FotoFacial^TM Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions does the FotoFacial treat? The FotoFacial is a multiple purpose technology, treating a variety of skin conditions including, enlarged pores, fine lines, rosacea, facial redness, broken capillaries, port wine stains, age spots, freckles, hyperpigmentation and caf? au lait birthmarks.

What is a treatment like? During the treatment, your nurse will apply a thin layer of cooling gel and she'll use a delicate, computer-generated hand piece to deliver gentle pulses of light energy to the skin. The process usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the area treated. Immediately following your treatment, your skin may be somewhat red and flushed. Tiny capillaries may be more visible and brown spots generally appear darker at first before gradually fading over a period of 48 hours.

What are the benefits of FotoFacial Treatments? FotoFacial treatments involve minimal discomfort and no downtime. Minimal risk of complications. Treatments effectively diminish redness in individuals with rosacea. Treatments reduce irregular pigment for a more uniform skin color. Enlarged pores are reduced. Skin texture is improved when multiple treatments are performed.

How soon will I see results? Two to three days after your first treatment, you'll notice more uniform color. The improvement, however, is gradual and will be more visible with each treatment. Generally, three to five treatments are recommended for optimal results. After the second treatment, most patients begin to notice improved skin texture, as multiple treatments stimulate new collagen formation in the dermal layer.

What areas can be treated? Although this treatment can be used on any area of the body, because of the nature of the treatment and the result it offers, it is most commonly performed on the full face, neck, and/or chest, and hands. PhotoDerm treatments are "spot" treatment that are generally performed on the body.

What results can I expect? After a series of treatments is performed, most of our patients experience a significant lightening of darkened areas and/or a significant fading of rosacea as well as a softening of textural irregularities.

How does the FotoFacial treat redness? Intense Pulse Light (IPL) technology is different than laser light in that it emits energy over many wavelengths. This allows the light to penetrate through the skin at different depths where dilated vessels can be found. Lasers produce only a single wavelength of light, which can limit the conditions in which they can treat.

Will I experience any discomfort? Most patients describe the sensation to be like the snap of a rubber band on the skin as the pulses of energy are delivered through the hand piece. Some patients opt to have a topical anesthetic applied prior to treatment. After treatment, the discomfort is virtually nonexistent.

How much improvement can I expect? Most of our patients experience an average of 80% to 90% improvement.

How many treatments will I need? In most cases, we recommend five FotoFacial treatments (one performed every three to four weeks). These individuals see the best results and appreciate the opportunity to purchase their series of treatments at a "package" price. On mature complexions FotoFacial? treatments are often performed in conjunction with the CoolTouch III Laser Resurfacing to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Both treatments appeal to individuals who do not want to experience any downtime.

What are the alternatives to this treatment? FotoFacial / PhotoDerm technology provides long-term improvement in skin color plus the added benefit of smoother texture - all without the slightest interruption in your busy lifestyle. At this time, there are no alternatives.