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145 Rosemary Street, Suite C, Needham, MA 02494

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28

Nov

Six common questions about IPL photofacial treatment

  • Dr. Michael Krathen
  • Featured Article, IPL Photofacial
IPL Photofacial Needham, MA

At Essential Dermatology, patients from in and around Needham and Natick, Massachusetts, considering their options for skin rejuvenation may want to learn more about treatments such as the IPL photofacial. This treatment uses intense pulsed light to address many common skin concerns, from sun damage and age spots to fine lines and wrinkles. As with any cosmetic procedure, potential patients have questions about the IPL photofacial, and below are six common ones we encounter:

What is an IPL photofacial?

A non-invasive cosmetic procedure called an IPL photofacial, or intense pulsed light photofacial, uses high-intensity light energy to penetrate the layers of the skin deeply. This targeted light energy helps stimulate collagen production and reduce pigmentation irregularities, resulting in a more even skin tone and texture.

Am I a good candidate for an IPL photofacial?

IPL photo facials can be an effective treatment for a wide range of skin types and issues, making them a versatile option for many patients. However, this treatment may not be suitable for those with darker skin tones, as the intense light energy can damage melanin-rich skin.

How does IPL photofacial compare to other laser treatments?

Unlike traditional laser treatments, which use focused beams of light to target specific areas of the patient’s skin, IPL photofacials use broad-spectrum light to address multiple concerns at once. This makes them a more efficient and effective treatment for overall skin rejuvenation.

Is there any downtime or recovery associated with IPL photofacial?

One significant benefit of IPL photofacials is that little to no downtime or recovery is typically required. Patients might experience some mild redness or even minor swelling immediately following the treatment, but this usually subsides within a few hours.

How long does an IPL photofacial take?

The duration of an IPL photo facial treatment varies depending on the size of the treated area and the particular skin issues being addressed. However, most sessions are relatively quick, lasting between 30 minutes and an hour.

Actual Patient Results

Intense pulsed light IPL - 14 right side detail

Intense pulsed light treatment, lightening sun spots and evening complexion.

How long do the results of IPL treatment last?

The results of an IPL photofacial can last anywhere from several months to a year, depending on the individual’s skin and lifestyle factors. To maintain optimal results, patients may benefit from periodic touch-up treatments or incorporating other skincare routines recommended by their dermatologist. Additionally, good sun protection habits and avoiding excessive, unnecessary sun exposure can help extend the effects of IPL treatment. While IPL photofacials are not a permanent solution for skin concerns, they can provide long-lasting improvements with proper maintenance and care.

Call Our Office for More Information
Essential Dermatology - Natick
New Patients: (508) 545-9713 | Existing Patients: (508) 827-2615
Essential Dermatology - Needham
New Patients: (508) 484-8292 | Existing Patients: (508) 827-2615
Cosmetic Appointment

Who can I contact near me to learn more about the benefits of IPL photofacial treatment?

If you reside in Needham (508) 484-8292, and Natick (508) 545-9713, Massachusetts, and need treatment to improve your skin’s health and appearance, we may suggest IPL photofacials. Call one of our two office locations to book a consultation with Dr. Michael Krathen and his dedicated staff, serving new and established patients. 

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Meet Dr. Michael Krathen

Dr. Michael Krathen is a board-certified dermatologist with over a decade of medical training and experience. He studied biology and Spanish, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, where he also completed medical school. His training included a medical internship at the Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and a dermatology residency at the combined Boston University/Tufts Residency Program.

Author of various medical journal articles, Dr. Krathen taught at Stanford University School of Medicine and the VA Hospital in Jamaica Plain.

