A Gentle Approach to Radiant Skin

An IPL photofacial uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, rosacea, and sun damage to reveal a glowing, radiant, and more even complexion. An IPL photofacial can gently rejuvenate and refresh an uneven complexion.

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What Is an IPL Photofacial?

An IPL photofacial is a quick and gentle facial rejuvenation treatment that uses intense pulsed light (IPL) to reduce the appearance of freckles, age spots, and other discolorations, as well as reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The IPL releases different wavelengths of light to deeply penetrate below the epidermis into the second layer of skin, or dermis, where the light energy heats the pigment cells. This heat works to remove the excess pigment that causes freckles and discoloration.

Benefits of an IPL Photofacial

The presence of age spots and discoloration can add years to your appearance. An IPL photofacial removes this discoloration to reveal a more even and radiant complexion by tackling the following skin issues:

  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Freckles
  • Age spots and sun damage
  • Birthmarks
  • Rosacea
  • Spider veins
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What can I Expect From an IPL Photofacial?

During your IPL photofacial, both you and your skincare specialist at Dr. Merriman’s office will wear special goggles to protect your eyes from the light. She will start by cleansing your skin, then cover it with a cooling gel. Our skincare specialist will then gently press the glass of the handheld IPL machine to your skin and smoothly move it over the treatment area, applying the light pulses. You may feel a slight stinging sensation that feels like a snapping sensation.

Once your treatment is over, the gel will be removed, and a cold compress will be applied for several minutes to cool and help alleviate any redness. Before your treatment ends, our skincare specialist will apply a moisturizer with sunscreen to protect your face before you leave our office.

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What Can I Expect After My IPL Photofacial?

After your IPL photofacial, you may experience some redness and dry skin in the areas treated. Your discoloration and age spots may appear darker briefly before peeling off in a couple of days.

You should stay out of the sun, avoid strenuous exercise, and avoid foundation and hot showers or baths for the first 48 hours after your treatment. You will also need to avoid using facial products that contain Vitamin A derivatives, such as Retin-A, and glycolic acid. While your face may appear slightly pinker, as if you got a slight sunburn, there is no downtime after an IPL photofacial, and many patients often schedule them on their lunch hour as they take 30 minutes or less.

Our Patients Own Words

4.9 stars from 276 Google reviews

5 out of 5 stars

Very professional. Excellent care!

Very professional. Excellent care! 1 to 10 rating, I would give this entire staff and Dr. Merriman a 10, hands down. We live 2 hours away, but coming here was the best decision....

Very professional. Excellent care! 1 to 10 rating, I would give this entire staff and Dr. Merriman a 10, hands down. We live 2 hours away, but coming here was the best decision. I am very pleased with my results.

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5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely LOVE this place!!

Absolutely LOVE this place!! I’ve been coming here for over 10 years and recently moved to Tallahassee, Florida. However, that still does not stop me from seeing Dr. Merriman. T...

Absolutely LOVE this place!! I’ve been coming here for over 10 years and recently moved to Tallahassee, Florida. However, that still does not stop me from seeing Dr. Merriman. The entire staff is also absolutely professional, very thorough, and extremely warming so much so that it literally feels like a family. And you don’t get that very many places, so I will forever continue to come here and only here. And highly recommended !!!

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5 out of 5 stars

The staff was unbelievable, and Dr. Merriman was fantastic.

Having never been to a plastic surgeon before, I had no idea what to expect. I cannot express enough how impressed I was with the treatment I received. I was made to feel comfor...

Having never been to a plastic surgeon before, I had no idea what to expect. I cannot express enough how impressed I was with the treatment I received. I was made to feel comfortable the minute I walked in the door. The staff was unbelievable, and Dr. Merriman was fantastic. I was made to feel as if I had known them my entire life. The reason I give a 5-star rating is because I don't see a 10-star rating. lol. Thank you, ladies, so much for the service you provide and the manner in which you provide care.

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5 out of 5 stars

Honestly cannot say enough good things about this office.

Honestly cannot say enough good things about this office. The entire staff is welcoming & warm. I never feel self-conscious about anything, nor have I ever been made to feel af...

Honestly cannot say enough good things about this office. The entire staff is welcoming & warm. I never feel self-conscious about anything, nor have I ever been made to feel afraid about asking questions. I literally drive 1.5 hours from home to see Pam, Ashli & Melanie for all my treatments. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!!

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5 out of 5 stars

I am very pleased with the results!!

I have been very pleased with all the services I receive at Sonya Merriman; everyone is so friendly and professional. I have had a light chemical peel, microneedling, and hydraf...

I have been very pleased with all the services I receive at Sonya Merriman; everyone is so friendly and professional. I have had a light chemical peel, microneedling, and hydrafacial by Amy, who is fantastic. She is extremely knowledgeable and provides suggestions to get the results I want without making me feel pressured or uncomfortable. I am very pleased with the results!!

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5 out of 5 stars

I had a great experience with my procedure!!!

