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Both the joys and pressures of life as well as the simple course of time can make our skin look older. These signs of aging and sun damage are unfortunately most noticeable on a person’s face. The overall appearance of aging skin is largely related to the cumulative effects of sun exposure with secondary UV damage to the structural framework of the skin such as collagen and elastin fiber. Genetic factors and disease processes also play a large role. Photorejuvenation is a non-ablative procedure utilizing intense pulsed light to rejuvenate the skin. At Radiance Medspa, we specialize in skin refinement. Utilizing intense pulsed-light (IPL), our staff can correct:
- Sun damage
- Rosacea
- Freckles
- Broken capillary
- Large pores
- Uneven skin tone
Cost for IPL treatments vary, and a minimum of 3-5 treatments is recommended for optimal results. After your series is complete, a PhotoFacial every 6 months to maintain rejuvenated, healthy skin is recommended. Packages of Photorejuvenation combined with Microdermabrasion are available to significantly improve the texture and tone of your skin.
IPL Photorejuvenation is only one of the highly successful tools available at Radiance Medspa to treat aging and photo damaged skin. Call 860-409-9000 today for your free consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions What is PhotoFacial Treatment?
A PhotoFacial treatment is a series of gentle pulsed light treatments developed to improve the appearance of sun damaged and aged skin, as well as reduce redness and flushing, resulting in more youthful-looking skin. PhotoFacial treatments consistently and predictably improve the texture, tone and color of the skin with little to no down time.
What is the cause of red faces?
As many as seventy million Americans have undesirable redness and/or sun damaged skin on their face and body. Exposure to the sun, alcohol consumption, certain medications, spicy foods, stress, time and aging of the skin are common causes. This condition is most common in fair skinned individuals.
How does the treatment work?
An intense light is emitted in a series of gentle pulses over the skin's surface. This special light, which differs from laser, produces energy over many wavelengths. The light penetrates through all levels of the skin where abnormal vessels are found. Lasers differ in that they produce only a single wavelength of light that limits what they can treat.
What if I have general redness and no visible vessels?
The intense light’s unique nature can find even the smallest vessels, some of which are packed so closely that you cannot individually identify them.
How much improvement will I see?
Typically 75-95%, with 90% improvement noted for most patients.
Are there any other conditions that can be treated with PhotoFacial?
Yes, PhotoFacial treatments will also help patients suffering from photo aging of the skin, pigmentation from sun exposure (age spots), irregular skin texture, reduce large pores and dark circles around the eyes and helps reduce fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth.
How often will I need additional treatments?
After your initial series of 3-5 treatments, it is recommended to have followup treatments every six to twelve months to maintain your results. Our staff will provide you with the knowledge necessary to decrease the likelihood of future treatments.
Are there any conditions that this treatment won’t help?
It won’t treat frown lines or lines of expression on the face, especially on the forehead and between the eyebrows. It is not a substitute for a facelift and will not improve saggy skin. It won’t cure the puffiness around the eyes. It is not effective treatment for skin cancer, but can treat pre-cancerous lesions called actinic keratosis. It won’t remove bumpy moles, but it can remove or lighten their pigmentation. It will remove freckles, but freckles can return after treatment. It won’t remove those strands of deep parallel blood vessels occasionally seen on the lower cheeks, which can be removed with other procedures.
Are there any contraindications to this procedure?
PhotoFacial is not recommended for patients with connective tissue disease or autoimmune disorders. It is also not recommended during pregnancy, or for 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 cysts and or large pustules. The same is true for highly active rosacea. Most photosensitive medications such as antibiotics, anti anxiety, sulfa drugs, birth control pills and antihypertensive medications are not contraindicated. Caution must be used in patients who are prone to fever blisters on the face. An antiviral medication can be taken prior to the treatments to avoid this problem.
Are there any side effects?
Most side effects are mild and short lived. These can consist of discomfort during the actual treatment. There is usually additional redness directly following treatment, lasting less than 24 hours in most people. On rare occasions it may last up to three days. Mild blistering and bruising is possible, but usually clears quickly. Post treatment pigmentation has been noted, but is highly treatable and very rare. Even more rare is a decrease in pigmentation of the skin after treatments, and this also clears in time as well. Swelling of the face occasionally happens and is most common in severely sun damaged skin due to reduced quality of connective tissue around the blood vessels.
