Photo rejuvenation is the process of using intense pulsed light energy to treat wrinkles and other skin conditions resulting from sun damage. It can improve a variety of dermatological conditions, including enlarged pores and skin discoloration. Rosacea, a chronic condition marked by a deep reddening of the face, can be improved through photo rejuvenation. Acne is another common condition that can be treated with this procedure.
Even those who don’t suffer from serious skin disorders can benefit from photo rejuvenation. Some of the major benefits are smoother skin with less discoloration and wrinkles. Smaller pores and improved skin tone are some other benefits of this procedure. Overall, photo rejuvenation gives skin a healthier, younger look and feel.
There are three methods to complete these procedures. The thermal type uses heat to remove the top layer of skin. The chemical type uses chemical peels to slough off old skin and peel it off face. The mechanical type uses lasers to burn the skin. All of these procedures create small, controlled wounds in the skin, forcing the skin to heal itself by creating new cells.
The process of photo rejuvenation is noninvasive. The doctor applies a gel to the area that is to be treated, and then the hand tool is placed on the skin while pulses of light are emitted from it. The patient may feel a slight sting or burning sensation, but most patients find the pain minimal. No anesthesia is used and the patient is usually completely conscious while the procedure is being done.
The procedure is performed in the doctor’s office, taking a little less than half an hour to complete. There may be some initial redness or bruising after the treatment, giving the patient the appearance of being flushed. Most doctors will advise their patients to avoid certain facial cleansers or direct sunlight. Other than that, there is relatively little recovery time. The downside is that photo rejuvenation is an elective cosmetic procedure, making not eligible to be covered by most health insurance policies.
Photo rejuvenation is not a onetime treatment. Although there is a significant effect after the first treatment, most doctors recommend several visits to achieve optimum effects. The amount of treatments will depend on the severity of the skin condition. Generally, most patients will undergo five to eight treatments.
