Photofacial Bellevue & Kirkland

Many factors contribute to the aging of our skin and overall appearance. One of the most important environmental factors is the sun. UV rays—whether they burn your skin or not—can cause discoloration and break down healthy skin cells. This can lead to premature aging and also accelerate the general aging process. Luckily, since this is one of the most well known factors of aging, there are effective ways to treat the signs of aging due to sun damage, including a photofacial. The master estheticians at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery provide the best photofacial Bellevue and Kirkland offers.

Overview: What Is Photoaging?

The term “photoaging” is frequently connected with the photofacial procedure. By definition, photoaging is premature aging caused by exposure to UV rays, including those from the sun and artificial sources. It alters the natural structures of your skin and can cause damage as well as make you more susceptible to skin cancer. 

The best way to address photoaging is through photoaging. Do not use tanning beds or partake in tanning otherwise. Always wear sunscreen, particularly a type that protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays. These simple steps can help you reduce photoaging in the long run. However, some photoaging is inevitable as it is not always possible or practical to avoid unprotected sun exposure all of the time.

How An IPL Photofacial Treats Photoaging

A photofacial uses intense pulsed light to lighten and ultimately fade red and brown spots. Similar to how photoaging breaks down the natural structure of your skin, the light-based treatment slowly shatters the cells of the photoaging into smaller and smaller pieces until the skin naturally absorbs and heals them.

Along with technology, an IPL photofacial stimulates the growth of new collagen which helps rejuvenate and heal the skin. This increases the quality of the skin and slows aging due to a reduction in collagen production.

Benefits

All laser or light-based treatments for the skin come with some benefits and risks that patients need to weigh. For most patients who are good candidates, there is little risk of a photofacial in Bellevue. Though, your master esthetician will still review your medical history, medications, and physically examine the skin to ensure that a photofacial is safe and the right treatment for your concerns. The benefits of an IPL photofacial include:

• Reduces unwanted pigment such as red and brown spots (age spots)
• Treat visible vascularity and vascular lesions
• Promotes a more even skin tone
• Address pigmented skin lesions or scar
• Help smooth uneven skin texture
• Aid in the treatment of rosacea
• Treat sun damage
• Reduce visibility of freckles
• Quick treatment
• Can treat multiple areas including face, neck, hands, and chest
• Little to no downtime
• Well studied treatment used for decades
• Safe and effective
• Performed by an experienced and skilled master esthetician

Risks

Along with the many benefits, a photofacial does carry some mild risks. While major complications are rare and usually preventable, they can still occur. Possible risks of an IPL photofacial include:

• Infection
• Lasting or severe side effects
• Hyperpigmentation or another pigmentation issue
• Blisters
• Bleeding
• Scarring

All of these complications are generally temporary or treatable. Some people may initially have a worse reaction to the treatment and thus worsened side effects. This should subside with time, but you can ice or take anti-inflammatories if necessary. Otherwise, your master esthetician will work to ensure you are overall a low risk candidate.

Before & After Photofacial

Preparation

A photofacial does not require extensive preparation, but depending on your normal life, your master esthetician may recommend certain changes to make before your treatment. Some ways you may need to prepare for your photofacial include:

• Stay out of direct sunlight and tanning beds
• Wear sun protection
• Cease using medications that make you more sensitive to the sun
• Do not apply makeup the morning of your procedure
• Refrain from smoking for several weeks before and after
• Stop using retinoids for about a week before treatment
• Reduce or skip caffeine the morning of your procedure
• Avoid medications that may worsen bleeding
• Under a patch test if necessary or desired

The exact preparation protocol will depend based on you and the specifics of your procedure. Your master esthetician will discuss this with you during your consultation at The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery.

Bellevue Photofacial

The first step in the photofacial process is to cleanse the face. This removes makeup, environmental debris, and any build-up on the skin. While most people do not opt for topical anesthetics, we do offer them. If you choose topical anesthetic, your master esthetician will apply numbing cream and allow it to sit before wiping it off before the treatment.

