What to expect from IPL photofacial for sun spots

Sun spots are flat areas of extra pigment linked with cumulative ultraviolet exposure. IPL delivers selected wavelengths that are absorbed by pigment, warming the target while the surrounding skin is protected as much as possible. A treated spot can look darker, slightly red, or more noticeable before the pigment gradually flakes or fades. IPL is intended for selected benign-appearing spots; a changing, irregular, bleeding, or uncertain mark needs examination before cosmetic treatment.

The appointment usually includes cleansing, eye protection, and a series of quick pulses. You may feel heat or snapping. The appearance of nearby freckles and pigment can also change, and new sun exposure can encourage spots to return or new ones to form. Your clinician may discuss other options if the spot is raised, very deep, or unsuitable for light treatment.

Tell the clinician about tanning, recent skin inflammation, medicines that increase light sensitivity, cold sores, and any change in a pigmented mark. Follow instructions about avoiding tanning and irritating products before treatment. Afterwards, cleanse gently, moisturise, do not pick or scrub darkened areas, and protect treated skin from sunlight with clothing and broad-spectrum sunscreen. Resume exfoliants or retinoids only when your clinician says the skin has settled.

Contact the clinic if pain, blistering, swelling, or crusting is severe or worsening. Seek medical advice for spreading warmth, pus, fever, eye symptoms, or a pigmented spot that changes, bleeds, develops an irregular border, or fails to behave like the other treated spots.

Ask how each spot was assessed, whether a biopsy or another treatment is needed, how your skin tone affects settings, which products to pause, and how to protect the area from further ultraviolet exposure.