 years and has 4 children. She was born in Russia and is fluent in Russian!

Skylar, Esthetician

I’ve been an esthetician for almost 18 years – 7 of those working at Perceptions. What I love about Perceptions is that from employee to client, anyone that steps into our clinic feels like extended family. We are always here for you and each other – and looking for the best treatment for our patients. We want you to feel well cared for from start to finish. My favorite is microneedling. Being able to help someone age naturally, and yet looking like they age backwards! Outside of work my favorite thing is spending time in nature with our pup and first baby girl, Nori.

Nurse Melanie

Melanie has been working as an aesthetic provider for five years and absolutely loves helping clients feel like the best version of themselves. In addition to her work in aesthetics, she also works full-time in the emergency department at the hospital.

Melanie’s favorite part of aesthetics is being part of her clients’ transformation journeys. Whether it’s building a routine with medical-grade skincare or creating long-term skin goals, she loves seeing confidence grow as skin improves.

Laser treatments and microneedling are her favorite services to perform. She shared, “There’s nothing more rewarding than watching my clients’ skin transform and seeing their glow-ups over time.”

Violetta, Lead Nurse

My name is Violetta Semenov. I have been with Perceptions as an aesthetic nurse since 2012. It brings me great joy to help people look their best and feel their best. My goal is to make you proud of your own beautiful face. Some of my favorite treatments are Botox, Fillers, IPL, and Clear & Brilliant. In my spare time I enjoy doing all the fun kid things with my 3 boys, having sushi, and traveling.

Kimberly, Esthetician

Kimberly has been a practicing Esthetician for 12 years (7 of those at Perceptions!). Her favorite treatment for clients? Vivace RF Microneedling because it always delivers stellar results! Her favorite treatment for herself? Clear + Brilliant because it keeps her skin youthful and glowing. When Kimberly isn’t giving her clients glowing skin, you’ll find her outdoors hiking, camping and backpacking.

Selyna, Esthetician

Selyna jumped into her career as an esthetician straight out of high school because of her passion for skin and the science of skincare. Outside of the workplace you can find her spending time with her husband and her pup Luna. Fun facts: She loves Chipotle so much that she had them cater her wedding! At 13 she was able to hit 75 mph fastballs. She’s a HUGE Disney girl!

Naomi, Lead Esthetician

What is most important to Naomi when when working with her clients? Developing a connection and building trust. Her favorite treatments? Vivace Microneedling, VI Peels, EMSculpt and MRT’s – She loves any treatments that provides great results! Naomi is most proud of being a member of the Perceptions Team for 10 years – and being happily married to her husband for 10 years.

Nurse Summer

Nurse Summer has been in the medical aesthetics field for 16 years. Her two favorite treatments are Botox (because it offers almost immediate results) and microneedling (where gradual results will make a difference in client’s long term aesthetic confidence). In her spare time Summer enjoys traveling with her family and teaching Zumba.

Nurse Jennifer

Nurse Jenn says her favorite treatment is dermal fillers because it gives her the opportunity to be artistic. She has been an RN for 18 years and loves working at Perceptions because it feels like working with “family”.

Nurse Susan

Nurse Susan is originally from Miami, Florida. She is a founding member of the Perceptions Team (over 18 years!) Her passion for aesthetic medicine comes from the long standing relationships she has built with her patients and coworkers over the years. Everyone loves Susan!