PhotoRejuvenation, also known as PhotoFacial is a cosmetic treatment designed to produce younger and healthier looking skin. PhotoRejuvenation is a state of the art treatment for sun damaged skin, rosacea, enlarged pores, brown spots and broken blood vessels. Originally pioneered by Patrick Bitter, Jr. utilizing intense pulsed light, a device that uses a broad spectrum light (as opposed to a laser which utilizes only one wavelength of light), PhotoRejuvenation has recently been updated to feature elôs (intense pulsed light with radiofrequency- the Aurora™) which allows the treatments to achieve better textural improvements and enhanced the safety and reproducibility of the treatments. 

As a person age, visible signs of sun damage, time, and lifestyle choices can begin appearing in his/her complexion. This aged look may include freckles, Rosacea, wrinkles, broken capillaries, dark spots, blotchy skin color, redness of the face and neck, enlarged pore size and uneven pigmentation. PhotoRejuvenation is the only procedure that can treat vascular redness, the appearance of Rosacea, pigmented brown spots, sun damage, skin texture, and collagen structure all at once. With the use of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL™) technology, dramatic improvements can now be accomplished with little or no "downtime" and with very minimal discomfort. Photorejuvenation is a procedure that removes the signs of sun damage such as sun freckles, blood vessels, uneven pigmentation and superficial wrinkles from the surface of the skin. Photorejuvenation uses a series of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments at a frequency that targets pigmented cells. The light passes harmlessly through the skin and is absorbed by spots and lesions. The abnormal cells are destroyed, leaving only healthy tissue. IPL also stimulates the growth of collagen, fills in acne scars, decreases pore size and gives skin a youthful appearance.

PhotoRejuvenation is typically delivered as a series of five treatments over 15-20 weeks.  The laser directly targets specific elements with the skin, leaving the upper layers intact. This means that you can go back to work or to your usual daily routine with minimal interruption. Using a combination of intense pulsed light and laser technology, fine lines and wrinkles are greatly reduced. Brown spots and broken blood vessels are erased. The skin has a smoother texture and a more even skin tone. Five treatments are needed for optimal results with occasional maintenance treatments as necessary. The use of laser technology have advanced so much that we can now target specific elements in the skin, leaving everything else intact. Use of lasers can destroy superficial blood vessels without damaging the surrounding skin or target pigmented (brown) cells deep in the skin, which helps eliminate sunspots, again, without hurting the upper layers of the skin or surrounding tissue.  There are multiple wavelengths contained in the pulsed light. Some are more effectively absorbed by pigment-containing cells and others by small blood vessels. By slowly (over five treatments) eradicating cells that contain excess pigment, sealing shut small and unnecessary dilated blood vessels, and stimulation of collagen production, the skin achieves a smooth, even-toned, and healthier appearance.

Photorejuvenation treatments are full face, neck, arm, hand or chest treatments using pulses of visible light that improve redness and flushing, as well as the visible signs of sun damage and aging such as brown age spots and skin blotchiness.

Photorejuvenation was developed as an innovative method to rejuvenate and improve skin. A non-laser device called an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) delivers pulses of safe, effective, visible light. Specific settings are selected by the Photorejuvenation specialist to maximize improvement.

Good candidates for Photorejuvenation are people with sun damaged skin: freckled, discolored, red, blotchy, or those with poor skin texture and/or large pores. In addition, Photorejuvenation is a very effective treatment for the redness, dilated blood vessels and flushing of rosacea. Patients who are pregnant or who have taken Accutane in the last three months cannot have Photorejuvenation.  In addition, patients with pacemakers or defibrillators should not have Photorejuvenation treatments until the tan fades to minimize the risk of side effects. You may want to reconsider having Photorejuvenation if you have a history of excessive scarring, bleeding or bruising, sun sensitivity, keloid formation or poor healing. Those with a family history of skin cancer should talk to a specialist about whether or not to proceed with Photorejuvenation.