What are the requirements to having this procedure?
All patients must have a consultation prior to the procedure. They must answer general medical questions regarding the nature of their skin type. At the time of the treatment, each patient will be tested to properly assess the correct settings for the patients skin condition and type. These settings will then be stored in a database and in the patients chart for future reference. Pre-treatment and post treatment photos will be taken. An informed consent sheet and photograph permit form must be signed. Any questions must be asked and answered prior to the treatment.
What if I have a low pain threshold or sensitive skin – can I still be treated?
Yes. Some patients use oral anesthesia, but more often a topical cream will be applied prior to the treatment eliminating most discomfort. We have extensive experience with sensitive skin. We will listen to your concerns and will treat you accordingly so that even the most sensitive skin types are treated safely.
What should I do before/after my 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. If any herpetic lesions or bacterial infections are noted the day of the procedure the treatment will be cancelled until the condition has completely cleared. If you have been given pre-treatment instructions, follow the directions given. After the procedure you may be asked to ice the treatment area and will be given additional instructions if necessary.
Can I accomplish this result with laser resurfacing?
No. Laser resurfacing may improve fine lines and pigmentation, but it will not affect or remove blood vessels or flushing. It can, in fact, worsen this condition. It further leaves you unsightly and usually requires time away from work and your everyday activities. Downtime is at least two weeks and redness in the treated areas can occur for several months. Laser resurfacing holds 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 healthy, blush-free skin with fewer lines and a fresher, more youthful appearance with no down time from work or play; although we recommend no excessive exercising, hot showers or air travel until the next day. You can usually go out the same day or the next day without any problem. No procedure has ever been developed that can accomplish so much with such little risk and no down time. PhotoFacial treatments were developed for the active lifestyles where time and appearance are important.
Can I accomplish the same results with chemical peels or Microdermabrasion?
No, although PhotoFacial treatments can be used successfully in tandem with certain types of peels, facials and Microdermabrasion. We offer a number of skin care options here at Radiance Medspa.
My other doctor says that he can perform this treatment with his laser. Is this true?
No. Currently there is no laser that can duplicate the efforts of intense light therapy because the laser cannot reach all the levels of the skin in a manner similar to the intense light.
Will PhotoFacial treatments help by acne scars?
Certain more shallow scars usually will improve, but deeper acnes scarring will not be helped. Laser resurfacing or Dermabrasion may be indicated for deep acne scars. If the scars are milder and do not respond to PhotoFacial alone, we can add Microdermabrasion and/or chemical peels to your treatment regimen. PhotoFacial and Microdermabrasion treatments can be done on the same day just minutes following each other. However, chemical peels must be scheduled separately.
Can I see photos of other patients who have had PhotoFacial treatments?
Yes. We have an album of some of our patients who have been treated and given their permission to share there before and after photos. Your results may vary from our photographs.
What if I don’t have very much redness and only have pigmented areas of sun exposure (weather beaten appearance), can I still benefit?
Yes. These patients can also be treated with excellent results. Some of the most satisfied patients are those who have shown the ravages of sun and time on their faces.
What if the redness and sun damage extends to my neck and chest – can these areas be treated?
Yes. These areas can also be treated successfully, very much like the face. Many are particularly happy to get rid of the "V neck" effect of sun damage that accumulates in this area after years of sun exposure.
What is the cost?
The cost of this package will be discussed with you at your consultation. Every patient has different skin and goals; therefore, we create a specific treatment plan for you. Prices will vary, and quotes given at consultation will only be honored for three months if you decide not to schedule a treatment right away. We gladly review quotes after three months and provide you with the latest technology available.
What is the role of PhotoFacial in the treatment of Rosacea?
Rosacea is a common, chronic skin condition characterized by redness, dilated blood vessels and often developing pustules and swelling. Blushing is its most significant characteristic. It has long been noted in medical literature that blushing seems to increase or worsen the condition. No successful treatment existed previously that could minimize or stop the blushing. PhotoFacial intense pulse light therapy controls this embarrassing problem by decreasing the frequency and severity of Rosacea. Some Rosacea patients are even able to stop their antibiotics and topical steroid creams they have taken for years.
What are the other uses of PhotoFacial treatments?
In our experience, PhotoFacial treatments offer unique benefits when performed before or after other cosmetic procedures such as laser skin resurfacing, facelifts, chemical peels and Microdermabrasion .
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