What is a Photo Facial?
Clinically, a photo facial is the term used to describe a procedure that uses light technology for skin treatments. Photo facial is among one of our most popular services for our patients in Phoenix, AZ at Stockton Dermatology. This treatment has a variety of uses but it is our top choice in treating brown spots, removing broken capillaries, and boosting the skin's collagen.
This procedure also provides a quick fix when you want to get rid of ruddy cheeks and you want to shrink your pores to get ready for an important event. Photo facials are also considered preventive measures for possible skin cancers because they effectively remove sun spots to eliminate the possibility that they will later develop into skin cancer.
Photo facials are completed with a number of sessions depending on the severity of the patient's skin condition. But even after the first treatment, patients will see a distinct difference in the appearance of their skin.
What are the types of Photo Facials?
There are two kinds of technology that we use for photo facial treatments here at Stockton Dermatology. The 2 types are very different from each other and we provide all the information to our patients during consultation so that they can consider this when deciding on the results that they want to achieve after the treatment. It is important to remember that photo facials works best with a good skin care routine that you can discuss with your doctor. Photo facials are categorized into LED photo facials and IPL photo facials:
- LED photo facials - this is a very gentle treatment that creates younger and plump looking skin by using a narrow light spectrum that boosts collagen production. LED facials are also used to target bacteria which are the root cause of acne. This type of treatment is painless, cool and there are no risks of burning. On the average, the procedure consists of 6 treatments, with a 2 week interval in between treatments. This is highly recommended for patients who want to treat acne or boost their collagen production. If you are looking for a cheaper and gentler alternative to plastic surgery to rejuvenate your skin, then an LED photo facial is your best option.
- IPL photo facials - IPL stands for intense pulsed light photo facials which works best for treating brown spots, spider veins, broken capillaries, and diffused facial redness. IPL photo facials are not as gentle as LED photo facials but are definitely effective in treating skin conditions. IPL photo facials work by introducing bright blasts of light at very intense energy levels using a hand held device. The number of IPL photo facial treatments that a patient would need depends on the severity of the condition as well as the desired outcome.
Who is a Candidate for a Photo Facial?
Nearly every adult can be a good candidate for one of our precise photo facial treatments. Between the LED photo facial and the IPL photo facial, this modality can address a wide variety of dermatologic and cosmetic concerns. These include:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne and acne scarring
- Rosacea and redness
- Age spots and sun-damaged skin
- Enlarged pores
- Hyperpigmentation/Hypopigmentation
- Visible blood vessels
What Are the Benefits of Photos Facials?
One of the primary benefits of getting photo facial treatments is that they work on the skin to help boost overall rejuvenation. The wavelengths of light that get absorbed into the skin can break up visible blood vessels and hyperpigmentation while simultaneously stimulating the collagen production that can help smooth fine lines and wrinkles. So even if you want to get a photo facial to address a specific concern, you're bound to notice peripheral effects. Another benefit of this treatment modality is that it takes very little time and does not incur significant side effects that require you to take time off work for recovery. Most photo facial treatments are gentle enough to resume normal activities right away.
How Does a Photo Facial Treatment Work?
Photo facials use light energy to target certain aspects of your skin. For example, an LED photo facial may emit blue light that destroys the bacteria that causes acne flare-ups. IPL photo facials, on the other hand, can target pigmentation that causes redness and spots. In this case, when the wavelengths of light get absorbed by the pigment, it breaks up into tiny particles rather than one large clump of colored skin cells. It may take more than one photo facial to fully eradicate spots. As the pigment is broken up, the body can absorb and shed the cells normally, leaving behind smooth, clear, radiant skin.
How Long Does a Photo Facial Take?
Your photo facial treatment may take just 20 minutes or may take about an hour. This will depend on the size of the treatment area or the number of treatment areas we will focus on during each visit. When you visit Stockton Dermatology in Pheonix, you can expect a comprehensive consultation and examination of your skin. During this visit, you can ask questions and receive the full amount of information you need to understand what a photo facial can do for you and what your treatment process will look like.
Are Photo Facial Results Permanent?
With good skin care and protection from harmful UV rays, your photo facial results may last from six to 12 months. Because your skin receives less and less new collagen and elastin as you age, it is wise to repeat photo facial treatments or other collagen-stimulating procedures at least once a year. Our experienced team can create a general guide for you to help you manage the unique needs of your skin!
Are Photo Facials Painful?
An LED photo facial is completely painless. You can expect to feel warming as the mild wavelengths of light penetrate into the deeper layers of your skin. This can be likened to turning your face toward the sun. It's warm but it doesn't sting or burn. An IPL photo facial is a little more intense but is also generally described as painless. During this treatment, you might experience some tingling or stinging. You may feel a snapping sensation against your skin as the light comes into contact with pigmented cells. These sensations can feel mildly uncomfortable but do not hurt.
How Long After a Photo Facial Will I See Results?
Photo facials work in concert with your body's natural regenerative processes, so you should not expect to see immediate results from your treatments. It usually takes at least 10 days for the effects of an IPL photo facial to start to appear. They improve over the course of your series of treatments and time as the treatment area receives new collagen protein. As a gentler photo facial, the LED treatment is expected to gradually rejuvenate the skin in subtler ways until, one day, you notice that you simply look clearer, fresher, and younger.
Does a photo facial sound like the right treatment for you? Try it today in our Phoenix, AZ office! 480.610.6366 us to schedule an appointment.
