PHOTOFACIAL
What is a PhotoFacial Treatment?
A PhotoFacial Treatment is a series of gentle pulsed light treatments
intended to improve the appearance of sun damaged and aged skin, as well
as reduce redness and flushing. PhotoFacial treatments result in a more
youthful-appearing skin.
How does PhotoFacial work?
An intense light is emitted in a series of gentle pulses over the skin at
intervals of approximately three weeks for a series of five treatments.
This special light which is different than laser treatments emits light
over many wavelengths allowing the light to penetrate to all the levels of
the skin where abnormal and easily dilated vessels can be found. Lasers
produce only a single wavelength of light and are limited in depth of
penetration and what they can treat.
How much improvement will I see with PhotoFacial?
Typically 75-95%, on average 90% improvement is seen in most patients.
Are there any other conditions that can be treated with the PhotoFacial?
Yes, PhotoFacial treatments will also help patients who suffer from
photo-aging of the skin, pigmentation from sun exposure (Age Spots),
irregularities of skin texture, reduces large pores and dark circles
around the eyes and helps reduce fine lines, especially around the eyes
and mouth.
Are there any contraindications to this procedure?
Yes, it is not indicated in patients with connective tissue disease or
auto immune disorders. PhotoFacial is not recommended during pregnancy or
recently sun-tanned skin. It cannot be used on patients taking Accutane or
for six months after stopping Accutane. The procedure is not usually done
on patients with active acne cysts and large pustules. The same is true
for highly active rosacea. Most photosensitive medications such as
antibiotics, anti anxiety, sulfa drugs, birth control pills and
anti-hypertensive medications are not a contraindication. Care must be
taken in patients who get fever blister attacks on the face. An
anti-herpes medication can be taken thus avoiding the problem.
What should I do before/after my PhotoFacial treatment?
Each treatment is timed according to the area being treated. Make-up or
creams must be removed. Men will be asked to shave on the day of
treatment, prior to their arrival at the office. If any herpetic lesions
or bacterial infections are noted on the day of the procedure the
treatment will be cancelled until the condition has been treated and
completely healed. If you have been set up on a pre-treatment regimen,
follow the directions given. Arrive 1 hour early on the appointments
designated for photos, otherwise apply your topical anesthetic at least
30-45 minutes before you arrive. After the procedure you may be asked to
ice the area, and will be given any additional post treatment instructions
as necessary.
Can I accomplish this result with laser resurfacing?
No. Laser Resurfacing may very well help fine lines and pigmentation but
it does not affect or remove blood vessels or flushing. In fact it can
worsen this condition. It further leaves you unsightly and usually
requires time away from work and your usual every day activities. Downtime
is at least two weeks and up to a few months of redness in the treated
areas can occur. Laser resurfacing continuously has a valuable place in
the treatment of certain conditions of the face, but it is not a
substitute for PhotoFacial.
What are the advantages of PhotoFacial?
You can have glowing, blush-free skin with fewer fine lines and more
youthful look with NO DOWN TIME from work or play; although we suggest no
excessive exercising, hot showers or air travel until the next day. You
can usually go to work the same day or the following day without the
stares of friends and strangers. No procedure has ever been developed that
can accomplish so much with such low risk and no down time. We now
see and treat patients from around the world seeking the newest and most
exciting cosmetic procedure. PhotoFacial treatments were developed for the
active, busy patients for whom time and appearance are important.
Can I accomplish the same results with chemical peels,
Microdermabrasion (Power Peel™, Parisian Peels™, and Derma Peel™)?
No, although PhotoFacial treatments can be used in conjunction with
certain types of Peels, Facials and Microdermabrasion. We have a wonderful
selection of peels and facials offered in our Salon.
Will PhotoFacial treatments help my acne scars?
Certain more shallow scars usually improve, but ice pick type acne
scarring and deep scars will not be helped. Laser resurfacing or
Dermabrasion may be indicated here. If the scars are milder and do not
respond to PhotoFacial alone we often add Microdermabrasion and or
Chemical Peels to the treatment schedule. PhotoFacial and
Microdermabrasion treatments can be performed on the same day just minutes
following each other. However, Chemical Peels are scheduled separate.
What are the other uses of PhotoFacial treatments?
In our experience, PhotoFacial treatments offer unique benefits when
performed before or after laser resurfacing, facelift procedures, the
"weekend facelift" and chemical peels. In addition, we have combined the
use of PhotoFacial with Microdermabrasion to enhance the benefit of this
procedure by reducing the dilated capillaries and redness that
Microdermabrasion is unable to help.
If you have any questions about photofacial please
feel free to schedule a complementary sonsultation with Board Certified
Dermatologist, Board Certified Dermatopathologist, Babar K. Rao, MD, FAAD
at his Manhattan, New York or Fresno, California office.
