Photorejuvenation in Washington, DC

Time has an effect on skin that causes it to age. Hormones, gravity, wind, smoking, alcohol and the Sun speed up the process. Photorejuvenation uses light based technology to treat skin in a manner that is easy, safe, gentle, and effective.

What is Photorejuvenation?

Photorejuvenation is a procedure that is minimally invasive. Only needed areas receive treatment. The surrounding area remains intact. The results are younger-looking healthy skin. Typically, the procedure is for facial skin however, photorejuvenation is frequently used to treat hands, chest, and neck areas too.

Photorejuvenation uses an energy-delivery device that uses broad band light to decrease hyperpigmentation, eliminate brown and red spots on the skin, improve the appearance of scars, and soften skin texture.

The energy-delivering devices have specific applications. There are a number of laser types, each having unique characteristics tailored to particular skin problems. A specific energy wavelength application addresses a selected type and severity of imperfection. More than one laser type and wavelength is necessary for skin having multiple issues.

Photorejuvenation is in a constant state of change and improvement. It is not meant to be a surgery or semi-invasive treatment substitution. Photorejuvenation is a tool for problems that are untreatable by other means. The treatments cause little downtime and have few side effects.

Why Have Photorejuvenation?

The benefits of photorejuvenation include achieving success with minimal risk and little discomfort. Makeup users may apply cosmetics immediately after the procedure. The skin feels smooth and has an even tone.

New capillaries form that increase circulation. They speed up the healing process by carrying more oxygen and nutrients to the damaged skin and carry waste products away. Collagen stimulation occurs. It is a protein needed to repair damage and replace old tissue. Collagen is a connective tissue component that creates flexibility and strength. It holds cells together and gives skin elasticity.

Skin looks rejuvenated and refreshed. Patients experience improvement in the texture of their skin. There is a significant reduction in red and brown areas of discoloration. Tiny red blood vessels, known as spider veins and irregular pigmentation areas are also reduced. Pores become a third smaller in size. Individuals with abnormal flushing and rosacea experience an evident reduction in red discoloration.

The enhancement in appearance gives a boost to self-confidence. Patients are less self-conscious about their appearance. This treatment produces beautiful, younger looking skin.

The Photorejuvenation Procedure

The procedure takes from 15 to 45 minutes. The size of the area is the determining factor. Specific filters deliver intense light pulses to the skin. The energy level setting chosen maximizes the results. As tissue absorbs light energy pigment in the deeper layers of the skin absorb the light energy and the pigment is essentially destroyed by the light energy and brought to the skin surface where it will eventually slough off. Light energy can also stimulate collagen remodeling and formation. New collagen formation causes the skin to tighten and can help decrease skin laxity. Photorejuvenation can also be used in the treatment of rosacea.

To achieve optimal results, a series of two to five treatments, at four-week intervals, is the recommended protocol. The skin’s condition or the area of treatment sometimes alters the number of required treatments. Most patients see improvement after just one treatment. Every treatment provides more evident results.

A mask protects the eyes from the light. The equipment used is an Intense Pulse Light device. It has an apparatus with a laser or glass surface. The apparatus presses into the problematic area. The emitted light heats up collagen, which encourages the body to produce more of the beneficial protein. Enhanced collagen production fills in wrinkles and fine lines. Shallow acne scars fill with collagen also. The IPL emits light waves that remove hair, and diffuse discoloration, brown spots, capillaries, and redness. The procedure sometimes causes mild discomfort.

Good candidates for Photorejuvenation

The typical candidate is a person wanting to enhance the facial appearance. Likely candidates have enlarged pores, hyperpigmentation, or red, flushed skin that is sun-damaged.

The best candidates for photorejuvenation have the following:

• Fair skin not tanned by tanning booths or the Sun
• Skin with regained elasticity
• Pigmentation damaged by the sun, medication, or aging
• Large pores or shallow acne scars
• Skin felt to be disappointing in appearance
• Willingness to maintain a treatment schedule that achieves desired results
• Realistic expectations

Deep scarring, wrinkles, and severe skin conditions receive more dramatic results than other skin rejuvenation procedures. Photofacials offer results over time. The non-invasive nature makes photorejuvenation a good option for many patients. There are also those who are not good candidates. People with darker skin tones respond poorly to the procedure. Those taking the medication, Accutane, must wait six months after taking the prescription to become eligible for the procedure. Pregnant women need to postpone photorejuvenation. Talk to Washington DC facial plastic surgeon Dr. Schoenfeld if you have some other medical condition or take any medication before undergoing an IPL photofacial.

FAQs about Photorejuvenation