PhotoRejuvenation can treat the following skin conditions:

• Imperfections from sun damage and photo aging

The overall appearance of aging skin is primarily related to the quantitative effects of sun exposure with resultant UV damage to the collagen and elastic fibres of the skin. This results in skin imperfections such as: skin laxity, dull complexion, enlarged pores, mottled pigmentation, excessive freckling and red and brown sun spots. IPL minimises or eliminates red and brown spots, evens out skin colour and texture and minimises red or flushed appearing skin.

• Broken veins and capillaries
  
  Over time, ageing, trauma, sun exposure and certain lifestyle factors cause a number of veins and capillaries to break. These appear as red streaks or blotches on the face. IPL therapy can eliminate damaged veins and capillaries by removing virtually all traces of these unsightly blemishes.
• Rosacea
  
  Rosacea is a skin ailment that leaves people red faced with chronic flushing. This is caused by the dilation of capillaries and blood vessels. Rosacea can also cause white pimples and blisters on the nose and cheeks. This condition can affect both men and women. IPL can successfully treat dilated blood vessels and redness without injuring the surrounding healthy skin, while greatly reducing the episodes of flushing with long-term effectiveness.
  
  Acne scarring, Wrinkles, Skin texture, Pigmentation, Sebaceous Hyperplasia, Moderate to severe cystic acne, Pre-cancerous skin lesions

Among the many benefits of PhotoRejuvenation are:

• No down time
• Healthier-looking skin
• Smoother skin
• Reduced pore size
• More even skin tone
• Reduced redness and flushing
• Reduced wrinkle size

You should avoid excessive sun exposure, tanning beds, or sunless tanning creams for at least 2 weeks prior to your  Photorejuvenation treatment.  Patients with a history of excessive hyperpigmentation may use a skin lightening agent or topical hydroquinone 2 weeks prior to treatment in the proposed treatment area.

Most patients are essentially pain free during the Photorejuvenation procedure. Laser and Vitality Institute use the latest technology to minimize any discomfort. Our Photorejuvenation specialist also apply our especially formulated highly effective pre-treatment topical anesthetic cream. This is sufficient for most patients. As an additional measure, the Photorejuvenation specialist will also use a cold air device, which gently blows cold air against the skin, to facilitate comfort. As every person has a different threshold for pain, for those especially sensitive patients, our Photorejuvenation specialist have developed other protocols to ensure that the treatment is extremely comfortable and tolerable allowing the paitent to fully enjoy the results without pain.

A typical Photorejuvenation result is 50-75% improvement after 5 treatments.  Sunspots and pigmentation fade and become less prominent, redness and dilated blood vessels are diminished, and the skin texture becomes smoother, less porous, and more radiant.  If you suffer from rosacea, you should have less frequent, less intense flushing episodes.  Typically five Photorejuvenation treatments are necessary to achieve this transformation.  Occasionally it can take more or less.  This is highly dependent on individual factors, such as skin type, degree of damage, use of concurrent skin care regimens, and sun avoidance.

Schedule for an appointment by calling or emailing us and our Photorejuvenation specialist will discuss with you the process of Photorejuvenation and the importance of customizing a treatment for your skin tone and hair type. This free consultation will help you learn more about how Photorejuvenation works and also the cost and the necessary preparations you will need for your Photorejuvenation treatment.

Laser and Vitality Institute at Orange County Medical Spa is only a few minutes away from cities such as Anaheim, Buena Park, Cerritos, Garden Grove, Irvine and Tustin. Our facility is the ideal place to go for your non-surgical medical cosmetic procedure and aesthetic spa treatment if you live in or near Orange County.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Photorejuvenation

• What is Photorejuvenation?
  