Your master esthetician will then apply ultrasound gel to the treatment areas. This helps cool the procedure as well as helps your provider move the IPL device fluidly across the skin. You may feel a heat sensation and many describe the treatment as feeling like a rubber band snapping against the skin. The treatment tends to take around thirty minutes, but can take up to sixty minutes. 

Aftercare

An IPL photofacial does not require recovery or extensive downtime. Though, your master esthetician will provide you with some aftercare instructions that may include:

• Keep out of the sun and wear sunscreen
• Avoid strenuous activities for about one to two days
• Stay out of wet, hot environments like saunas, hot showers, and hot tubs
• Do not exfoliate or apply irritating/scented products
• Ice if your skin feels too warm
• Continue not to smoke

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Our master estheticians usually recommend starting with a package of three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. After this, if your pigmentation has not faded adequately, you may consider additional sessions. However, even after your initial round of treatment, it is advised that patients undergo a once or twice yearly maintenance session.

Sun exposure and aging do not stop after a Bellevue photofacial. Therefore, these maintenance sessions help to continue treating future brown and red spots.

What Is Intense Pulsed Light And How Is It Different From Lasers?

Intense pulsed light, or IPL, technology is similar to lasers. However, the main difference is that IPL uses multiple wavelengths and colors of light. This is why a photofacial can treat both red and brown spots.

A traditional laser usually emits one wavelength at a time. Depending on the goals of treatment, this may not matter too much, especially when it comes to ablative laser resurfacing. Lasers do also tend to be more intensive and require more downtime than IPL treatment.

Are There Side Effects Of A Photofacial?

A photofacial can cause side effects. Generally, side effects are mild and clear up on their own. Possible side effects include:

• Skin redness (similar to a sunburn)
• Tightness
• Warm feeling
• Peeling
• Blisters
• Swelling

Who Should Not Get A Photofacial?

Photofacials are not for everyone. Since an IPL treatment uses melanin as a way to target skin lesions and pigmentation, people with skin tones darker than a III on the Fitzpatrick scale often are not good candidates. They have higher risks of hyperpigmentation and burns which makes the treatment not worth it. There are other procedures safe for people with dark skin.

Additionally, other conditions or situations that may make a person not a candidate for an IPL photofacial include:

• People who tan or use tanning products frequently
• History of or higher risk of certain skin cancers
• Patients taking harsh acne medications or immune-suppressing medications
• People prone to keloids or scarring
• Open wounds in the treatment area
• Pregnancy or nursing

How Much Is A Photofacial In Bellevue?

The cost of a photofacial in Bellevue depends on your specific needs and treatment. We offer both single treatments and packages. By default, pricing is for the full face with the option to add on other areas. The starting and basic pricing are as follows:

• Single Treatment (Full Face): $399
• Package of 3 (Full Face): $1,050
• Neck or Decollete Add-On: $399 per session
• Arms: $1,000
• Hands (Single Session): $299
• Hands (3 Sessions): $600

You can find more information about our pricing on our price list. Additionally, you can use Price Simulator to add up the cost of multiple procedures you may be interested in. The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery does work with outside financing companies including Care Credit. You can find more information and links to apply for financing on our financing page.

The Best Photofacial In Bellevue At The Gallery Of Cosmetic Surgery

At The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery, our master estheticians have decades of experience with laser and medical aesthetic treatments including photofacials. They make every effort to keep you as comfortable as possible during your entire procedure. Our master estheticians also customize their recommendations and procedures based on the patients, their needs, and their skin. The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery offers the best photofacial Bellevue and Kirkland provide.

The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery is a premier cosmetic surgery clinic and medical spa located in Lynnwood, WA. Minutes from both I-5 and I-405, our office is perfectly centered to treat patients from Bellevue, Kirkland, and Seattle. With free, on-site parking and a welcoming environment, we aim to provide the highest quality of care.

To learn more and schedule a free consultation with a master esthetician, call us at 425-775-3561. You can also reach out online via Price Simulator, chat, or contact form.