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Heights Laser Centre
3992 Hastings St.
Burnaby, BC V5C6C1
Phone: (604) 298-4481
Monday–Friday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
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What Does an IPL Photofacial Do?
IPL photorejuvenation can reduce damage caused by aging, sun exposure (photodamage), stress, lifestyle factors such as smoking, and other conditions. Common treatment areas include the face, neck, and chest. The procedure is gentle, nonsurgical, and requires no downtime.
How Does IPL Work?
IPL treatment delivers light energy of varying wavelengths to different skin depths for a customized treatment. This is a general summary of how the technology works:
- The laser delivers intense pulses of light, absorbed by darker areas, such as blood vessels and brown spots.
- The intense pulses of light heat up the darker regions and cause minor, controlled damage that triggers your body’s immune system.
- Your body absorbs the damaged cells, and the blemishes disappear.
Five Conditions IPL Can Treat
IPL can effectively treat the following concerns:
- Rosacea: Characterized by intense cheek redness, acne-like bumps, visible spider veins, and broken capillaries, rosacea is among the most common skin issues helped with IPL therapy. IPL targets and diminishes these superficial vessels for clearer, more even-toned skin.
- Sun-Damaged Skin and Uneven Skin Tone: For women and men dealing with the effects of extensive sun exposure, IPL treatments can provide substantial relief. The skin’s upper layer absorbs the light, converting it to heat to selectively break down the cells responsible for sun damage.
- Melasma: These typically symmetrical areas of pigmented skin are more common in women than men and are thought to be related to pregnancy and certain medications such as birth control pills. While melasma has no cure, IPL treatments can make it less noticeable.
- Scars: Whether you have new scars or scars caused by acne, IPL can reduce their appearance by breaking down the micro-blood vessels that give scars their red colour.
- Cutaneous Vascular Lesions: IPL treatments can improve the appearance of cutaneous vascular lesions, such as telangiectasia. The absorption of light energy causes the lesional blood vessels to coagulate. Over time, the vascular lesion fades, and your natural colour emerges.
Anti-Aging Benefits
A series of IPL treatments can increase collagen and reduce excess pigment to address early signs of aging such as the following:
- Fine lines
- Thinning skin
- Enlarged pores
- Age spots
Your Photofacial Consultation
Starting your photofacial journey at Heights Laser Centre means taking the first step toward healthier, more vibrant skin. Your first visit is where we tailor our approach to fit your unique skin care needs.
During your consultation, our IPL medical technician will discuss your skin concerns to determine whether you’re a good candidate. They’ll perform a thorough analysis to develop a customized treatment plan and help you understand how the treatment works and what you can expect. They’ll provide a concise pre- and post-treatment plan to make the entire experience safe and effective. The technician will also ask about your skincare regimen and make recommendations.
If you’d like further information about the technology and process, you can also discuss your treatment plan with Dr. Jaffer.
Combining Other Treatments With Your IPL Photofacial
You can complement your IPL treatment with other procedures, such as the following:
IPL can keep your skin looking refreshed and younger when performed as part of a consistent skincare regimen and other treatments, such as one or more of the following:
- Hydrafacial® to prime the skin for IPL, giving the light energy better contact with excess red and brown pigmentation during treatment.
- Microneedling to improve skin texture and firmness by increasing collagen.
- Glacial® fx to minimize swelling, reduce redness, and more.
- Sublative rejuvenation with eMatrix™ to reduce wrinkles, photodamage, and acne scars.
Under the rigorous medical supervision of Dr. Perhez Jaffer and Dr. Femida Kherani, Heights Laser Centre features a dedicated team, each member bringing years of specialized expertise in cosmetic and laser treatments. United by a passion for client care, our staff excels in personalized service, ensuring a warm, professional, and supportive experience for every patient.
About UsCredentials You Can Trust
Your IPL Treatment
Before your treatment, your laser technician will take “before” photos and examine your face, neck, and chest. Our IPL platform, the Lumenis M22, has a contact cooling feature to maintain comfort. Some of our patients choose to have a topical anesthetic cream administered beforehand to decrease their sensitivity further.
During your treatment, our experienced technician will:
- Apply a special gel
- Position the IPL applicator
- Release the pulsed light
- Move to the next location
The process typically takes about 20 minutes, depending on the area treated.
Heights Laser Centre will invite you for a follow-up appointment two weeks after each session during which we take “after” pictures to record your progress and plan subsequent sessions.
After Photofacial: Recuperation & Results
The treated area may be red and slightly swollen immediately following a photofacial but should resolve within a few hours. When you finish your sessions, you can expect a more even skin tone and a radiant glow.
We want to give you great results AND maintain them for the long term. To achieve this, Dr. Jaffer recommends the following after you’ve completed your initial round of IPL treatments:
- A once-a-year IPL touch-up treatment to help prevent pigment changes and fine lines from returning
- A daily regimen of topical sunscreen, vitamin C serum, and vitamin A cream (Retinol)
- Taking omega-3 capsules every day
Photofacial FAQ
When will I notice a difference?
Our patients see a significant reduction in redness, dark spots, and lines after their first IPL treatment. Following a complete regimen of IPL treatments, your complexion should be 50 to 70% brighter and more even.
How many treatments should I have?
Most patients have multiple photofacial appointments to achieve their desired results. Heights Laser Centre recommends 3 to 5 IPL treatments administered about one month apart.
Is IPL painful?
We prioritize your comfort and have invested in the most advanced tools to provide you with the best experience possible. Our laser’s cooling technology and the use of a topical anesthetic cream will minimize any discomfort. Our skilled laser technician has trained extensively in aesthetic applications to ensure you have an effective and efficient experience.
Will the benefits last?
IPL results have a long duration. We recommend you have one treatment yearly after completing the initial series to keep age spots away, and we encourage you to extend your results with a high-quality skincare regimen. This typically includes taking vitamin C serum and oral omega-3 capsules and applying sunscreen daily.
Can IPL treat each rosacea subtype? What if I have symptoms from several subtypes?
IPL photofacials are approved for treating all four subtypes of rosacea. Patients can experience more than one subtype at a time, and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Because of the potential long-term effects, we recommend you seek early diagnosis and treatment for chronic redness.
Centre Difference
From the moment you step through the door at Heights Laser Centre, you are not just a client—you are family. Safety isn’t just a protocol here; it’s a promise. In our relaxing, physician-led medical spa, where state-of-the-art technology meets decades of expertise, each treatment is an intersection of science and artistry, tailored just for you.
Request a consultation using the online form, or call our centre at (604) 298-4481 to schedule your appointment.