  Photorejuvenation involves a series of gentle treatments designed to rejuvenate aging and sun damaged skin utilizing light and radiofrequency energies.  These non-invasive, no down-time procedures improve redness, sunspots, fine lines, uneven tone, and pore size to restore youthful skin to the face, neck, chest, and hands.  Photorejuvenation is the most commonly performed aesthetic procedure worldwide.  Photo Rejuvenation was designed to combat skin damage in a softer, gentler way. Advanced, intense, pulsed light and fluorescent pulsed light systems are the latest innovations in non-ablative cosmetic skin rejuvenation. Your doctor uses advanced light systems to restore a more youthful appearance to your skin by efficiently treating redness, flushing, pigmentary problems, scars and wrinkles; to provide you with smoother, healthier, younger-looking skin.
  
  
• I’ve heard of IPL Photorejuvenation and FotoFacial.  What is the difference?
  
  IPL Photorejuvenation and FotoFacial are the same procedure.  It is just being called by other name based on the brand of the machine being used for the treatment.  Photorejuvenation is also sometimes referred to as Photofacial or just IPL or PhotoDerm.
  
  
• How is Photorejuvenation different from other procedures?
  
  This is different from Fraxel® and laser resurfacing (which predates Photorejuvenation) as a technique for removing sun damage in that it allows for a gentle and gradual development of improved texture and tone without down-time. There are also fewer risks of complications.
  
  There are many other laser and light systems which can be used for Photorejuvenation. This is not a peeling procedure, but laser skin resurfacing (including the MicroLaserPeel™ ) can achieve similar effects They work however by "refinishing" the surface of the skin, and do not have as favorable an effect on broken capillaries.
  
  The advantage of Photorejuvenation is that it remove sun damage very effectively with no downtime.  With laser resurfacing, although very effective, there is usually 5-10 days of being unable to appear in public.  Fractional resurfacing is a good alternative which may help a bit more with fine wrinkles and scars, although there is typically a bit more discomfort, a day or tow of downtime with each procedure, and it is a bit more expensive.  This is often used for people who have melasma, scarring, marked textural abnormalities of the skin, and body areas such as the chest, neck, back, and arms.  Medium potency chemical peels have more downtime and low potency peels and microdermabrasion would not be expected to achieve the same degree of improvement.
  
  
• How many Photorejuvenation treatments are needed?

Depending on the number of conditions you are treating and the severity of the individual problem, a series of five or six Photorejuvenation treatments may be recommended. Each Photorejuvenation treatment takes about 45 minutes at three to four week intervals. Some may be satisfied with the results from two or three sessions, and some may desire additional sessions.

Who are the best candidates for Photorejuvenation treatments?


The best candidates for Photorejuvenation treatments are individuals with early aging changes and sun damage that desire healthier, more youthful appearing skin; those with brown sun-induced age spots or skin that is blotchy with uneven skin pigmentation; those who suffer from rosacea and experience flushing and redness of their skin; or those who don't want to take the time off to heal from laser resurfacing or chemical peels.

Individuals who have had laser resurfacing or facelift surgery and want to enhance the effects are also good candidates for Photorejuvenation treatment. Or those being treated with chemical peeling or microdermabrasion who wish to enhance the final results

IPL Skin Rejuvenation is indicated for the cosmetic reduction of sun-induced skin damage and aging, including superficial pigmentation (brown spots) and telangectasias (broken blood vessels). Practically any part any area can be treated mild to moderate sun damaged skin, including face, neck, chest, back and hands.

• Is Photorejuvenation safe?

Photorejuvenation is a safe, common and quick procedure with little risk.

• Will Photorejuvenation improve Rosacea?
  
  Yes. Patients with rosacea will see a progressive reduction in redness with every Photorejuvenation treatment. The redness and flushing caused by rosacea can be reduced by 80 to 90 percent.
  
  
• Is Photorejuvenation FDA Approved?
  
  All laser and intense pulsed light technology used at Laser and Vitality State Facility is state of the art and FDA approved.
  
  
• What is a Photorejuvenation treatment like?
  
  The Photorejuvenation specialist will have you come into the room with a cleansed face after having applied a topical anesthetic cream (not everyone needs the anesthetic, but it does make the procedure more comfortable). The entire surface of the area to be treated (face, neck, chest, hands, arms, legs, back) will be covered with clear ultrasound gel and pulsed with the light. Although this sometimes feels like one small focal spot (similar to a rubber band snap), we target the entire area for maximal response. We require all those in the treatment room, including the patient, to wear goggles or protective eye wear.
  
