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Photofacial

A photofacial is a light-based aesthetic procedure that may involve intense pulsed light, commonly called IPL, a fractional non-ablative laser, or a combination of technologies selected for the individual patient.

At Mooi, treatment begins with a consultation and skin evaluation with your provider. She will review your medical history, skin characteristics, current medications, previous procedures, recent sun exposure, areas of concern and aesthetic goals before determining whether Icon® IPL, the 1540 fractional non-ablative laser or another aesthetic option may be appropriate.

Not every patient, skin type or concern is suitable for the same technology. The device, handpiece, treatment area, settings and follow-up plan are selected following individualized evaluation and patient screening.

What is an Icon Photofacial?

The Icon aesthetic system includes several IPL and laser handpieces designed for different dermatologic and aesthetic procedures.

IPL uses broad-spectrum pulses of light rather than a single laser wavelength. Depending on the handpiece selected, IPL may be considered for certain benign pigmented or vascular concerns.

The 1540 fractional non-ablative laser delivers laser energy through small treatment zones within the selected area. It is a separate technology from IPL and may be considered for skin resurfacing or selected scar-related concerns.

A photofacial appointment may include one technology or a combination of both. Your provider determines which approach, if any, is appropriate based on the patient’s skin and individualized treatment plan.

Icon IPL

Icon IPL uses pulses of broad-spectrum light delivered through a selected handpiece. The technology is not technically a laser. Depending on the exact IPL handpiece and your provider’s evaluation, IPL may be discussed for selected concerns involving:

Benign brown or pigmented spots
Sun-related pigmentation
Facial redness
Visible small blood vessels
Uneven-looking skin coloration
Other concerns included within the selected handpiece’s intended use

Pigmented or vascular areas that are changing, suspicious or undiagnosed may require additional medical evaluation before an elective aesthetic procedure is considered.

Icon 1540 Fractional Non-Ablative Laser

The Icon 1540 fractional non-ablative laser delivers fractional laser energy to clinician-selected treatment areas. It may be considered for:

Fractional skin resurfacing
Melasma
Selected acne scars
Selected surgical scars
Stretch marks
Other concerns determined appropriate following evaluation

The 1540 handpiece is FDA-cleared for coagulation of soft tissue, skin resurfacing and treatment of melasma, stretch marks, acne scars and surgical scars.

Areas and skin concerns that may be evaluated

Sun damage and age spots

Uneven skin tone

Redness and broken capillaries

Fine lines and mild wrinkles

Skin texture

Acne scars or other types of scarring

Dull or tired-looking skin

Not every concern is treated with the same handpiece. IPL is generally used for selected pigment- and vessel-related concerns, while the 1540 fractional laser may be considered for resurfacing and selected scars.

Some pigmentation, redness, scarring or texture concerns may require another procedure, medical evaluation or no treatment at this time.

Can Icon IPL and the 1540 laser be used together?

IPL and the 1540 fractional laser may be discussed together when the patient has more than one type of aesthetic concern. The IPL and laser portions remain separate procedures with different purposes, device settings, risks and recovery considerations. A combined procedure is not appropriate for every patient.

Your provider will determine whether one technology, both technologies at the same appointment, separately scheduled procedures or another approach should be considered.

Feature	Icon IPL	Icon 1540 Fractional Non-Ablative Laser
What it is	Intense pulsed light, not technically a laser	Non-ablative fractional laser
Best for	Selected benign pigmented and vascular concerns, including brown spots, visible redness and small facial vessels	Skin resurfacing, melasma, acne scars, surgical scars and stretch marks
How it works	Delivers broad-spectrum light through a selected IPL handpiece to clinician-selected areas	Delivers fractional 1540 nm laser energy in small treatment zones across the selected area

Cost of the treatment

3 sessions: $3,200.

Frequently asked questions

Is IPL the same as a laser?

No. IPL delivers pulses of broad-spectrum light, while a laser emits light at a specific wavelength. The Icon system accommodates both IPL and laser handpieces. Dr. Botha selects the appropriate technology following evaluation.

Does every photofacial include IPL and the 1540 laser?

No. Some patients may be evaluated for IPL alone, while others may be considered for the 1540 fractional laser or a combined treatment plan.

The recommended approach depends on the patient’s skin, treatment areas, medical history and clinical evaluation.

Is a photofacial appropriate for every skin type?

No light- or laser-based procedure is universally appropriate for every patient or skin type. Dr. Botha will evaluate your skin characteristics, medical history, medications, recent sun exposure and potential risk of pigment changes before making a recommendation.

What is the difference between IPL and the 1540 fractional laser?

IPL may be selected for certain benign pigmented or vascular concerns, depending on the handpiece used. The 1540 fractional non-ablative laser may be considered for skin resurfacing, melasma, stretch marks, acne scars and surgical scars.

Can Icon treatment be combined with other aesthetic services?

Other aesthetic services may be discussed following evaluation. Dr. Botha will determine whether procedures should be combined, scheduled separately or not recommended.

Important information

Device Information: The Icon® system includes FDA-cleared IPL and laser handpieces with different intended uses. Your provider selects the appropriate handpiece and settings following an individualized skin evaluation. Individual experiences vary, and no specific outcome is guaranteed.