Photo Rejuvenation

NOTHING IS QUITE AS BEAUTIFUL AS SMOOTH, SOFT, HEALTHY-LOOKING SKIN.

Over time, the first effects of the sun, wind, time and hormones begin to appear. Our skin is our body's largest organ but maintaining it's youthful, vibrant, appearance doesn't have to be a difficult process any longer.

OUR SKIN

Our skin is made up of two layers. The epidermis, or outer layer, constantly produces new skin cells to replace the ever-flaking dead skin cells. It is our body's protection from the environment. The dermis, or inner layer, contains nerve endings, oil and sweat glands, blood vessels and also the collagen and elastin which support and maintain your skin's shape.

THE AGING PROCESS

The first signs of aging are when fine lines begin to form around the eyes and lips. Then the collagen and elastin begins to wear out and deeper lines and grooves form in our brow, next to the nose and down to the corners of our mouths. Surface irregularities such as pigment discolorations and acne scarring may also occur.

Many patients wish that there were a safe, easy and quick way to get rid of their red complexion, fine wrinkles, irregular pigmentation and large pores. Fortunately, advanced technologies enable your doctor to treat these skin imperfections safely, easily and effectively with very little, if any, downtime.

LASER REJUVENATION

Advances in the treatment of aging skin have continued to improve; from dermabrasion to chemical peels to CO2 and Erbium laser skin resurfacing. However, all of these treatments exfoliate the protective outer layer of the skin, which may require bandages and a somewhat lengthy recovery period.

IPL Photofacial

Do you think that the reflection you see in the mirror each morning matches the way you feel? Many patients wish that there was a safe, easy and quick way to get rid of their red complexion, fine wrinkles, irregular pigmentation and large pores. Fortunately, our advanced technologies enable us to treat these skin imperfections safely, easily and effectively.

Advances in your treatment options have continued to improve, from dermabrasion and chemical peels to CO2 and ERBIUM laser skin resurfacing.

With dermabrasion, layers of skin are actually sanded away. A chemical peel uses acid solution to burn away layers of skin. Today, lasers give surgeons infinitely more control, making skin resurfacing safer and more predictable. However, laser skin resurfacing still exfoliates the protective outer layer of skin, which may require bandages and a somewhat lengthy recovery period.

IPL PHOTO FACIAL REJUVENATION

IPL Rejuvenation was designed to combat the effects of aging and damaged skin in a softer, gentler way. The redness and flushing of rosacea
can be reduced 80 to 90 percent. It can be used to treat the full face, neck, chest and even the hands.

Using the advanced IPL system, your doctor gently delivers precise amounts of light energy through your skin's surface. Treatments are spaced out at three week intervals. The energy is delivered at specific settings for each treatment to maximize your results.

The light energy stimulates the production of collagen. As the new collagen forms, it softens the appearance of aging skin. Fine lines and wrinkles are decreased. The redness associated with rosacea can be dramatically reduced.

HOW DO IPL PHOTO FACIAL REJUVENATION TREATMENTS WORK?

Today's new light technology delivers precise dosages of energy to the skin. During your treatment, light energy is gently delivered through
a special handpiece to the targeted area. Levels of energy specific to your treatment are used to maximize your improvement. Once delivered, the light energy is absorbed by the targeted damaged tissue.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

Depending on the area treated, there will be a series of five to eight treatments. Treatments usually take from 15 to 30 minutes and are administered in the doctor's office.

DOES IPL PHOTO FACIAL REJUVENATION HURT?

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 handpiece. Some patients opt to have a topical anesthesia. After treatment, the pain is minimal to nonexistent.

WHO ARE THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR IPL PHOTO FACIAL REJUVENATION?

The best candidates have:

• red, flushed faces.
• sun-damaged skin.
• hyperpigmentation.
• enlarged pores.

ARE IPL PHOTO FACIAL REJUVENATION TREATMENTS SAFE?

Yes. Advanced light systems have been used safely for millions of treatments worldwide. These systems treat only the targeted tissues, leaving the surrounding tissue intact. However, some bruising or redness may occur.

WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?

After only one treatment, your skin will have a more even tone with a smoother look and feel. Sunspots will fade. Pore sizes will shrink. Fine lines and wrinkles will gradually decrease in size. These improvements will steadily increase with each treatment. Patients with rosacea will see a progressive decrease in redness with every treatment.

WHAT WILL RECOVERY BE LIKE?

Post-operative discomfort is almost nonexistent. After treatment with most light systems, the treated skin may appear a little flushed and capillaries may seem to be more visible. The flushed look soon fades away, and the capillaries appear to vanish, leaving the skin looking younger. It's that simple.

Following any treatment, you should follow your doctor's instructions, avoid any harsh skin cleansers and use sunscreen.

PHOTO REJUVENATION

Photo Rejuvenation was designed to combat skin damage in a softer, gentler way. Advanced, intense, pulsed light and fluorescent pulsed light systems are the latest innovations in non-ablative cosmetic skin rejuvenation. Your doctor uses advanced light systems to restore a more youthful appearance to your skin by efficiently treating redness, flushing, pigmentary problems, scars and wrinkles; to provide you with smoother, healthier, younger-looking skin.

WILL PHOTO REJUVENATION IMPROVE ROSACEA?

Yes. Patients with rosacea will see a progressive reduction in redness with every treatment. The redness and flushing caused by rosacea can be reduced by 80 to 90 percent.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Photo Rejuvenation systems deliver pulses of intense light, through very specific filters, to the skin. Once delivered, the targeted tissue absorbs the light's energy. There will be a series of five to eight treatments depending on the area and the condition of your skin. Treatments take between 15 and 30 minutes and are administered in the doctor's office.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PHOTO REJUVENATION?

• No down time
• Healthier-looking skin
• Smoother skin
• Reduced pore size
• More even skin tone
• Reduced redness and flushing
• Reduced wrinkle size

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS LIKE?

Some patients may experience a mild discomfort during the treatment. Those with sensitive skin can choose to have a topical anesthesia applied prior to the procedure. After treatment, the pain is minimal to nonexistent. The skin may appear flushed, brown spots may be darker and tiny veins may be more visible. This will decrease over the next several hours. You may resume normal activities immediately.

WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?

After each session, you will experience some improvement in skin tone and texture. There will be a decrease in the overall redness and flushing. Sunspots will fade; pore sizes will shrink. Fine lines and wrinkles will gradually decrease in size as the new collagen forms beneath the skin. These improvements will continue to increase with each treatment.

WHO ARE THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR PHOTO REJUVENATION?

The best candidates have red, flushed faces, sun-damaged skin, hyperpigmentation, or enlarged pores.

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Copyright © 2004 Academic Dermatology & Skin Cancer Institute of Chicago