  Each Photorejuvenation treatment takes approximately twenty to thirty minutes. A minimal amount of discomfort can be expected. Most patients require no anesthetic cream as the chilled hand piece makes the procedure quite comfortable. Occasionally, we use topical anesthetic creams. There is generally no discomfort after treatment. Immediately following treatment, the skin may appear red and flushed, and tiny capillaries may appear more visible. Brown spots generally appear slightly darker. All of these changes gradually fade over a period of hours to a few days.
  
  Some patients may experience a mild discomfort during the Photorejuvenation treatment. Those with sensitive skin can choose to have a topical anesthesia applied prior to the procedure. After Photorejuvenation treatment, the pain is minimal to nonexistent. The skin may appear flushed, brown spots may be darker and tiny veins may be more visible. This will decrease over the next several hours. You may resume normal activities immediately.
  
  
• Are There Any Risks with Photorejuvenation?
  
  IPL Photo Rejuvenation is a safe procedure but there are some risks. Some people may experience the following:
  
  Burns: Blisters and burns are rare but occasionally occur. Very rarely, burns may become infected.
  
  Scarring: Objectionable scarring is very rare, but scars are possible.
  
  Pigmentation: Pigmentary changes may occur - either darker or lighter than your natural skin color. They usually resolve spontaneously but may take several months to resolve.
  
  
• How soon will I see results?
  
  Even after the first Photorejuvenation treatment, the skin will often feel smoother and have a more even tone. These improvements are gradual and will be more visible after each treatment. Six treatments are performed for optimal results. For some patients maintenance treatments are beneficial, and can be performed about three to four times a year to help maintain the effect and also to continue to improve the skin.
  
  After each session, you will experience some improvement in skin tone and texture. There will be a decrease in the overall redness and flushing. Sunspots will fade; pore sizes will shrink. Fine lines and wrinkles will gradually decrease in size as the new collagen forms beneath the skin. These improvements will continue to increase with each treatment.
  
  
• What results can I expect after my Photorejuvenation treatment?
  
  Immediately after a treatment there may be some redness and/or mild swelling, although usually this dissipates before you leave the office or within a couple of hours.  With the SRA hand piece (which stands for skin rejuvenation advanced) there is often 24 hours of mild swelling and redness.  Makeup can be applied immediately after a treatment.
  
  You can expect to see a gradual improvement in overall skin color, brown sun spots, flushing and dilated capillaries. Individuals with visible aging from the sun can expect to see their skin become smoother, more uniform in color, with a decrease in fine wrinkles, reduction in pore size, and fading of sun spots.
  
  Typical results reveal faded sunspots and pigmentation. Redness and dilated blood vessels disappear as the skin smoothes out and becomes more radiant (light-reflecting).
  
  Many people with rosacea see an improvement in breakouts and are able to decrease or discontinue their medications.
  
  If there are a lot of pigmented spots, they will become slightly darker over the week following treatment and flake off.  This type of response is expected and can usually be concealed with makeup.
  
  Excessive heating of the skin can occasionally lead to “foot-printing” (stripes) which consist of areas that have been more improved in the laser tract pattern than the surrounding skin.  This happens very infrequently with the new generation elôs, which helps us predict exactly where we are at with the treatment due to tissue monitoring.  The side effect is also common if the skin being treated is tan or has recently been exposed to the sun and/or if the sun damage is severe.  This unwanted side effect can be corrected with further treatment.  This can lead to hypo- (too little) or hyper- (too much) pigmentation, which may be treatable with further laser, cosmeceutical, or prescription creams, and/or chemical peels, although in <1% of the cases this may be permanent.  There is an increased risk of this on tanned or naturally dark skin.  You may need extra treatments than those required by others if your skin is dark in order for use to be more conservative (gentler with initial and subsequent treatments) due to this increased risk.  It is also important that you let any tanning lotions fade and do not seek artificial tanning treatments for 3-4 weeks prior to the procedure.
  
