Photofacials Treatments

Photofacials are effective and economical treatments for removal of sun damage and skin redness arising from rosacea and related vascular conditions.   Also, photofacials offer a robust solution to spider veins, congenital vascular lesions like port wine spots, venous lake nevus or dark pigmented spots like nevus of Oti or café latte spots. Melasma responds to photofacials as well as the pore sizes which are a concern to many people. Finally, red acne scars, surgical scars and stretch marks can readily be treated with Photofacials.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is the system used for Photofacials. Light energy is delivered in a pulse to the skin by a xenon lamp. Intense Pulsed Light systems are safe and effective when in hands of experienced and well trained operators. Our Clinics use the state-of-the-art Lumenis One IPL systems with user-friendly interface and superior performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Photofacial Treatment

What is a Photofacial?

Photofacial is a new treatment for skin rejuvenation provided by Intense Pulsed Light system that delivers energy directly to the skin exerting a desired therapeutic effect like removal of color from vascular lesions or erasing sun damage.

What are main indications for Photofacials?

Spider veins, skin redness, rosacea, port wine stains and other vascular lesions, sun and age spots, moles, generalized sun damage are all treated with Photofacials. Also, redness from scars, acne scars and cysts and stretch marks is readily removed by Photofacials.

How many treatments do I need?

One usually needs 3-6 treatment sessions for full effect.

How long is a treatment session?

A treatment session is 35-45 minutes long and this includes application of a special soothing mask and application of a sunscreen by our Advanced Medical Esthetician at the conclusion of the treatment.

Does Photofacial hurt?

Light energy delivered by an IPL system is felt like a snap from an elastic rubber band.

Who cannot have photofacial?

Intense Pulsed Light can be safely delivered to people with skin classified as types I, II and III on the Fitzpatrick scale developed by Dr. Fitzpatrick to account for skin light-absorbing properties. In general, people with white, fair skin, especially with pink tone are good candidates for Photofacials. One MUST avoid sun exposure for at least three weeks before treatment as sun tan will cause brown discoloration of the tanned skin – IPL energy attracts color from skin cells called melanocytes and will cause a temporary skin bronzing, sometimes very profound. Thus, a sunscreen must be used at all times between Photofacials.