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What
is Photorejuvenation?
The term "Photorejuvenation" refers to the non-ablative,
non-invasive treatment of red and brown pigment that leaves a smooth skin
texture and even complexion, yielding a more youthful appearance. The treatments
are performed using the Lumenis One Intense Pulse Light (IPL) system.
IPL Skin Treatments are a safe, effective and popular way to
improve the signs of aging from the face, neck, chest,
arms and hands. This in-office procedure is performed in our office and
typically requires four to six sessions of about 20 minutes each, performed at
three-week intervals.
Courtesy of: Patrick Bitter Jr., M.D.
Why choose
IPL over other treatment options?
Laser resurfacing and deep chemical peels often send patients
into hiding, as they wait for redness and swelling to subside. Microdermabrasion
addresses skin irregularities, but is not effective against all complexion
problems including redness, flushing and
broken capillaries. Face lifts and other surgical procedures
are far too invasive for younger patients and "baby boomers" who simply want to
revitalize their appearance without recovery downtime.
The visible signs of aging cannot be fully avoided, but can be dramatically
minimized. The key is to do it as gently as possible. As far
as the skin is
concerned there are two types of aging — intrinsic and
extrinsic. Intrinsic aging involves the inevitable; as we grow older, our skin
naturally becomes thinner and drier. Diminished amounts of collagen makes the
skin less elastic. What used to bounce back begins to sag. Static, deep wrinkles
may begin appearing. The rate of these events is genetically determined for each
person; the process first becomes noticeable between the ages of 30 and 35.
Extrinsic aging results from exposure to the environment. Extrinsic aging is the
critical element in determining who looks older or younger than their biological
age. Exposure to sunlight is a key contributor to extrinsic aging. Photoaging
occurs when elastin and a collagen breakdown are not replaced, causing fine
lines and wrinkles to intensify. Photoaging also causes pigment changes with
development of age spots (sun-induced freckles) and uneven skin tone. Spider
veins and dilated capillaries are another sign of photoaged skin.
How do I determine if IPL is right for me?
Any man or woman who shows the signs of aged and sun-damaged
skin is a candidate for Photorejuvenation.
Drs. Ford and Rothman will determine an IPL treatment plan for each new patient,
accounting for the number and severity of skin conditions being treated, as well
as skin type. On average, four to six treatments are recommended, scheduled at
three-week intervals. Each
session usually lasts about 20 minutes, with patients returning to normal
activity immediately afterwards. IPL treatments provide gradual, natural
improvement with excellent long-term results.
What should I expect with treatment?
Before treatment, a cold gel is usually applied to the
areas to be treated and patients wear protective eyewear. During treatment, a
physician or trained staff member gently applies the smooth, glass surface of
the IPL handpiece to the skin. Light is delivered to the skin surface in precise
pulses. Occasionally some signs of treatment, such
as redness, can last for one or two hours. In most cases, the entire face is
treated, but the therapy can also work well on the neck, chest and hands.
Results from a full series of treatments usually last for a year or more.
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