  Bruising is also uncommon, although the risk increases if you take aspirin products or are on blood thinners.  Bruises are temporary and resolve within 1-2 weeks.
  
  Uncommonly, a skin wound such as superficial blisters and scabs can occur, which heal within 2 days to 14 days.  Use of antibiotic ointment on a regular basis usually results in uneventful healing.  There is a <0.5% possibility of a skin wound leaving behind a permanent scar.  It is also rare for an infection to occur since the skin is usually not broken.
  
  
• What happens after Photorejuvenation?
  
  After the treatment, gel is wiped from the area, the eye shields or goggles are removed and you are free to go about your daily business.  The area may be pink for a few hours after the treatments.  Makeup and/or sunscreen may be applied immediately and you may return to work or any social engagements.  You may also continue your skin care regimen.
  
  
• Is there another way to get the same effect?
  
  There are may other laser and light systems which can be used for rejuvenation.  One way to enhance the effect is to use a photosensitizing drug prior to the Photorejuvenation treatments which helps improve acne blemishes and precancerous cells (this treatment is also known as photodynamic therapy).  Other alternative treatments include erbium or carbon dioxide laser resurfacing, fractional resurfacing (Fraxel® Laser Treatment), chemical peels, and microdermabrasion.  However if the alternative is a mild treatment, they would not typically produce the same degree of effect and the effect might be more temporary. 
  
  
• Can this be combined with other treatments?
  
  Yes, Photorejuvenation can be combined with BOTOX® Cosmetic, Injectable Fillers such as Restylane™, Sculptra®, and Radiesse™, tissue tightening procedures such as Thermage®, ReFirme ST™, Polaris WR™, and Titan®, the PanG™ Lift, chemical peels, and medical-grade facials.  All of these procedures complement and enhance each other.
  
  

• How long does a Photorejuvenation treatment last?

  A Photorejuvenation session lasts about a half an hour.
  

• Are there limitations for Photorejuvenation?

  Those with darker skin are less likely to see results and more likely to experience adverse side effects.
  

• Are there any preparations required before a Photorejuvenation treatment?
  
  Discontinue use of Accutane® for six months, Retin-A® for two weeks and glycolic acid and alpha-hydroxy acid products for a week before your Photorejuvenation treatment. Avoid sun and sunless tanning for four weeks. Do not take aspirin or other blood thinners for at least three days before your treatment. You cannot be treated while you have infections or sores in the area.
  

• What should be done after Photorejuvenation Treatment?
  
  Protect your skin with moisturizers and sunscreen. Cold compresses and steroid creams may be used as necessary. Avoid irritating your skin, and keep away from the sun and sunless tanners for a couple of weeks. A broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunblock, SFP 30 or greater, should be applied to the treated area(s) whenever exposed to the sun. If persistent redness, swelling and/or discomfort are noticed, apply a cold compress or ice pack intermittently. Avoid exposure to heat - such as hot tub or sauna - until the discomfort has completely resolved. If symptoms do not improve, or worsen, contact us immediately. If you notice blistering, crusting, drainage, or any other symptoms that concern you, contact us immediately.
  
  
• How Much Does Photorejuvenation cost?
  
  The cost for Photorejuvenation vary from patient to patient depending on various factors; however, Laser and Vitality Institute pricing will always be competitive with that of other local providers furnishing equivalent services. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Photorejuvenation Specialist.

Laser and Vitality Institute also offer the following services besides Photorejuvenation:

• Photodynamic Therapy
• Botox
• Chemical Peels
  • Microlaser Peel
  • Cool Laser
  • Erbium Laser Resurfing
  • CO2 Laser Resurfacing
• Laser Hair Removal
• Juvederm
• Laser Acne Treatment

Ready to Schedule your Photorejuvenation Treatment? Contact Laser and Vitality Institute - Orange County's Medical Spa .

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