IPL photofacial in Menlo Park

Intense pulsed light (IPL) and Broad-band light is light-based aesthetic photorejuvenation technology for removing brown spots due to sun exposure (lentigines and freckles), red vessels (telangiectasias), red spots or bumps (cherry angiomas), spider angiomas, and general redness from rosacea. IPL has a similar mechanism of action to lasers, but because it emits a broad spectrum (or band) of visible light wavelengths, rather than one specific wavelength, it is not a true laser. At Entre Nous Aesthetics, we use Sciton’s BBL (broad-band light) device, which we believe is the best. IPL/ BBL emits very bright light, hence the word “intense”. Goggles, glasses and/or FDA-approved eye shields are always worn during treatments. The light energy is converted into heat energy when IPL hits its target, destroying only the target, such as brown spots or red vessels. Modern IPL/ BBL devices can avoid focusing on the surrounding skin melanin (thereby protecting it) because the various machine settings can be configured to not “see” it. However, the greater the contrast (darkness) between the spot and your normal skin, the better the spot will uptake the energy resulting in excellent results. The most common areas treated are face, neck, chest, hands, forearms, shoulders. However, any non-hair bearing area of the body can be treated. IPL/ BBL can permanently remove dark hair because it is pigmented by melanin. Melanin, which pigments hair and brown spots, and oxy-hemoglobin, which pigments blood, are the targets of IPL/ BBL.

You will first need a consultation to discuss your goals, answer questions, and to determine whether you are a good candidate for IPL/ BBL treatment. Depending on the area(s) treated, 30 to 60 minutes will be reserved for your treatment. You should arrive with non-tanned, clean skin. Pre-treatment photos will be taken. If your provider has recommended topical anesthetic (cream or ointment), you will arrive 30 to 60 minutes prior to your appointment, depending on how numb you would like the skin to be. Once the anesthetic cream is removed, protective eyewear is placed and a thin layer of ultrasound gel is applied to allow better light conduction to the skin. The IPL head is a very cold, sapphire crystal, which also helps with the uncomfortable pulses from the machine. You will feel a very quick sensation, similar to a rubber band snapping. Occasionally, we will use a cooling machine to help with discomfort during the treatment.

Modern IPL/ BBL devices cause less swelling than older technologies. Swelling is uncommon and occurs more frequently after treating red vessels than for brown spots. It usually resolves within hours up to a few days. Icing immediately after treatment, and for the first 24 to 48 hours, helps. Your provider will guide you and may give you an ice pack to take home.

The better you are with sun avoidance and applying sunscreen to the area, the longer your results will last. We recommend applying an antioxidant under your sunscreen to protect against the rays that get through the sunscreen. Some of the sun’s rays penetrate through sunscreen, so avoiding direct sun by wearing a hat, staying in the shade, and any other means of blocking direct sun from the area of your skin will significantly slow brown spots from returning. Some people return in 1 year, some in 3 to 5 years for re-treatment, depending on how well they prevent continued sun damage.

IPL and BBL work best on fair to medium skin tones, since the light targets pigment differences that become harder to isolate safely in deeper skin. If your skin tone isn't a good candidate, your provider will recommend an alternative to address your concerns, since safety and appropriate technology selection matter more than defaulting to one device.

Most patients complete 3 to 5 sessions, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart, to see full improvement in redness and pigment. Some patients with milder concerns see meaningful results sooner, while significant sun damage or persistent redness may benefit from a longer series.

Most patients describe the sensation as a light rubberband snap rather than significant pain. A cooling gel protects the skin and improves comfort throughout. Sensitivity varies by treatment area and individual tolerance, and numbing cream typically isn't necessary.

Yes. An IPL photofacial in Menlo Park treats both concerns using the same device, since broad-spectrum light responds to pigment and blood vessels differently. Your provider adjusts settings depending on which concern is more prominent, and many patients see improvement in both areas across their series.

Our providers evaluate your type honestly before recommending IPL, rather than treating every patient the same way. As an independently owned, clinician-led practice, we'll tell you when a different treatment fits your skin better, even when that means recommending something other than IPL.