Sciton BBL Photofacial
What is PhotoFacial?
Photofacials, also known as photo-rejuvenation, ipl or BBL laser treatments, use light to mend the damage caused by the sun and aging. It's a process that was invented and patented by Dr. Patrick Bitter Jr, a respected California dermatologist and graduate of Stanford University Medical School. This proprietary treatment protocol developed by Dr. Bitter consists of a series of Intense Pulsed Light treatments that improve the appearance of rosacea, flushing, sun damaged skin, age spots, skin texture and photo aging. If you seek a more even complexion, then PhotoFacial is the treatment you want. This treatment involves little or no downtime and you can resume normal activities immediately.
Why should I choose Expressions MD for my treatment?
Dr. Detlefsen and his staff have personally trained with Dr. Patrick Bitter and use his patented technique to give you the safest most effective treatment available. Additionally, we use a topical anesthetic to ensure your maximum comfort during your treatment.
How does the PhotoFacial treatment work?
An intense light is applied in a series of pulses over the treatment area. Without damaging the skin, the light penetrates through the skin and is absorbed by the abnormally dilated vessels or pigmentation. The heat impairs the vessel or lesion and the body begins its natural healing process. The lesion will darken before it flakes off or is absorbed by the body. In addition, the heat absorbed by the targeted areas will stimulate your skin cells to regenerate new collagen. This process will restore will restore your skin to its natural beauty, blending its natural colors and making it smoother, vibrant and younger looking.
What is a PhotoFacial treatment like?
A PhotoFacial treatment may vary from 15 to 45 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated. First, a topical anesthetic is applied for maximum comfort. Next the area is cleansed and a gel is applied. Your eyes will be protected with safety shields or glasses. When the pulse of light is delivered you may briefly feel a warm or rubber band snap sensation as the light is absorbed by the targeted areas.
What area can be treated?
Any area of the body can be treated. The most common areas are those most exposed to the damaging effects of sunlight. The most popular treatments are on the face, neck, back of hands, chest and shoulders.
Will it be uncomfortable?
Your PhotoFacial treatment is a gentle, noninvasive and safe procedure. We use a topical anesthetic to ensure your maximum comfort during your treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed will vary from patient to patient. While many patients see improvement with one treatment a series of 3-5 is typically recommended. During your initial consultation we will customize a treatment plan based on your desired level of improvement.
What should I expect after the treatment?
You may experience some redness that should resolve within a few hours. For some pigmented lesions, you will see a darkening of the treated areas followed by fading and flaking off at a later stage. Your treated skin will feel smoother, fine lines and pores will be less noticeable, and sunspots or uneven pigmentation will fade. Results depend on your condition, the number of treatments, and the area treated.
Are there any possible side effects of a PhotoFacial treatment?
Side effects of a PhotoFacial are rare. Immediately following treatment the skin may appear flushed, brown pigmented spots may appear darker and capillaries may be more visible. In rare instances, temporary swelling and/or blistering can occur.
How should I prepare for my PhotoFacial treatment?
You will need to avoid UV exposure for 2 weeks before and after your treatment. An active tan from the sun or tanning beds is not appropriate for treating with BBL. Tanned skin has a lot of pigment or melanin, which may also absorb the BBL light energy. Self-tanners must be faded from the skin for at least 14 days prior to treatment.
Who is not an appropriate candidate for PhotoFacials?
It is not indicated in patients with connective tissue disease or auto-immune disorders. It cannot be done during pregnancy, nor can it be done on recently sun-tanned skin or in those who may receive excess sun exposure for a few weeks following treatment. It cannot be used on patients taking Accutane or for twelve months after stopping Accutane. Most photosensitive medications such as antibioics, anti-anxiety or sulfa drugs, birth control pills and anti-hypertensive medications are not a contraindication .Care must be taken in patients who get fever blister attacks on the face. An anti-herpes medication can be taken, thus avoiding the problem. Ethnic skin is NOT a candidate for Photofacial treatments or other BBL therapies due to the increased risk for permanent hyperpigmentation.
