IPL PhotoFacial FAQs
ASK ALLURE
Q :A friend recently told me about a process called photo rejuvenation as a treatment to reduce fine lines and sun spots. Does it actually work? – Katie, via email
Dr. WEXLER’S ANSWER: photo rejuvenation is a fairly new technology that dermatologists can use to treat aging skin- including discoloration, fine lines, and sagging. Intense pulses of multiple-wavelength light are flashed across the face and into the skin, without any heat or burning sensations. The penetration of the light causes the release of precursors of collagen that skin cells then turn into new collagen, tighting and firming the skin. The treatment also heals abnormal and broken blood vessels, as well as discoloration.
The biggest advantage to photo-rejuvenation treatments as opposed to laser resurfacing, is that there is no downtime after the procedure (which lasts 20 to 30 minutes). You may experience mild redness, but nothing that will cause you to cancel your dinner plans. It usually takes three to five treatments to see improvement in the skin – although the more damage you have to begin with, the longer it will take.
I suggest you start early, when you first see symptoms. There’s no reason to fix something that isn’t broken, but you do want to address the problem before it gets serious.
Lasers. Lots of dermatologists continue to aim a hot, high-powered laser at the skin to burn off its uppermost sun-damaged layer-a treatment that can leave patients’ skin raw and oozing for weeks and pink and sensitive for months. Also, People who go to tanning salons are up to 2.5 times more likely to get skin cancer. But many dermatologist are switching to a less intense sort of rejuvenating light- Intense Pulsed Light, or IPL, which is technically not a laser but a bright flash of broad-spectrum light that destroys abnormally pigmented cells and stimulates collagen production in the skin. Instead of a single treatment, IPL is usually administered in multiple sessions. Patrick Bitter Jr., a dermatologist in Los Gatos, California, who specializes in IPL treatments, says that he takes five appointments to rejuvenate entire areas, such as face, neck, chest, or hands. ” It produces consistent improvement in patients,” he says “ without the downtime and complications of lasers.” In a study conducted by Bitter and published in Dermatologic Survey, 88 percent of 49 patients who received four IPL treatments for sun-damaged skin reported that they were satisfied with the results. - Allure/June 2002
The following are other frequently asked questions regarding ESSpa Kozmetika YouthLight PhotoFacial. This Treatment is also referred to as Photo Rejuvenation and IPL (Intense Pulse Light) therapy.
1. Q. How exactly does Photo Rejuvenation therapy work?
A. Photo Rejuvenation uses pulses of visible therapeutic light over many wavelengths that deliver energy to all layers of the skin. Photo Rejuvenation uses treatments, which last about 30 minutes, on the principle that light is absorbed by color and that light generates heat. The vein, or pigmented skin area is damaged by the heat and slowly disappears leaving a clear patch of skin. This Photo Rejuvenation stimulation also increases collagen and elastin production. As the cells are continuously activated, the collagen comes to the surface filling in fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Q. Are there any other benefits from Photo Rejuvenation therapy?
A. Yes, Photo Rejuvenation therapy increases blood circulation and oxygenation thus hydrating the skin’s surface. When new cells come to the surface it repairs sun damage, age spots, pore size and helps calm rosacea. (There is no known cure for rosacea.)
3. Q. Why is it then, that Cosmetologists and Aestheticians can use Photo Rejuvenation therapy?
A. Most, if not all cosmetology boards, have issued opinions that because Photo Rejuvenation treatments are both non-invasive and non-ablative, they require no special licensing (unlike Laser Treatments) . Thus, they are approved for use without special licensing.
4. Q. Where can I research Photo Rejuvenation Therapy?
A. There is a huge amount of data on the World Wide Web. You can find articles in Biophonitics International (Oct. 2000), Popular Science (April 2000), National Geographic (Jan. 2001) as well as a multitude of magazine articles that have been recently published due to the advent of using Photo Rejuvenation Therapy for cosmetic purposes.
5. Q. Will Photo Rejuvenation therapy work on all types of people?
A. There isn’t any machine, system or treatment that will work on everyone. However, it is estimated that Photo Rejuvenation will work on over 90% of the population. For those looking for a non-invasive, minimal risk solution without any down time, this is the ideal treatment.
6. Q. What are some of the advantages of the Youth Light Machine over other Photo Rejuvenation systems?
A. We could go on forever, but just to hit some “high spots.” Price is the number one advantage, plus the YouthLight 2010 will work on people of all skin colors. It is one of the few machines that will work on people taking either Retin A or Accutane - however it is our policy to not treat clients taking these drugs.
7. Q. Are there other Photo Rejuvenation systems in the market place?
A. Yes, but most other systems are laser driven and/or invasive, thus requiring the supervision of a Medical Doctor.
8. Q. How long do the treatments take?
A. The average treatment takes approximately 30 minutes, providing there are no special preparations needed. With this in mind, we ask that you arrive for your treatment(s) with no makeup.
9. Q. How often can I take a Photo Rejuvenation treatment?
A. We suggest 10 day to 2-week intervals. In some cases, we may wait as long as 3 weeks. Your cells must have time to regenerate themselves. Over use is counter-productive!
10. Q. Am I able to go back to work after a Photo Rejuvenation treatment?
A. Yes. Youth Light treatments leave no after effects whatsoever. It is another one of the many advantages that Photo Rejuvenation treatments have. You can carry on all of your normal activities and no one will be the wiser as to what you are doing.
11. Q. Once I am finished with my treatments, will I need to come back?
A. Yes, again, depending on your age and skin condition, you will be put on a maintenance program. This can vary from 30 to 90 days. Eva provides each client with an in-depth customized program that best fits your needs and schedule.
12. Q. How soon will I see results?
A. Everybody is different, however many people will see results after the first treatment. Most will feel the results of a softer, smoother skin that is tighter, more hydrated and has a “glamorous glow.”
13. Q. I have been receiving Microdermabrasion treatments. Will Photo Rejuvenation affect these treatments?
A. Photo Rejuvenation will complement Microdermabrasion, along with any other types of cosmetic treatments. Photo Rejuvenation has a “calming effect”.
14. Q. How do I maximize the benefits of the Photo Rejuvenation?
A. The ESSpa Kozmetika Oxygen PhotoFacial is our proprietary Treatment that incorporates the use of the YouhtLight 2010 IPL into our ESSpa Kozmetika Herzog Oxygen Facial. Use of the YouthLight helps speed delivery of the vitamins, antioxidants, oxygen and other vital nutrients found in our exclusive Herzog moisturizers, masks and tonics.
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