Photofacial Treatment
What is Photofacial?
Photofacial is a series of Intense Pulsed Light treatments harnessing light energy to correct a variety of benign skin conditions, such as brown spots, broken capillaries, enlarged pores, symptoms of Rosacea and sundamage. This safe, non-invasive treatment can be tailored to an individual’s specific skin condition and skin type, producing visible improvement with each treatment.
How is Photofacial performed?
A layer of clear gel is applied to the area to be treated and lead glasses are worn to protect the eyes. The hand piece and treatment tip are placed against the skin and pulses of light are applied. They feel like a very superficial tingle. A topical anesthetic can be applied before the treatment to increase comfort, however it is seldom required. A treatment to the face, neck and chest takes about 20 minutes. Larger areas like arms and backs can also be treated.
How many treatments are required?
Most people benefit from receiving a series of 4-6 treatments spaced out at three to four week intervals. After completing a series of treatments, maintenance treatments can be performed every 6 months to continue to stimulate collagen and treat any new brown spots and broken capillaries that may have formed.
Why are multiple treatments necessary?
At each session, different skin layers are targeted. During the first three treatment sessions, epidermal irregularities like sundamage, brown spots and facial telangiectasias are gradually removed. With subsequent treatments, collagen is stimulated in the lower skin layers, improving skin’s texture and tightening pores. By dividing the full program into several individual treatments, great results can be seen without risk and downtime.
How do Photofacial treatments interact with my topical skincare?
Photofacial treatments actually boost the effect of topical skincare products. Individuals using Obagi Nuderm to correct brown spots and acne see faster resolution of their skin conditions with concurrent Photofacial treatments. Symptoms of Rosacea are difficult to treat with topical skincare alone, however, when combined with Photofacial treatments, individuals notice a dramatic reduction to the ruddiness, oiliness and acne breakouts associated with Rosacea.