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Meet Dr. Krathen

Credentials You Can Trust

American Academy of Dermatology
American Society for Dermatologic Surgery
New England Dermatological Society
Alpha Omega Alpha
Massachusetts Academy of Dermatology
Dr. Michael Krathen


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Essential Dermatology 

Natick

New Patients: (508) 545-9713
Existing Patients: (508) 827-2615
220 N Main St #201, Natick, MA 01760 

Hours

Monday – Friday: 7:30 a.m – 5 p.m

Essential Dermatology 

Needham

New Patients: (508) 484-8292
Existing Patients: (508) 827-2615
145 Rosemary Street, Suite C, Needham, MA 02494

Hours

Wednesdays: 7:30 a.m – 4:30 p.m

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(508) 827-2616

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  • About Us
    • Meet Dr. Krathen
    • Meet Dr. Gupta
    • Meet Brooke Simas PA-C
    • Meet the Team
    • International Peeling Society Event
  • Medical Dermatology
    • Skin Conditions
      • Acne
      • Psoriasis
      • Rosacea & Redness
      • Eczema
      • Hives
      • Shingles
      • Molluscum Contagiosum
    • Pigmentation Disorders
      • Vitiligo
      • Birthmarks
      • Sunspots and Pigment
    • Skin Cancer
      • Melanoma
      • Actinic Keratosis
      • Basal & Squamous Cell Carcinoma
      • Skin Cancer Treatment
    • Surgical Dermatology
      • Mohs Surgery
    • Benign Skin Growths
      • Moles
      • Cysts
      • Skin Tags
      • Milia
      • Warts
      • Scars and Keloids
      • Electrodesiccation & Curettage (ED&C)
    • Hair and Nails
      • Hair Loss
      • Fungal Infections
      • Alopecia Areata
    • Treatments
      • IPL Photofacial
      • Fraxel® FTX
      • UltraPulse Alpha CO2 Laser
      • Lumenis UltraPulse® Fractional Laser
      • NeoLux™ Phototherapy
  • Cosmetic Dermatology
    • Aesthetician Services
    • BOTOX® Cosmetic
    • Dermal Fillers
    • Sculptra
    • KYBELLA®
    • Chemical Peels
    • Laser Treatments
    • Microneedling
    • Wrinkles and Fine Lines
    • Scars
    • Stretch Marks
    • EltaMD®
    • Skin Essentials
    • Phenol Peels
    • Cosmetic Financing
  • Patient Info
    • New Patient Information
    • Privacy Practices
    • Medical Appointment Policy
    • MGB Patient Portal
    • FAQs
    • Specials
    • Blog
  • Gallery
  • Reviews
  • Store
  • Contact Us
  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Newsletter Archive
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
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  • Accessibility Statement
  • Site Map
  • Medical Dermatology
    • Skin Conditions
      • Acne
      • Psoriasis
      • Rosacea & Redness
      • Eczema
      • Hives
      • Shingles
      • Molluscum Contagiosum
    • Pigmentation Disorders
      • Vitiligo
      • Birthmarks
      • Sunspots and Pigment
    • Skin Cancer
      • Melanoma
      • Actinic Keratosis
      • Basal & Squamous Cell Carcinoma
      • Skin Cancer Treatment
    • Surgical Dermatology
      • Mohs Surgery
    • Benign Skin Growths
      • Moles
      • Cysts
      • Skin Tags
      • Milia
      • Warts
      • Scars and Keloids
      • Electrodesiccation & Curettage (ED&C)
    • Hair and Nails
      • Hair Loss
      • Fungal Infections
      • Alopecia Areata
    • Treatments
      • IPL Photofacial
      • Fraxel® FTX
      • UltraPulse Alpha CO2 Laser
      • Lumenis UltraPulse® Fractional Laser
      • NeoLux™ Phototherapy
  • Cosmetic Dermatology
    • Aesthetician Services
    • BOTOX® Cosmetic
    • Dermal Fillers
    • Sculptra
    • KYBELLA®
    • Chemical Peels
    • Laser Treatments
    • Microneedling
    • Wrinkles and Fine Lines
    • Scars
    • Stretch Marks
    • EltaMD®
    • Skin Essentials
    • Phenol Peels
    • Cosmetic Financing
  • New Patients (Natick): (508) 545-9713
  • New Patients (Needham): (508) 484-8292
  • Existing Patients: (508) 545-9713
  • Natick
  • Needham