Photorejuvenation
What is photorejuvenation?
Photorejuvenation is a serires of Intense Pulsed Light treatments that are used to improve the appearance of rosacea, flushing, broken capillaries, sun damaged skin, age spots, skin texture, and photoaging. Treatments are especially effective for improving the appearance of the face, neck, chest, and hands. This exciting treatment involves little or no "downtime". Most can resume normal activities immediately.
How does the treatment work?
An intense light is applied in a series of gentle 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 (dark spots). The heat causes damage to the vessel or lesion, and the body begins its natural healing process. The lesion will darken before it flakes off or fade as the body absorbs it. Treatment can be given as frequently as every three weeks.
How many treatments will I need?
For optimal results, a series of 3 to 5 treatments are recommended. Follow-up treatments may be desired to maintain results.
Are there any possible side effects?
Side effects 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.
Blood vessel removal
Dilated blood vessels on the face are similar to spider veins on the legs but usually are treated in an entirely different fashion. These small facial vessels respond nicely to laser or electrosurgery. We have two different types of lasers that can effectively treat blood vessels of the face, neck and chest. After treatment, there is usually redness for 24 hours. Women can wear makeup the day after and appear in public without problems. Just like leg veins, facial vessels may also require several treatments to achieve satisfactory results.
Laser hair removal
Many men and women have areas of excess hair that they are constantly troubled with. Waxing, shaving, and depilatories work well to remove hair, but it always grows back. There are more successful and permanent ways to remove unwanted hair.
Electrolysis is a method of removing individual hairs by destroying the hair follicle with a tiny electric needle. The success of this approach depends on the skill of the electrologist. Generally several sessions are needed to permanently remove excess hair. Since each hair follicle must be treated individually, electrolysis is quite time consuming and works best for limited areas of excess hair.
Laser hair removal is a newer procedure in which a laser beam is used to destroy excess hair. Lasers can achieve "permanent" reduction of hair. This means that the amount of hair in the area can be reduced on a long-term basis. Patients who have laser surgery for hair removal can expect several repeat procedures to achieve the best results. Some people need to continue to have treatments on a regular basis to maintain the correction. The advantage of laser hair removal over electrolysis is that large areas can be treated more conveniently.
Remember, all of the pioneers and leaders in laser hair removal are dermatologists. At SkinPhysicians & Surgeons we do not delegate laser hair removal to a nurse or a physicians assistant. To protect yourself, always be sure that a physician, preferably a dermatologist, oversees any laser treatment including hair removal.
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