Today’s incredible medical advances and aesthetic techniques offer women and men a variety of options for rejuvenating their appearance while avoiding invasive procedures. Traditional cosmetic treatments like dermal fillers, BOTOX, medical facials, and microneedling are just a few ways to improve specific skin concerns without lengthy downtime. Photofacials are a new way to treat skin imperfections. To understand the nature of this procedure and how it can benefit your skin, continue reading.
What is A Photofacial?
Most people undergo Phototherapy to treat their face, neck, shoulders, back, and hands. This is a laser skin rejuvenation treatment that stimulates collagen production and treats skin discoloration. This is a painless procedure that can improve the appearance of your skin. Photofacials are used to treat or improve age spots, sunspots, moles, broken capillaries, general skin redness, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
When you get a Photofacial treatment, your skin absorbs light and converts it into energy. There are several types of Photofacials that differ in the light used including:
- IPL: Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is similar to laser therapy, but uses multiple wavelengths instead of a single one. It works by reaching the middle layer of the skin without damaging the outer layer. Pigment cells then absorb light energy and convert it to heat, eliminating the pigment. IPL can also be used to treat unwanted hair as it destroys the hair follicles.
- LED (Light Emitting Diode) Photofacials: These treatments use a handheld device or lamp to create different colors of light. The color of the light affects the healing effect. The LED light acts on the epidermis and is ideal for treating acne.
- Total FX (CO2 Laser Therapy): The Total FX laser removes a thin layer of skin to treat sunburns, smooth wrinkles and remove scars. The Total FX laser combines the benefits of the Active FX and Deep FX lasers into one treatment. The Active FX laser works on the surface of the skin to treat hyperpigmentation, sun damage, and texture abnormalities. Deep FX laser works in the deep layers of the skin to correct fine lines and wrinkles and stimulate collagen production.
What Can I Expect From My Photofacial?
When the right procedure for your skin type is determined, a local anesthetic will be administered to keep you comfortable and relaxed during the entire treatment. Before your treatment, the surface of your skin will be thoroughly cleansed and your eyes will be protected. During treatment, the laser is moved over the treatment area. Depending on the size of the treated area, the procedure may take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Immediately after the treatment, the proper bandages will be applied to the treated area to promote healing and reduce discomfort. You can go home on the same day of the procedure and return to your normal activities within a week. Redness, swelling, itching, or stinging may occur for a few days after the procedure. A week after the procedure your skin will start to dry and peel indicating your natural healing response is starting.
The results of laser skin resurfacing treatments are both immediate and gradual. Immediately after treatment, you will notice that your skin is softer, more radiant, and more even. You will also notice further improvement over the next 3-6 months as more collagen is produced in the lower layers of the skin. Photofacial effects can last from 6 to 12 months. Avoiding activities that can damage your skin will prolong the results. For optimal results, your providers may recommend multiple treatments.
Phototherapy is one of the most popular facial rejuvenation options offered by Anne Arundel ENT and Facial Plastic Surgery to patients in Annapolis, Baltimore, Washington, and surrounding communities. If you are interested in receiving Photofacials or other MediSpa procedures, call us at 410-573-9191 for a consultation. Anne Arundel ENT is also proud to offer facial plastic surgery and treatments for disorders in your ear, nose, and throat.
