WHAT IS A PHOTOFACIAL?
A photo facial uses an intense pulsed light (IPL) laser to treat pigment issues, including brown spots, sun damage, red spots, and rosacea. The bright light of the laser passes through the epidermis in order to draw out the pigment-producing cells and disperse the uneven pigment. IPL photo facials can be used on the face, neck, shoulders, chest, arms, legs, and almost every other part of the body. Treatments can also effectively address spider veins and broken blood vessels.
HOW DO PHOTOFACIALS WORK?
Photofacials use intense pulsed light that emits multiple wavelengths into the skin in order to target pigment-producing cells below the surface. The light energy is converted to heat energy and that heat destroys the excessive melanin-producing cells, eventually dispersing pigmented areas. Brown spots are pulled to the surface of the skin, eventually turning into a texture similar to coffee grounds that eventually flakes off. Once these spots flake off, they will reveal beautiful, stunning results!
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING TREATMENTS?
When you come in for your appointment, we will thoroughly cleanse your skin and remove any makeup. After your skin is clean, we will apply a cool gel to your skin, which will enhance the effect of the light waves. We will then move the laser over your skin in a grid-like pattern, flashing light every centimetre or so. Depending on your aesthetic goals, we may go over an area multiple times.
The light from the laser is not painful, but it can be a little uncomfortable for some. Often patients describe the feeling as being similar to a rubber band snapping against their skin. The light is also very bright, which may slightly bother those with light sensitivity.
The length of the treatment will depend on the number of areas being treated, as well as the number of passes we’ll need to make. On average, facial treatments usually take about 45 minutes.
After your treatment, we will clean your skin and remove the gel. Your skin may be slightly puffy and red, but there is no downtime with the procedure. You will be free to apply makeup right away and return to your normal skincare routine. We ask that you stay out of the sun for at least one week and apply sunscreen when you do step outside.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE RESULTS?
Photofacial results improve over time, with optimal results being seen after 3 months. Sun protection and skincare maintenance are crucial to the longevity of your results. Sunburns will bring back old spots and freckles, and dullness will reappear if you neglect proper exfoliation routines. A new series of treatments are recommended every year for the best results. We usually recommend 3-5 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR TREATMENTS?
If you are very tan and/or you suffer from melasma, you may NOT be a good candidate for photo facial treatments. Since the light rays of IPL are attracted to pigment, darker skin tones can actually become discoloured and melasma patches can become darker.
BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION IN THE SEACOAST REGION
At Delle Chiaie Cosmetic Medicine in Hampton NH on the Seacoast, we treat all kinds of complexions and conditions. The benefit of being treated at Delle Chiaie Cosmetic Medicine is you don’t just get a Surface treatment: you get the benefit of an experienced and highly trained provider with nearly 20 years in medicine. We can evaluate you both internally and externally. You may be surprised to know that a majority of skin disorders arise from a much more complex internal source. To get started, give us a call at (603) 783-1087. Stay tuned to hear about one of our amazing success stories…