Fotofacial versus IPL, what's the difference?

The technology known as IPL (intense pulsed light), uses a high intensity lamp to produce light - this is not a laser.

The procedure in which IPL is administered to the face is often referred to as a photofacial, fotofacial or any other term someone has coined.

Different IPL device manufacturers may call their technology by their propriety name, e.g., BBL, FPL, etc. but it is still all IPL.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

A photofacial, or “fotofacial,” is a 30-minute procedure in which intense pulses of light are used to penetrate deep into the skin. IPL photorejuvenation then causes collagen and blood vessels below the epidermis to constrict, reducing redness and age lines. The procedure involves only minimal discomfort, while the redness and swelling that sometimes occur after treatment disappear shortly. Most benefits of a photofacial/fotofacial occur gradually in the weeks following treatment. For even greater cosmetic enhancement, patients may also opt for a FotoFacial , a procedure that combines radio waves with light waves to achieve excellent results.

IPL treatments are a non-invasive alternative for a variety of skin treatments used for conditions on the chest, face, hands and neck, including:

Sun damage
Rosacea
Broken capillaries
Age spots
Freckles
Brown spots
Red or ruddy skin

While IPL might seem like another kind of laser treatment, it’s not – the difference is in the amount of wavelengths the IPL wand emits to the targeted zone, widening the area that can be treated.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

This is a good question. These are all terms for the same procedure. I use this procedure for overall skin rejuvenation. It's target is red and brown from sun damage. It is non-invasive with no down time. It diminishes the damage from the sun and makes your skin appear brighter and fresher.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

These terms all mean the same thing. Although IPL or photofacial treatments are marketed for sun damage (and other conditions) as suggested by the other practitioners, we do not suggest them because they are not lasers. If you are looking for permanent removal of sun spots, freckles or other types of pigmented lesions, consider looking for q-swtiched lasers (the same ones used for tattoos) as they are much more powerful than IPL and will result in much faster (and permenent) removal of sun damage and other types of pigmented lesions.

Published on Jul 11, 2012