- Facial Treatments
Dark spots, sun damage, and uneven skin tone are some of the most common skin concerns we treat at Lipstick Empire LaserSpa. The Photofacial is one of the most effective ways to address all of them in a single treatment, with zero downtime and visible results in as little as 3 to 7 days.
- Facial Treatments
What Is A Photofacial?
A Photofacial using 755 nm Alexandrite laser is a targeted laser treatment to reduce unwanted pigmentation and restore a more even skin tone. 755 nm Alexandrite targets melanin chromophores: responsible for dark spots on the skin.
At Lipstick Empire, we use the GentleMax Pro®, the gold-standard device in medical-grade aesthetic treatments, set to the Alex:755 nm wavelength. This precise setting allows us to treat hyperpigmentation, sun damage, age spots with accuracy that consumer-grade devices cannot match.
The result is a clearer, more even complexion with noticeably improved tone and texture.
Unlike chemical peels or harsh resurfacing treatments, Photofacial works beneath the skin’s surface with no cutting, no abrasion, and no significant recovery time. Most clients in Edmonton return to their normal routine the same day.
Suitable For
- Fitzpatrick Skin types 1-3
Skin Concerns
- Hyperpigmentation
- Sun Damage
- Dark Spots
What Skin Concerns Does Photofacial Treat?
Photofacial is one of the most versatile pigmentation treatment options in Edmonton. Whether you are dealing with years of sun exposure, laser therapy addresses a wide range of skin concerns, all without needles or ablative procedures.
Sun Spots and Age Spots
Years of UV exposure cause melanin to cluster in concentrated patches on the skin’s surface. Photofacial targets these deposits directly, breaking up the pigment so your skin can shed it naturally. Most clients notice sun spots darkening slightly before they flake away, revealing clearer skin underneath within 7 to 10 days.
Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation, whether from hormonal changes, sun exposure, or post-inflammatory responses, is one of the most common concerns our Edmonton clients come to us with. Photofacial is a highly effective pigmentation removal treatment for Fitzpatrick skin types 1 to 3, lightening uneven patches and restoring a more uniform tone across the face and body.
Freckles
Sun-induced freckles respond exceptionally well to Photofacial. While some clients want to preserve their freckles, others find them uneven or bothersome. Photofacial can lighten or significantly reduce their appearance depending on your preference.
Uneven Skin Tone & Dullness
Even without a specific pigmentation concern, Photofacial delivers an overall brightening effect. By stimulating the skin’s natural renewal process, it improves texture, clarity, and luminosity, giving you that glass skin glow that is genuinely hard to achieve with topicals alone.
- Facial Treatments
Photofacial Treatment Areas
Photofacial is not just for the face. Because the GentleMax Pro® can be calibrated for different surface areas, this treatment is safe and effective across multiple body zones, making it one of the most comprehensive pigmentation removal options available in Edmonton.
Treatment areas include:
- Face & Cheeks
- Neck
- Décolletage / Chest
- Hands
- Arms
- Legs
Whether you’re targeting a specific spot or looking for full-area skin renewal, we’ll design a treatment plan tailored to your concerns.
Not sure if your concern qualifies? Every new client begins with a complimentary skin assessment to determine your Fitzpatrick skin type and confirm the Laser Photofacial is the right approach.
Purchase 3 and save 10%
How Does Photofacial Work?
We believe informed clients get better results. Here’s exactly what to expect from your photofacial at Lipstick Empire.
1. Skin Assessment
Before your first session, we assess your Fitzpatrick skin type (755 Alexandrite is suitable for types 1–3) and map your specific concerns. This ensures your treatment settings are calibrated precisely for your skin, maximizing results and safety.
2. Pre-Treatment Prep
Your skin is thoroughly cleansed and a cool gel is applied to the treatment area. You will be provided with protective eyewear, as the laser flashes are bright and eye protection is mandatory throughout the session.
