WHAT IS A PHOTOFACIAL?
The device uses a powerful flash lamp to heat the pigment of the skin, or the hemoglobin within the blood vessels. It has multiple so-called hand-pieces, which emit different visible light wavelengths for different targets. In essence, the emitted light heats or very gently, in a controlled manner, burns either the pigment, or heats the hemoglobin within the blood vessels. The great majority of patients notice an improvement after their first session, but it usually takes a few sessions to achieve the optimum outcome. The patient’s eyes are shielded during the procedure, which is quite tolerable.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PHOTOFACIAL?
Sun damage results in light brown sun-spots and dilated visible capillaries. Each session of the photofacial undoes about seven years of sun damage. Do not ask us where we got he seven years from. It is not well documented that the treatment would help fine lines. Photofacials are very helpful to clear rosacea. Female patients usually find themselves requiring less makeup to cover facial redness and uneven color.
HOW DOES THE INTESE PULSED LIGHT DEVICE WORK?
The light that is bitted from a hand held flash lamp goes through a filter to let out selected wavelengths of light. Before reaching the skin, the light goes through a chilled clear sapphire. Because the surface of the skin is chilled, the treated area is quite presentable over the following days.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER MY PHOTOFACIAL?
Pigmented lesions will darken after treatment, as if they were heavily tanned, and then fade away in four to six days. Immediately after the procedure, the skin looks light pink. That mild redness clears up in a few hours. There is no appreciable swelling.
HOW OFTEN CAN I RECEIVE A PHOTOFACIAL?
Ideally, six weeks of gap in between sessions. Six weeks after the third or fourth consecutive sessions, the optimum benefit form the treatment has already been achieved.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A PHOTOFACIAL?
There are no risks for fair skin colored people to have a photofacial done. People with olive skin color or some Asians may experience some temporary darkening on some of the areas. At a consultation visit Dr. Silvers can assess your risk level.
WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED WITH THE INTENSE PULSED LIGHT DEVICE?
Because the treatment results in thing of hair at the treated site, it can be done anywhere on the body where the patient does not mind losing hair. For instance, men could end up with much thinner beard if the beard are was treated.
WILL INSURANCE COVER A PHOTOFACIAL?
This procedure is considered medically unnecessary, and, therefore, is not covered by insurance. The patient is responsible for payment.