| IPL
PhotoRejuvenation
PhotoRejuvenation is
a series of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments that improve the
appearance of rosacea, flushing, sun damaged skin, age spots, skin
texture, and photoaging. The treatment also improves mild acne scars,
reduces large pores, corrects dark circles around the eyes, and
reduces fine lines. This exciting treatment involves little or no
"down time." You can resume normal activities immediately.
How does the treatment work?
An intense light is applied in a series of gentle pulses over the
treatment area. Without damaging the skin, the light penetrates
through the skin and is absorbed by the abnormally dilated vessels
or pigmentation. The heat impairs the vessel or lesion, and the
body begins its natural healing process. The lesion will darken
before it flakes off or is absorbed by the body. Treatment can be
given as frequently as every three weeks.
How many treatments will I need?
For optimal results, a series of 5 treatments is recommended. Some
patients see significant improvement in 2 to 3 treatments; others
require more. Follow-up treatments may be desired once a year to
maintain results.
What are the benefits of PhotoRejuvenation?
- Treatment improves sun spots, age spots, dull
complexions, uneven pigmentation,
large pores, sun damaged skin, and early signs of aging.
- Treatment improves red flushing skin, rosacea,
and broken capillaries.
- Enjoy smoother skin with a more even tone.
- Minimal discomfort during treatment
- Resume regular activities immediately.
What is a treatment like?
Treatment may vary from 15 to 45 minutes. First, the treated area
is cleansed and a cool gel is applied. When the pulse of light is
delivered, the sensation of discomfort is minimal. After treatment,
the gel is removed, the skin cleansed, and a sun block is applied.
A topical anesthetic can be used for maximum comfort; for sensitive
skin a cool compress is applied following treatment.
Are there any possible side effects?
Side effects are rare. Immediately following treatment, the skin
may appear flushed, brown pigmented spots may appear darker, and
capillaries may be more visible. In rare instances, temporary swelling
and/or blistering can occur. Limiting sun exposure for several weeks
before and after treatment will greatly minimize the risk of complications.
What improvement will I see?
Patients have a high degree of satisfaction with their results.
After successive treatments, the skin will feel smoother and appear
to have a more even tone.
PhotoRejuvenation in treating rosacea
As many as seventy million Americans have undesirable redness and/or
sun damaged skin. Sun exposure, alcohol, medications, stress, and
aging are common causes of rosacea. Rosacea is a common skin condition
characterized by redness and flushing skin. PhotoRejuvenation treatments
control flushing and, in many cases, reduce the need for topical
creams and antibiotics.
Photodynamic
Therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
is a new medical procedure for photorejuvenation of the skin. It
is a medical skin treatment to reverse the signs of aging and thereby
improve the health and vitality of skin. Ideal candidates have either
sun damaged skin, preskin cancers (actinic keratosis), rosacea,
acne, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, poor skin texture, or enlarged
pores. This therapy combines the application of a photosensitizer
(5 ALA) with a laser pulse light, with dramatic improvements and
little "down time" and minimal discomfort.
How does the treatment work?
The procedure involves a microdermabrasion followed by application
of Levulan® (5 ALA) to the skin for 15 to 60 minutes.
This allows the Levulan® to concentrate into the
damaged skin, glands, and follicles. We then use Intense Pulsed
Light (IPL) to activate this photosensitizer. As a result, diseased
areas are treated selectively with minimal damage to surrounding
normal skin.
How many treatments will I need?
For photorejuvenation, 2-3 treatments spaced 3-4 weeks apart are
necessary for optimal results. For acne, 4 treatments 2-3 weeks
apart are needed to achieve results. Some patients see significant
improvement in 1 or 2 treatments; others require more.
Are there any possible side effects?
Redness, mild swelling, increased warmth, and tingling like a mild
sunburn may occur for 1-2 days after treatment, with rapid recovery.
Brown pigmented spots may appear darker and capillaries may be more
visible before they fade. Sun avoidance is absolutely necessary
for 48 hours after the procedure.
What improvement will I see?
Skin is smoother and softer, pore size is reduced, skin becomes
more even toned, and acne resolves as sebaceous glands are diminished. |
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