For men and women suffering from dull, lifeless skin, a Fotofacial treatment may be just what the doctor ordered. Commonly administered by licensed dermatologists, the Fotofacial treatment reduces skin redness and fine lines caused by sun damage, eliminates brown spots and broken capillaries, and shrinks large pores without any downtime whatsoever.
Generally, the Fotofacial procedure itself lasts around 20 minutes and does not require any anesthesia whatsoever.
What is a Fotofacial?
A Fotofacial is a new cosmetic treatment an increasing number of dermatologists are using to rejuvenate the faces of aging patients. Unlike more traditional facials—which involve painful extractions—Fotofacials work with the use of an intense pulsed light (IPL), which shoots high intensity pulses of light into the deepest parts of the skin even while leaving the layers closest to the surface untouched.
Unlike laser resurfacing, which uses a narrow band of light that is too harsh for many skin types, Fotofacials do not damage the surface of the skin and are the perfect option for patients suffering from delicate or sensitive skin issues. Patients should seek a consultation with their dermatologist to ensure a Fotofacial is the best form of treatment before undergoing the procedure, since different individuals may react differently to the intense pulsed light.
Generally, the Fotofacial procedure itself lasts around 20 minutes and does not require any anesthesia whatsoever. Nearly all patients are able to resume their full activities immediately after completion of the treatment, making Fotofacials a popular option for anyone looking for a lunchtime touch up.
Who are the best candidates for Fotofacials?
Although Fotofacials can be the ideal solution for a number of people with various cosmetic facial issues, it works best on patients with moderate sun damage who are tired of the appearance of aging skin. In addition, the best candidates for the procedure are generally those looking for a technique that requires little to no downtime, since that is one of the biggest advantages the Fotofacial can offer patients over other facial rejuvenation techniques.
Other common symptoms that Fotofacial candidates commonly asked to have fixed include redness of the cheek or facial flushing. It should be noted, however, that patients suffering from these conditions should consider undergoing a complete medical evaluation prior to have a Fotofacial done, since redness and flushing can be symptoms of other health-related problems that no cosmetic treatment will be able to fix.
Finally, Fotofacial candidates should have realistic expectations as to the outcome of the procedure. Anyone with illusions of grandeur who believes the lunchtime facial will drastically change the overall look of their face should think twice before undergoing the procedure, since they are likely to be disappointed when the results do not meet their lofty expectations.
What are the benefits of Fotofacials?
For patients experiencing irregular pigmentation, sun damage, wrinkles, enlarged poors, or a number of other facial flaws that are seen as signs of aging, Fotofacials can have the effect of restoring youthfulness to the face. Not only can candidates expect to see a decrease in overall facial redness, but many will also see a marked decrease in wrinkles and pore size as well.
Of course, full effects of the treatment will not be seen immediately by most patients, who should expect to see gradual improvements over time once the procedure is completed. For an even better look, many Fotofacial patients choose to have the procedure done again, since it is recommended that patients undergo five treatments within a three week period for the most dramatic results.
In addition, the procedure can be used to treat more serious cosmetic conditions as well, such as rosacea, in many patients. In fact, a number of patients suffering from rosacea have been able to cease using their breakout medication entirely thanks to the positive effects of the Fotofacial treatment.
What risks are involved?
Despite the positive effects a Fotofacial can have on patients, there are also a number of risks that are involved in the procedure. Possible side effects of the Fotofacial include bruising, blistering, scabbing, and changes in the skin’s pigmentation. Generally, these side effects will disappear within a matter of days. Should they persist for longer, however, patients should contact their dermatologist or primary care doctor to rule out infection or other medical condition caused by the intense pulse light.
With that said, however, patients should feel comfortable knowing that the risks involved in Fotofacials are much less than many other cosmetic rejuvenation techniques, since there is no skin removal, abrasive technique, or harsh chemicals used during the procedure.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate health care provider.
