Brighten and clarify your skin with intense pulse light in Stafford, VA
Lumecca IPL Photofacial
Reveal your best complexion with Lumecca IPL Photofacial the advanced treatment for sun damage, redness, and uneven skin tone.
Lumecca IPL Photofacial
Reveal your best complexion with Lumecca IPL Photofacial the advanced treatment for sun damage, redness, and uneven skin tone.
What is Lumecca IPL Photofacial?
Lumecca IPL (Intense Pulse Light) photofacial is a cutting-edge treatment designed to target pigmentation, redness, and uneven tone. Using selective light energy, Lumecca penetrates the skin and transforms into heat, breaking down unwanted pigment, vascular lesions, and sun damage. At the same time, it stimulates collagen production for smoother texture and a more youthful glow.
Areas We Treat
The most common areas that Lumecca IPL can treat include:
- Face
- Neck
- Decollete
- Hands
- Arms
- Upper back and shoulders
Before Treatment
In preparation for your Lumecca treatment, we recommend that you refrain from taking any blood thinning medications or supplements such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, vitamin E, and fish oil. No recent sun exposure or self-tanning creams for about 3 to 4 weeks before your treatment. Discontinue use of products containing retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) a week before treatment.
For melanin-rich skin types, pre-treatment may be recommended for 4 weeks before treatment.
During Treatment
After thoroughly reviewing your medical history and pre-treatment questionnaire, we’ll start by cleansing the face. Protective goggles will be provided before we begin. To keep you comfortable, a cooling gel will be applied to the treatment area. This not only allows the laser handpiece to glide smoothly across the skin but also helps cool the surface immediately as each follicle is targeted. Additionally, we will do a test patch to ensure the treatment is tolerable and make any adjustments if needed. During the treatment, you may feel a slight stinging sensation similar to a rubber band snap.
After Treatment
Your skin will appear flushed and red, similar to a mild sunburn, immediately after the procedure. Some swelling is common and typically resolves within a few days. As your skin begins to heal, areas of pigmentation will darken over the following days, taking on a “coffee ground” appearance. This is a normal part of the process as these spots will naturally slough off, revealing a smoother, brighter, and more even complexion underneath.
Results & Timeline
Most clients notice an improvement in their tone after their first treatment but a series of at least 3 sessions spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart may be recommended for your best results as individual needs may vary. We recommend a yearly maintenance treatment to top off your results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lumecca IPL a laser treatment?
Lumecca is an IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatment, which is different from a true laser. While both use light energy to improve skin concerns, the technology is not the same.
Lasers use a single, focused wavelength of light to target a specific concern (like pigmentation, blood vessels, or resurfacing). IPL uses a broad spectrum of light with multiple wavelengths. With Lumecca, that light is absorbed by pigment (melanin) and hemoglobin (blood vessels), which helps reduce sun damage, pigmentation, redness, vascular lesions, and even rosacea.
Can I pair Lumecca IPL with other treatments?
We love pairing Lumecca IPL with Morpheus8 so to help tighten, contour, and lift while we’re targeting pigmentation with the photofacial.
Will I see results after one treatment?
Yes, most clients see a brighter complexion after their first treatment. We recommend a series of at least 3 sessions for best results depending on the client.
Are you numb for this procedure?
We don’t typically numb for Lumecca IPL because we want to accurately gauge your skin’s natural tolerance to the light pulses. Since IPL uses light energy that’s absorbed by pigment and blood vessels, it’s important for us to see and feel how your skin responds in real time.
Am I a candidate for this treatment if I have melasma?
We don’t recommend Lumecca IPL for clients with melasma. Light-based treatments like IPL can actually stimulate pigment and make the condition worse. Instead, we recommend treatments such as SkinPen, Morpheus, Thistle Glow Peel or the VI Peel to help target the pigment concerns.
Is Lumecca IPL safe for all skin tones?
More intensive treatments like Lumecca IPL can stimulate melanocytes (the skin cells that produce melanin). This means that when melanocytes are triggered, they can push pigment to the surface leading to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. We pre-treat or use targeted ingredients to prepare and “calm” melanocytes before corrective treatments, reducing the risk of excess pigment. Having a thorough consultation with one of our Nurse Practitioners is recommended so that we assess your candidacy.
Is it safe to do this treatment during the summer?
Our photosensitive treatments are put on hold during the summer months.
Who is it not ideal for?
Unfortunately, this treatment is not suitable for expecting or breastfeeding mommas.
Is Lumecca IPL Photofacial The Best Treatment For You?
Start your aesthetic journey with a consultation! During this visit with a Nurse Practitioner, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and receive expert recommendations tailored to your anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term goals.