PHOTO FACIAL

PHOTO FACIAL

Are you tired of using photo editors to glamorise your Facebook display picture? Now, in reality, you could look just as glamorous as your display picture. While more and more old friends are catching up on social media, people are reluctant to meet in reality and attend reunions simply because, they believe, their perceived image is superior to the their real self. So here is the real solution!

A PhotoFacial, or FotoFacial, is a 30-minute procedure in which intense pulses of light are used to penetrate deep into the skin. IPL works by targeting the dermis, "tricking" the lower level of the skin into thinking it has suffered a minor injury, which stimulates rebuilding processes such as the regrowth of collagen, a natural protein that fills in wrinkles, making the skin smooth and supple. These intense pulses of light also cause blood vessels below the epidermis to constrict, reducing redness and age lines. Unlike many laser techniques, the procedure is non-ablative, meaning no skin is removed during treatment. Because it is non-invasive, it allows doctors to make cosmetic improvements quickly, conveniently, and with very little risk or discomfort. When performed on the right person, it effectively improves skin texture, eliminating discolourations, reducing pore size, and minimising wrinkles and fine lines. If you have rosacea, a condition that causes blotchy redness in the face, you may also benefit from an IPL PhotoFacial. This contributes to the relatively easy recovery and low risk associated with the IPL PhotoFacial, while allowing patients to return to their everyday routine immediately.

FAQ's

ARE IPL PHOTOFACIAL/ FOTOFACIAL AND IPL SKIN REJUVENATION THE SAME THING ?

Yes. These terms all refer to facial treatment based upon a common principle: heating and stimulating the dermis (the inner layer of the skin) while cooling and protecting the epidermis (the outer layer).

IS PHOTOFACIAL SAME AS PDT (PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY)?

No. Photodynamic therapy usually refers to the use of a compound called a photosensitizer that is applied to the skin and activated by a light source. A good example of photodynamic therapy is Levulan® treatment. Levulan® contains Aminolevulinic Acid, a naturally occurring photosensitizer. When activated by a blue light, this compound shrinks the glands that cause acne and other skin problems.

AM I THE RIGHT CANDIDATE?

People who have blotchy, sun-damaged, or discolored skin, or whose skin is affected by large pores, freckles, or wrinkles, may benefit from an IPL photofacial. The procedure is also quick and involves no downtime, making it a convenient option for people with busy schedules. Those with dark or deeply tanned skin sometimes experience complications following IPL photofacial treatment. Patients should discuss such issues with a trained dermatologist before undergoing treatment.

HOW WOULD THE TREATMENT FEEL LIKE?

Before the procedure begins, you will be given protective eyewear to protect you from the bright flashes of light. A cool gel is often applied to the treatment area, both to lubricate the handpiece and to help cool the epidermis during the treatment. Your skin care specialist will apply brief pulses of bright light to the skin through the handpiece. Depending on the size of the area being treated, the procedure may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.

During the IPL PhotoFacial procedure, you will feel a warm sensation caused by the handpiece. Some patients liken the sensation to a light "snap" from a rubber band. The number of pulses you receive will depend on the size of the area being treated. The procedure involves only minimal discomfort, if any, while the redness and swelling that sometimes occur after treatment disappear shortly. Following the procedure, your skin care specialist may help you in icing down the treatment area to help soothe any discomfort from the procedure. Most benefits of a PhotoFacial occur gradually in the weeks following treatment.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN THE HOURS AND DAYS FOLLOWING THE SESSION?

Immediately after your treatment, your face will appear slightly red or flushed, but this is completely normal. It may dissipate within a few hours for many patients. For some patients, however, the redness or dark spots may take a week to fade. It will take several hours to a day or so for the treatment's results to become noticeable. Depending on the condition you are treating, your experience will differ. For example, if you are treating acne with IPL, your skin may remain red for several days before you notice an improvement, though patients are often amazed by the results when the side effects wear off. If you are seeking to stimulate collagen growth, the redness may disappear sooner, and you will begin to see a smoother skin texture within a few days.

IS THERE ANY RECOVERY TIME AND PRECAUTIONS POST TREATMENT?

There is actually no downtime with this procedure and you can return to your normal life within hours. Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that sunscreen is vital to ensuring the results of the procedure last as long as possible. Be sure to protect the treated area from the sun for at least a couple of weeks, either by covering the area or wearing strong sunscreen. Speak to your cosmetologist about the best way to do this. If the proper steps are taken to maintain the improvements, the results of your treatment may last up to a year or longer.

HOW MANY SESSIONS WOULD I NEED?

Often, multiple sessions are necessary to achieve maximum results. Especially if you are seeking a remedy for multiple problems - for instance, if you are seeking to improve skin texture and reduce redness - multiple treatments affecting different layers of the skin will likely be needed.
Five full-face IPL PhotoFacial sessions spaced three weeks apart are normally required for optimal results.

I AM PREGNANT. CAN I HAVE THE SESSIONS?

As with any elective procedure, we don't treat clients who are pregnant. If you are expecting it's best to postpone the sessions for later.

IS PHOTOFACIAL SAFE?

IPL PhotoFacial is one of the safest light-based facial treatments available. Most patients experience little or no pain during the procedure. Some patients have reported that the light pulses feel similar to a light "snap" from a rubber band. There have been few reported long-term side effects, and the most common side effects - redness, minor swelling, and inflammation - usually go away within a few hours to a few days after treatment.