Lumecca IPL vs. traditional IPL: which photofacial is the best, and which treatment are you a candidate for? The professionals at Mirror Mirror Med Spa explain why we advocate for Lumecca for the best results.
Lumecca IPL vs. Traditional IPL
Lumecca IPL vs. Traditional IPL: what are the differences between each treatment, and how do you know if you’re a candidate?
Here at Mirror Mirror Med Spa, we make your beauty our specialty. Here’s what you need to know about each IPL option–and which one we’d recommend to our patients for the best results, every time.
What Is IPL?
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy–also commonly known as a “photofacial”–is a fast, effective, and non-invasive way to improve both skin texture and skin clarity. Through advanced targeted light energy, IPL sends out multiple wavelengths of pulsating light to heat the skin and get rid of unwanted cells.
Patients have seen enormous improvements in the following thanks to IPL:
- Acne and acne scars
- Birthmarks
- Stretch marks
- Liver or age spots
- Broken blood vessels
- Discoloration
- Wrinkles
- Freckles
- Rosacea
- Spider veins
- Unwanted hair (hirsutism)
Most skin concerns can be resolved within under eight treatments of IPL. Each session generally takes between 30 and 90 minutes, each with zero downtime; initial improvements will be seen within 10 days, with full results appearing within six to eight weeks. While IPL is most commonly used on the face, it can also be safely used on other areas of the body.
The Difference Between Traditional IPL and Lumecca IPL
Lumecca IPL is a faster, more effective, and overall superior upgrade that takes what board-certified dermatologists love about traditional IPL and lifts it to new heights.
Its main comparisons to traditional IPL are:
- The number of treatments needed for long-term results: Only one-to-two treatments of Lumecca IPL are needed for glowing skin, versus six-to-eight with traditional IPL devices.
- The size of the treatment area: Thanks to its high-pulse repetition rate, a larger area can be treated at a time with Lumecca IPL, thus shortening each treatment duration.
- The device’s material: The tip of the Lumecca IPL device is made of sapphire, which causes a strong cooling sensation–effectively removing the need for topical numbing.
- The lack of recovery time needed: Because Lumecca IPL does not trigger significant peeling, redness, or long-term discomfort following each session, there is zero recovery time post-treatment.
Who is Eligible for Lumecca IPL?
Lumecca IPL treatment is ideal for patients who have moderate-to-severe scars, acne, rosacea, skin discoloration, spider veins, stretch marks, birthmarks, freckles, wrinkles, and blood vessels that they would like treated.
However, IPL is not recommended if you:
- Are light-sensitive
- Have recently tanned your skin
- Do or might have skin cancer
- Regularly use a retinoid cream
- Are dark-skinned
- Or have keloid scar tissue
Patients who are pregnant, have a skin condition, or take medication for other conditions may not be candidates. This will be determined during your initial consultation.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Lumecca IPL
Before the procedure, do not tan (whether it be in the sun, in a tanning bed, or with tanning creams), wax, undergo a chemical peel, apply any common skin irritants, take aspirin, or take any medication that will make you sun-sensitive. This is to protect against light-related skin damage.
During IPL, you will have your skin cleansed and gelled, will be provided dark glasses to protect your eyes, and will have the Lumecca IPL device placed on the targeted areas of your body. Most patients say it feels like a rubber band snapping against the affected area, and report hearing the “zapping” sounds of the device at work.
After the procedure, you may feel like your skin is warm for four-to-six hours, like a mild sunburn. Ice packs or a cool washcloth can bring this temperature down. Please keep in mind that, 24- 48 hours after your treatment, you may see a darkening of pigmented spots. You can expect these pigmented lesions to flake off during the week afterward, which will lead to an evening out of your skin tone.
To maintain your results, it is recommended to avoid wearing makeup for the first couple of weeks, to use a moisturizing lotion, to wash your face with a cleanser designated for sensitive skin, and to wear an SPF of at least 30 daily–even if you are spending the day indoors.
Book Your Lumecca IPL With Mirror Mirror Med Spa Today
Are you ready to experience Lumecca IPL, the cutting-edge solution to improving your skin complexion, reducing skin irregularities, and looking years younger?
We are proud to offer the most advanced photothermal therapy on the market to guarantee you the results you deserve. Book your Lumecca IPL today.