A Photofacial is a safe, effective anti-aging procedure that can be used to target a wide range of skin blemishes and conditions on the face, neck, chest, hands, and other parts of the body as needed. Regular Photofacial treatments will remarkably reduce the appearance of blemishes after a series of treatments and keep skin looking smooth, even, and younger-looking.
Some of the targeted skin conditions for which Photofacials are especially effective include:
- Sunspots
- Age spots
- Freckles, and other skin discolorations
- Acne scars
- Broken capillaries or spider veins
- Skin redness, including Rosacea
- Superficial wrinkles
- Uneven skin tone
- Enlarged pores
Along with targeting particular blemishes, the Photofacial process also stimulates the regeneration of collagen in affected skin cells, restoring an even tone and texture to treated areas and leaving the patient with a general healthy glow.
How Do Photofacials Work?
Photofacials work by using light to stimulate deep layers of skin. Using a non-ablative laser carefully calibrated to focus on darker pigments, the Photofacial device will target underlying tissue at the root of many common skin discolorations. The superficial application of Photofacial light waves reduces the risk of infection or scarring, allowing the skin to recover from the procedure quickly. This makes Photofacials an ideal treatment for busy professionals and others who don’t want to suffer downtime or unsightly and painful after effects.
What is the Treatment Like?
A Photofacial treatment can take anywhere from ten to twenty minutes, during which the patient may feel a brief pinching sensation on the targeted area. Most patients find that, in general, the treatment is relatively comfortable, and patients can reap great benefits with only minor discomfort. The recovery time is very short as there is very little damage done to the skin during the treatment. The side effects will range from general redness that fades an hour or two after the treatment to a discolored lesion that flakes off within one to two weeks. When used on dark spots and other pigmentation problems, one treatment is often enough to visibly improve skin tone and evenness. Some treatments, such as those for broken capillaries and Rosacea, may require several sessions to fully resolve the problem. For optimum effectiveness, a patient may want somewhere between four and six treatments, separated by two to four weeks each.
How Long Will Improvements Last?
The longevity of improvements depends on the behaviour of the patient and the nature of the blemishes to be treated. Patients are advised to avoid tanning and excessive sun exposure before and after treatment in order to maximize the duration of the results.
Patients who continue to adequately protect skin from sun exposure for the first few weeks after treatment will experience results that can often last for two to three years or more.