Photo-Facial skin rejuvenation with IPL therapy

Facial wrinkles with uneven texture, tone and blotchy color have been treated in the past with chemical peels and Dermabrasion. During the past few years high energy pulsed CO2 and Erbium YAG lasers have been used very successfully for patients with significant wrinkles. The positive results are created by modeling and molding of facial collagen and elastic tissue.

Patients with fine facial wrinkles, slightly loose skin, brown blotchy pigmentation and scattered blood vessels can be improved with “facial photo-rejuvenation” using the Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) “LIGHT FACIALS” work without the scabs and downtime created by the higher energy pulsed CO2 and Erbium YAG lasers. Some collagen tightening and remodeling occurs with repeat treatments. Usual 5 treatments are recommended for optimum results.

How much discomfort will I have?

The treatments are now essentially painless with the application of the topical anesthetic available on the market.    No anesthetic needles are required.

How to prepare the skin for the treatments?

A facial skin care program will be outlined for you that can be started before you commence your treatments and used a maintenance program. The face should be clean and free of all make up. Ela-max can be applied to the planned treatment areas 15-20 minutes prior to your sessions. Avoid tanning before and after your “Photo-Facials” as this will enhance blotchiness.

How often can the treatments be done?

For most patients 5 treatments sessions spaced at 3 weeks apart to achieve best results. Looking after your face is like maintaining your teeth or your car. A repeat “Photo-Facial” may be required once or twice a year plus your personal facial program reviewed for you.

What are the side affects?

The appearance right after treatment is similar to what you will see after a good exercise workout. The flushing and redness will last from a few minutes to several hours in most cases, but can last days and sometimes a week. The brown age spots and uneven pigmentation will turn darker after treatment and will darken over the next 3-5 days. The pigment will slough off at about a week to ten days post treatment. Blisters can occur but are uncommon.

How much improvement can I expect?

Patients with minimal wrinkles, but blotchy uneven texture with facial blood vessels can expect great improvement. You first change will be in improvement in texture and tone. Your skin will smoother and softer. This first phase occurs after second treatment. Improvement in color and wrinkles occurs after the fourth or fifth treatment. Those that have severe wrinkles and scars will require a more assertive treatment program.

Skin care following “Photo-Facial” skin rejuvenation therapy

Immediately following treatment a soothing lotion or ointment can be applied to the treated area. In most cases, the low energy nature of “Photo-Facials” enables patients to resume all activities. The only restriction is sun/UV exposure a high broad spectrum sunscreen should be used every day to promote desired results with treatments. Zinc and Titanium Oxide are the best ingredients for the most effective sunscreen protection.

Bathing

There are no restrictions for taking a shower or bath. If treated for Rosacea avoiding prolonged time in a hot tub is advised.

Exercise

Resuming a regular exercise regimen is permitted, unless the exercise causes flushing, you may want to avoid for 24 hours due to irritation.

Sun Exposure