3. Laser Pulses
The GentleMax Pro® handpiece is moved across the treatment area, delivering precise pulses of targeted 755nm laser energy into the skin. Most clients describe the sensation as a warm snap, similar to a light elastic band flick. Sessions typically take 20 to 45 minutes depending on the area treated.
4. Immediate Aftercare
Some mild redness and warmth in the treatment area is completely normal and typically resolves within a few hours. Pigmented spots may appear slightly darker immediately after treatment. This is called the “peppering effect” and is a sign the treatment is working.
5. Results Emerge
Over the following 7 to 10 days, the darkened pigment naturally rises to the surface and flakes away as your skin renews itself. Your skin will appear progressively clearer and more even as the weeks pass, with optimal results visible after your recommended series of three treatments.
- Facial Treatments
Laser Photofacial Results: What to Expect and When
One of the most common questions we hear is: “How soon will I actually see a difference?” Here is an honest, realistic timeline for Photofacial results.
- Days 1–3: Mild redness and warmth. Pigmented spots may look slightly darker — this is normal and means the treatment is actively working.
- Days 4–10: The “peppering effect” resolves. Darkened pigment flakes away naturally as skin renews. Avoid picking or scrubbing the area.
- Weeks 2–3: Clearer, more even skin tone is visible. Redness and vascular concerns show improvement.
- After 3 Sessions: Most clients achieve their best results after a series of three laser photofacial sessions, spaced 3–4 weeks apart. Hyperpigmentation, sun spots, and redness are significantly reduced or cleared entirely.
- Long-Term Maintenance: Sun protection is essential to preserve your results. We recommend SPF 30+ daily and one to two maintenance sessions per year to keep pigmentation from recurring.
For best results we recommend a series of 3 treatments, available as a package at a 10% saving.
Why Edmonton Clients Choose Lipstick Empire for Laser Photofacial
Not all laser treatments are created equal. In Edmonton, not all clinics are using the same caliber of technology or expertise. Here is what sets Lipstick Empire apart.
GentleMax Pro® Technology
We treat exclusively with the GentleMax Pro®, the same platform used in leading dermatology clinics. Its Alex:755 nm wavelength delivers precise, powerful results that consumer-grade laser devices cannot replicate. Your skin deserves equipment built for real outcomes.
Trained Laser Specialists
Every laser treatment at Lipstick Empire is performed by a trained laser specialist. We do not cut corners on safety or skill. Your skin is assessed and treated by someone who knows this technology inside and out.
Personalized Assessment
Laser is not a one-setting-fits-all treatment. Every client receives a thorough Fitzpatrick skin type assessment before their first session so your settings are dialled in for your exact complexion. This is how we protect your skin and maximize your results.
Results-Focused Protocols
We recommend treatment protocols based on what works, not what is most convenient. Our 3-session series recommendation is based on clinical outcomes, and we track your progress at each visit to ensure you are getting the results you came for.
- Facial Treatments
Our Laser Photofacial Pricing
Single Session
$355 / treatment
Package of 3 Sessions
Save 10%
We recommend a series of 3 treatments for optimal pigmentation removal results, spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. Purchasing a package is the most cost-effective way to complete your full treatment plan.
Free consultations are available for new clients. We will assess your skin, confirm suitability, and build a treatment plan before you commit to anything.
Interested in ongoing skin maintenance? Ask about our Glow Pro Membership for members-only pricing on regular treatments.
Real Results from Real Clients
I am new to the world of facials and Kortney is wonderful! An amazing experience from the moment you step through the door to the moment you leave. I would 20/10 recommend Kortney and lipstick empire!
It’s been one year since I began seeing Lindsay and she has brought back the glow that my skin desperately needed. As a mid 50s client, her experience and expertise has helped me regain radiance and maintain a healthy moisturizing routine. Thank you Lindsay!!
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- Facial Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a photofacial and how is it different from a laser facial?
