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IPL | FOTOFACIAL

What is a Fotofacial?

Fotofacial is an intense pulsed light device used for the treatment of benign vascular, pigmented lesions, and hair removal. The purpose of Fotofacial is to improve the appearance of the skin. Redness, rosacea, sun-damage, and irregular pigmentation can be improved with Fotofacial treatments. 

​​The light wavelength, exposure duration, and energy level are chosen to selectively damage targeted blood vessels and irregular pigmentation with no damage to the surrounding tissue. The intense pulsed light and/or intense pulsed laser energy is absorbed by the blood vessel, resulting in their heating. The blood vessel walls are damaged, rendering the lesion invisible. The body then absorbs these damaged vessels. 

​Fotofacial treatments are a series of five treatments at three-week intervals with gradual clearing occurring over this time. Clinical results may vary from patient to patient. 

Things To Consider

CONTRAINDICATIONS MAY INCLUDE:

​

Pregnancy

Use of medications that increase photosensitivity

Diabetes

History of Keloid Scarring

Use of anticoagulants 

History of bleeding disorders

Recent sun exposure/planed sun exposure (sun tanning) is also contraindicated. 

pre-treatment

  • Avoid the use of Retin-A, Differin, and Avita for one week prior to treatment

  • Avoid the use of Skin Medica AHA/BHA (glycolic acid) facial cleanser 48 hours prior to treatment

  • AVOID THE SUN! You cannot be treated with a tan! Avoid tanning 3-4 weeks prior to treatment and between treatments

  • Avoid using self-tanners one week prior to treatments

  • Avoid photosensitizing medications, aspirin-containing medications, topical cortisone medications

  • If you choose, a topical numbing cream may be applied 1 1/2 hours prior to treatment

post-treatment

  • Ice treatment area to help relieve burning, swelling

  • If swelling occurs, taking antihistamines may be helpful

  • If swelling occurs, sleep elevated and drink lots of water

  • Wash treatment area with a gentle cleanser 

  • Wash treated area with cool water. Avoid hot water

  • Apply moisturizer after washing (those containing aloe vera are smoothing)

  • Always apply sunscreen. Skin Ceuticals is an excellent broad-spectrum, UVA/UVB sunblock every 1-2 hour

  • Do not use Retin-A, Avita, Differin, AHA/BHA (glycolic & salicylic acid), etc. for 48 hours

  • Post 48 hours (providing your skin's is irritation-free) return to your normal skin regime.

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