LASER & LIGHT-BASED THERAPIES
AVAILABLE AT HEIGHTENED AESTHETICS
Light-based treatments use controlled energy to target specific structures within the skin. Depending on the technology and treatment settings, these treatments may address visible pigmentation, redness, blood vessels, uneven skin tone and other signs of cumulative sun exposure.
Heightened Aesthetics currently offers IPL Photofacials for appropriately selected patients. Although IPL is often discussed alongside laser treatments, it is not a laser. IPL uses multiple wavelengths of light, allowing treatment to be customized based on the patient’s skin, visible concerns and treatment area.
Every IPL treatment begins with an assessment of your skin tone, sun exposure, medical history, medications and treatment goals. Candidacy and settings are determined individually to support safe, clinically appropriate treatment.
IPL PHOTOFACIAL
IPL, or intense pulsed light, is a non-ablative light-based treatment used to improve the appearance of selected brown spots, sun-related pigmentation, facial redness and visible vessels.
During treatment, pulses of light are absorbed by targeted pigment or blood vessels within the skin. This creates a controlled response that allows the treated pigment or vascular concern to become less visible as the skin heals.
IPL Photofacials may be performed on the face and body, including but not limited to selected areas of the neck, back, chest, hands, legs or arms when clinically appropriate.
WHAT CAN IPL PHOTOFACIAL TREATMENTS ADDRESS?
Depending on your skin type, the cause of the concern and your individual treatment plan, IPL may be considered for:
- Sun spots and visible sun damage
- Freckles and selected benign pigmented lesions
- Uneven or mottled pigmentation
- Persistent facial redness
- Visible small blood vessels
- Redness associated with rosacea
- Acne and associated pigmentation
- Uneven overall skin tone
- Selected changes on the face, neck, chest, hands or arms
Not every brown spot or area of redness should be treated with IPL. Pigmented lesions should be appropriately evaluated before treatment, and conditions such as melasma may require a different approach because heat and light can sometimes worsen the pigmentation.
OUR APPROACH TO IPL PHOTOFACIAL TREATMENT
Effective IPL treatment requires more than passing a device over the skin. Skin tone, pigment depth, vascular patterns, recent sun exposure, treatment area and individual healing response all influence candidacy and treatment settings.
Before recommending IPL, we assess the concerns you would like to improve and determine whether they are appropriate targets for light-based treatment. We also review your medical history, medications, previous treatments, tanning history and tendency to develop pigment changes after inflammation or injury.
Our goal is not to remove every freckle or create an artificially uniform complexion. Treatment is designed to improve selected visible concerns while respecting your natural skin characteristics.
If IPL is not appropriate for your skin or concern, we will explain why and discuss other treatment or skincare options when available.
WHAT TO EXPECT
An IPL appointment typically takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and number of areas treated. Protective eyewear is worn throughout the procedure. Patients commonly describe each pulse as a brief warm snap against the skin.
Temporary redness, warmth or mild swelling may occur after treatment. Brown spots may initially appear darker before gradually flaking or fading over the following days. Visible redness and vessels may improve more gradually.
The number of treatments needed varies. Some patients may notice improvement after one session, while others may benefit from a series of treatments followed by periodic maintenance. Your recommended schedule will depend on the concerns being treated, their severity and how your skin responds.
AVAILABILITY AND PRICING
IPL Photofacials are not yet available for public booking while we finalize our treatment protocols and service offering.
Complimentary consultations are currently available for patients interested in IPL. During your consultation, we will assess your skin, discuss the concerns you would like to address and determine whether IPL may be an appropriate treatment option for you.
Treatment options, recommended treatment areas and pricing will be provided when the service becomes available for public booking.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between IPL Photofacial and a laser?
IPL is a light-based treatment, but it is not a laser. A laser generally delivers a specific wavelength of light, while IPL delivers a range of wavelengths that can be filtered and adjusted to target selected pigment and vascular concerns.
Is IPL Photofacial appropriate for every skin tone?
No single IPL treatment protocol is appropriate for every patient. Because IPL targets pigment, patients with more melanin in the skin may have a greater risk of burns or unwanted lightening or darkening. Candidacy must be assessed individually based on skin tone, tanning history, treatment area and the concern being treated.
Can I have an IPL Photofacial if I have a tan?
IPL should not be performed over actively tanned or sunburned skin. A tan increases the amount of melanin present in the skin and may increase the risk of burns, blistering or pigment changes. Sun exposure and sunless tanning products should be avoided for the period specified in your pre-treatment instructions.
How many IPL Photofacial treatments will I need?
The number of sessions varies according to the type and extent of the concern, treatment area and individual response. Some patients may see improvement after one treatment, while a series of approximately three to five sessions may be recommended for more comprehensive correction.
Will you offer IPL Photofacial treatments at both locations?
IPL Photofacials will initially be available exclusively at our Seminole Heights location in Tampa. We hope to expand this service to our Lakewood Ranch location in the future, but a timeline has not yet been established.