A Fotofacial (which may also be referred to as Fotofacial RF, for radio frequency, or Fotofacial IPL, for intense pulse light) is a laser- assisted cosmetic procedure that targets problem areas by helping to tighten and smooth the skin. The most common places to give the Fotofacial are areas on the face, neck, chest, and arms, though other areas (such as the back of the hands) could also potentially be treated.
Treatments generally last 20 to 30 minutes (depending on the size of the area) and are relatively painless. Basically, the area being treated will be cleansed, after which a thin layer of topical cooling gel will be applied which will help eliminate any discomfort on the patient’s behalf (unless the patient’s uncomfortable with cooling gel). From there, a laser will emit intense pulses of light that will penetrate the skin, in turn causing collagen and blood vessels to constrict. Most people will notice a redness or tenderness to the area directly after treatment, though that will die down within 24 hours.
A Fotofacial is ideal because it combines optical energy with radio frequency energy. Therefore, the visible light energy is absorbed by the pigment in the skin’s surface, helping eliminate discoloration, while the radio frequency energy stimulates the production of new collagen, helping skin look naturally tighter. That being said, results are progressive, meaning over time, ideal results will be reached. Ideally, four to five treatments (about once a month) should be given to truly reach long-lasting, optimum results.
Who needs it?
Ideal candidates for a Fotofacial will either have problems resulting from pigmentation discoloration or slight wrinkling or scarring. Therefore, a Fotofacial can treat an of conditions including fine lines (around the eyes and mouth especially), rosacea, broken capillaries, flushing, sun damage, pore size, hyperpigmentation, melasma, spider veins, acne scars, and even freckles. Furthermore, the procedure is known to reduce the appearance of dark circles below the eyes, as well as chronic facial redness. Lastly, it should be noted that younger patients with milder cases of skin damage or signs of early aging will generally see greater results than older patients.
Benefits
The biggest benefit to the Fotofacial is that there is virtually no downtime and discomfort is minimal at best. The procedure is also fairly quick, does not require the use of anesthesia, and is outpatient, meaning you can resume your daily schedule immediately following treatment. The Fotofacial is impressive because it combines the work of two different procedures, such as a chemical peel and an anti-winkle filler, therefore eliminating two problems (discoloration and wrinkling) at the same time, but in quicker and non-invasive fashion.
Risks
The procedure is low risk. However, practice proper sunscreen on the areas that have been treated for the 24 hours following the procedure, as those areas will be particularly sensitive to sunlight.
Otherwise, you should know that the Fotofacial is not a substitute for a standard facelift, and will therefore not be effective against deep-set wrinkles, especially if they are located on the forehead or between the brows. This goes for deep scarring, as well. Simply put, the procedure improves the general texture and refinement of the skin. Lastly, be aware that several treatments are necessary in order to receive ideal results and that improvements will not necessarily be noticeable immediately, especially the tightening of the skin (as new collagen can take several months to fully develop).
Therefore, the multiple treatments, as well as any maintenance your physician finds necessary (such as specially formulated skin care products) may end up costing you more than you’d like.
The Bottom Line
The Fotofacial is one of many new laser-assisted cosmetic treatments. What it has going for it is that it not only tackles skin laxity but other undesirable skin defects such as rosacea and hyperpigmentation. Unfortunately, it requires multiple treatments. Because of the bevy of laser skin treatments available today, the Fotofacial may or may not be the best choice for you depending on your needs.