I had a great experience with my procedure!!! This clinic loves its patients! The compassion that is shown is awesome! 🤩 Yes, indeed, I will be back! Excellent professionalism,...

I had a great experience with my procedure!!! This clinic loves its patients! The compassion that is shown is awesome! 🤩 Yes, indeed, I will be back! Excellent professionalism, dedication to patients, and you feel well taken care of from the first to the finish!

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5 out of 5 stars

Highly recommend Mrs. Sonya Merriman’s office.

Highly recommend Mrs. Sonya Merriman’s office. I had my breast augmentation done a couple of days ago, and I couldn’t ask for a better experience than the one I had! Everyone in...

Highly recommend Mrs. Sonya Merriman’s office. I had my breast augmentation done a couple of days ago, and I couldn’t ask for a better experience than the one I had! Everyone in the office is absolutely fantastic, definitely feel like family once you leave. Liz was great at going over everything with me before my consultation. Dr. Sonya came in and talked to me for a good 20 minutes and explained to me the different implants, what she would do, etc., asked for her opinion on my size, and I felt completely comfortable!! Kelley was my nurse, and she was great!! She helped answer any questions my husband and I had before I went back. Also, Dr. Sonya’s husband was the anesthesiologist and was so kind! He’s the last person I remember talking to before I was out, haha. I love how they call and check on you after your surgery, and if there is anything you may need. My recovery so far has been absolutely amazing, and I couldn’t have done without their support and instructions on what to do after surgery. I highly recommend their office for everything ❤️ definitely will be back!

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5 out of 5 stars

I highly recommend their office.

I count myself lucky to have had the opportunity to get my procedure done with Dr. Merriman. I had breast augmentation six months ago (lift and implants). Initially, I felt appr...

I count myself lucky to have had the opportunity to get my procedure done with Dr. Merriman. I had breast augmentation six months ago (lift and implants). Initially, I felt apprehensive about the process. Fear of the unknown, I suppose. But at Valdosta Plastic Surgery, the process was laid out step-by-step. Everyone was kind, helpful, and made sure I received answers to any questions I may have. From the start, there were no surprises about costs or timelines. That was laid out nicely for me in the initial callback I received in response to my online consultation request. Dr. Merriman was sure to tell me about the risks and took the time during the initial office consultation to listen/look at my desired outcome. Again and again, I was reminded that if I had any questions, then I could reach out to Dr. Merriman directly after the surgery. They made me feel so comfortable that I reached out two times to ask a question. I received immediate responses. In the end, recovery was a piece of cake. Though Dr. Merriman will tell you that it is different for everyone. I thought the instructions I received for managing the recovery were spot on. It has now been 6 months since the surgery, and the outcome is better than everything I had hoped for. They are symmetrical, even, I have feelings in both nipples, and the size is exactly what I had hoped for. Interestingly, she used one size bigger than what was initially considered. I attribute that to Dr. Merriman's keen eye for aesthetics and high level of experience. She had seen what outcome I had envisioned, and during surgery, she fit me with the right size to achieve the look that I was hoping for. I am so glad that I decided on Valdosta Plastic Surgery. I highly recommend their office. I count myself lucky to have had the opportunity to get my procedure done with Dr. Merriman.

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5 out of 5 stars

Baylee is amazing and very thorough with her work.

Baylee is amazing and very thorough with her work. I couldn’t have asked for a better aesthetician. And Mrs. Carolyn is such a sweetheart, always makes me feel welcomed & co...

Baylee is amazing and very thorough with her work. I couldn’t have asked for a better aesthetician. And Mrs. Carolyn is such a sweetheart, always makes me feel welcomed & comfortable as soon as I walk in those doors. (The entire staff here makes you feel safe.) Although I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Merriman, she has a wonderful team & establishment built. I look forward to coming back every time and will 100% come here for any future work I plan on having done! ❤️❤️❤️

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5 out of 5 stars

I will never go anywhere else.

I will never go anywhere else. The staff at Plastic Surgery Associates make sure all of your needs are met and go above and beyond! I’ve never had a bad experience, and I know I...

I will never go anywhere else. The staff at Plastic Surgery Associates make sure all of your needs are met and go above and beyond! I’ve never had a bad experience, and I know I never will. They truly want to know their customers!

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How Can I Maintain My IPL Photofacial Results?

After your IPL photofacial, you will be able to see results immediately and continued results for the first few days as your rejuvenated skin is revealed. To protect your skin and avoid the return of age spots and discoloration, you should remain out of the sun and wear broad-spectrum sunblock, especially for the first 30 days after your treatment. Treat your newly refreshed skin with care by avoiding sun damage and continuously moisturizing to keep your face fresh and glowing.

Why Should I Choose Dr. Merriman for My IPL Photofacial?

Dr. Merriman is a renowned plastic surgeon in the Valdosta area, providing her patients with a luxurious, welcoming environment and delivering noticeable results in skin rejuvenation. Her highly skilled skincare team has been hand-selected and carefully trained to provide the utmost in care. We look forward to helping you achieve a more radiant and rejuvenated complexion with a gentle IPL photofacial.

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