Services

PhotoFACIAL/IPL

Photofacial treatments—also known as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) or Broadband Light (BBL)—use advanced light-based technology to improve sun-damaged, uneven skin. This non-invasive photorejuvenation treatment effectively reduces brown spots, red vessels, and signs of aging while stimulating collagen production for improved texture and tone. At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology in Danville, our board-certified dermatologists use state-of-the-art IPL technology to deliver dramatic skin improvements with minimal downtime and maximum patient comfort.
And while it’s called a “Photofacial,” this treatment is commonly—and effectively—performed on other sun-exposed areas including the neck, chest, hands, and arms.

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What Is a Photofacial?

A Photofacial harnesses the power of intense pulsed light (IPL) to reverse years of photodamage and restore your skin’s natural radiance. Unlike traditional lasers that use a single wavelength, IPL emits multiple wavelengths of light that penetrate different depths of skin to target various concerns simultaneously. If you’re struggling with sun spots, rosacea, broken capillaries, or uneven skin tone that makes you look older than you feel, IPL may be the perfect solution.

This revolutionary photorejuvenation treatment works by delivering controlled pulses of light energy that are selectively absorbed by pigmented cells and blood vessels. The targeted areas are heated and destroyed, while surrounding healthy tissue remains unaffected. The body then naturally eliminates the damaged cells, revealing clearer, more youthful skin.

Key benefits of IPL include:

Reduction of sun spots, age spots, and freckles
Improvement of rosacea and facial redness
Elimination of broken capillaries
Enhanced skin texture and pore appearance
Stimulation of collagen production for anti-aging effects
Minimal downtime with immediate return to activities

IPL is often called the “lunchtime treatment” because you can have the procedure and return to work the same day, making it ideal for busy lifestyles.

Provider performing a laser treatment on a patient

How Does a Photofacial Work?

A Photofacial works by delivering precise wavelengths of light energy that are selectively absorbed by melanin (pigment) and hemoglobin (blood vessels) in the skin. When the light energy is absorbed, it converts to heat, causing targeted damage to unwanted pigmented cells and vessels while leaving surrounding tissue intact. We use advanced IPL technology with multiple filter options and cooling systems to maximize effectiveness while ensuring patient comfort throughout the treatment. Our Danville patients appreciate our customized approach that adjusts settings based on individual skin type and specific concerns for optimal results with minimal risk.

What Skin Concerns Can IPL Address?

IPL effectively treats a wide range of skin concerns:

Pigmentation
Issues

Sun spots and age spots
Freckles and solar lentigines
Melasma (in certain cases)
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Uneven skin tone

Vascular
Concerns

Facial redness and flushing
Rosacea symptoms
Broken capillaries and spider veins
Facial telangiectasia
Port wine stains (lighter cases)

Skin Texture Improvements

Acne scars (mild to moderate)
Large pores
Fine lines and wrinkles
Rough skin texture
Overall skin brightness and clarity

Treatment
Areas

Face (most common)
Neck and décolletage
Hands and arms
Back and shoulders
Any sun-exposed area

Additional
Benefits

Collagen stimulation for firmer skin
Improved skin elasticity
Enhanced overall skin quality and radiance

Most patients see optimal results after a series of 3-5 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart.

Who Is a Good Candidate for IPL?

Ideal candidates for IPL include individuals who:

Have fair to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick skin types I-IV)
Experience sun damage, age spots, or facial redness
Want to improve overall skin texture and tone
Prefer non-invasive treatments with minimal downtime
Are committed to sun protection before and after treatment
Have realistic expectations about gradual improvement
Are not currently pregnant or nursing

If you’re in the Danville area with sun damage or skin discoloration concerns, our expert team can evaluate whether a Photofacial are the best treatment option for your skin type and goals during a comprehensive consultation.

Patients with deep skin tones, recent sun exposure, active tans (real or fake), or certain medical conditions may not be suitable candidates for IPL treatment and may benefit from alternative approaches.

Why Choose Board-Certified Dermatologists

Selecting board-certified dermatologists for your Photofaciall/IPL/BBL treatment ensures both safety and optimal results. Proper IPL treatment requires expertise in skin assessment, appropriate settings selection, and recognition of potential complications. At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology, our providers have extensive experience with Photofacial treatments and understand how to customize IPL parameters for different skin types and conditions while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Personalized Consultation and Treatment Plan

During your consultation, we will evaluate your skin type, assess your specific concerns, and discuss your aesthetic goals. We’ll examine areas of pigmentation or vascular concerns and create a customized treatment plan. Whether you need a single area treated or comprehensive photorejuvenation of multiple areas, we’ll design an approach that delivers the best possible results while ensuring your comfort and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Photofaciall/IPL

How is Photofacial/IPL different from laser treatments?

IPL uses multiple wavelengths of light simultaneously to treat various skin concerns at once, while lasers use a single wavelength for more targeted treatment. IPL is generally gentler with less downtime, though multiple sessions may be needed compared to more aggressive laser treatments.

What is the difference between IPL and BBL? Are they the same thing?

BroadBand Light (BBL) is a brand name for a type of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment. IPL is the technology itself, while BBL is a specific manufacturer’s marketing term for their IPL device.

What does the treatment feel like?

Most patients describe IPL as feeling like a rubber band snapping against the skin, followed by a warm sensation. We use cooling techniques and topical anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

Most patients achieve optimal results with 3-5 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. The exact number depends on your skin condition, type of damage, and desired outcome. Maintenance treatments may be recommended annually.

What can I expect after treatment?

The smoothing effects of BOTOX generally last between three to four months, after which maintenance treatments are recommended to sustain the desired appearance.

When is the best time to have IPL treatments?

Fall, winter, and spring are ideal times for IPL treatments when sun exposure is limited. Your skin will be more sun-sensitive after treatment, making sun protection crucial for optimal results and safety.

What Our Patients Have to Say

Why Choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology

Patients from San Francisco, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, and Blackhawk choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology for our unparalleled expertise and results.

We combine the science of dermatology with the artistry of aesthetics to deliver natural-looking enhancements that build confidence. With board-certified dermatologists performing all injections and a comprehensive range of laser technologies delivered by skilled providers, we provide both safety and excellence in a sophisticated yet approachable environment.

Unlike other practices, we complement our advanced treatments with physician-selected medical-grade skincare products and begin every aesthetic journey with our signature DermDesigned consultation. Whether you're seeking cosmetic enhancement or medical dermatology care, our commitment to natural-looking results and excellence ensures you'll receive the highest standard of care in the East Bay.

Visit Us In Danville

Experience world-class dermatology care right here in the East Bay.

Our Location

600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102 Danville, CA 94526

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contact Us

925.838.4900

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