The Photofacial uses advanced Alex:755 nm wavelength technology to correct skin damage from hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots, sun damage, acne scarring, and freckles. Our Laser Facial on the other hand, is better suited to reduce redness and minimize the appearance of pores while brightening and tightening the skin. At Lipstick Empire, we use the GentleMax Pro® set to the Alex:755 nm wavelength for precise, controlled results.
What does the Photofacial feel like?
Most clients describe the sensation as a series of warm snaps, similar to a light elastic band flick against the skin. The GentleMax Pro® is equipped with a Dynamic Cooling Device™ that delivers a cooling burst before each pulse, making the treatment significantly more comfortable than older laser systems. Any redness or warmth after the session typically resolves within a few hours.
How many Photofacial sessions do I need to see results?
Most clients see noticeable improvement after a single session, with pigment beginning to lift and fade within 7 to 10 days. However, for significant pigmentation removal or rosacea treatment, we recommend a series of 3 sessions spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart. More pronounced sun damage or hyperpigmentation may benefit from additional sessions. We will advise you at your consultation.
Is the Photofacial safe for all skin types?
Photofacials are safe and effective for Fitzpatrick skin types 1 to 3 (fair to medium skin tones). Because the laser targets melanin, clients with darker skin tones (Fitzpatrick 4 to 6) carry a higher risk of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation from the treatment.
We conduct a thorough Fitzpatrick skin type assessment before every first session to confirm if the treatment is the right option for your complexion. If you are not sure where you fall, we will determine this together at your free consultation.
How long does a Photofacial session take?
A typical Photofacial session takes 20 to 45 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated. A full face treatment is usually around 30 minutes. Because there is no significant downtime, most clients return to their regular activities the same day.
What is the downtime after a Photofacial?
A Photofacial involves minimal downtime. Immediately after treatment, your skin may appear slightly red and feel warm, similar to a mild sunburn sensation. Pigmented spots will often darken over the first few days (the peppering effect) before naturally flaking away. We recommend avoiding direct sun exposure, intense exercise, and makeup for 24 hours post-treatment. Daily SPF 30+ is essential throughout your treatment series to protect results.
Can a Photofacial treat pigmentation on the body, not just the face?
Yes. A Photofacial is an effective pigmentation treatment for multiple body areas beyond the face, including the neck, decolletage, hands, arms, and legs. Sun spots and hyperpigmentation on the chest and hands are particularly popular treatment areas, as these zones often show significant UV damage over time. If you are looking for pigmentation removal on body areas in Edmonton, a photofacial is one of the most effective non-invasive options available.
How does a Photofacial compare to chemical peels or microneedling for pigmentation removal?
All three treatments can address pigmentation, but they work very differently.
- A Photofacial uses a laser to target melanin beneath the skin’s surface with light energy, making it ideal for discrete dark spots, sun damage, and stubborn hyperpigmentation.
- Chemical peels exfoliate the outer skin layers and work best for overall tone and mild surface pigmentation.
- Microneedling stimulates collagen and works best for texture, fine lines, and scarring rather than pigmentation specifically.
For many clients, combining a photofacial with a chemical peel or microneedling at different stages delivers the most comprehensive result. We will recommend the best approach for your concerns at your consultation.
When will I see results from my photofacial?
You will begin to notice changes within the first week. Pigmented spots typically darken initially (days 1 to 4) before rising to the surface and naturally shedding away (days 5 to 10). By week two to three, the improvement in your skin tone should be clearly visible. Results continue to improve with each session in your series.
How do I prepare for a photofacial treatment?
To ensure the best results and minimize your risk of side effects, please follow these pre-treatment guidelines:
- Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning (including self-tanner) for at least 4 weeks before treatment
- Discontinue retinol and retinoid products 5 to 7 days before your session
- Avoid waxing or any hair removal from the treatment area 1 to 2 weeks prior
- Arrive with clean skin — no makeup, SPF, or skincare products on the treatment area
- Inform your specialist of any recent medications, especially photosensitizing drugs
If you are unsure about anything, we will cover all pre-care instructions at your consultation.
