We use the state-of-the-art Lumenis 1 laser for all our Photodynamic and Photorejuvenation treatments.
IPL Photorejuvenationpromotes collagen production, increases inner skin firmness and accelerates skin repair while softening fine lines and reducing pores size.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a special treatment performed with a topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan activated with the correct wavelength of light. It is used to treat sun damage, hyperpigmentation and actinic keratosis. Levulan is used in conjunction with IPL and Blu-Light treatments.
Both the pleasures and stresses of life along with the simple passage of time can make our skin appear older. These signs of aging and sun-damage are unfortunately most visible on a person’s face. The overall appearance of aging skin is primarily related to the quantitative effects of sun exposure with resultant UV damage to the structural components such as collagen and elastin fiber. Intrinsic factors, genetic factors and disease processes such as rosacea also play a large role. Photorejuvenation is a non-ablative process utilizing not a true laser, but rather a non-coherent intense pulsed light in a low energy to rejuvenate the skin.
The IPL system can be set to different wavelengths thereby targeting either the dark sun damaged areas of the skin that have a heavy deposit of melanin, or hemoglobin which will allow this same IPL system to target all of the superficial facial vessel and more obscure facial flushing which happens with age. The IPL Photorejuvenation program alone can target both of these as well as provide long-term improvement in the skins texture and complexion. The IPL technology treats both the superficial and deeper skin layers thereby rejuvenating the skin while at the same time delivering beneficial thermal energy to deeper tissue. This secondary energy delivery causes increase collagen production and will be noted as a tightening and firming of the skins surface.
The treatment is administered in a series of four to six procedures in three-week intervals. In most cases the entire face is treated and this treatment may also be used on the neck and chest or décolletage and hands. A cooling gel or blast is applied to the skin prior to the IPL hand piece being applied gently to the skin. No systemic anesthetic is required as the procedure is incredibly easy to tolerate. A slight sting may be felt and should this be too bothersome a topical anesthetic cream can be applied. Treatment time takes about twenty minutes per session. Immediately after the patient is able to return to work or home and resume normal activities.
A few days after each treatment the patient will actually see the sun damaged areas of skin lift to the surface and slough off. This is not a peel rather the dark areas alone flake off. The IPL system treats the areas of dilated blood vessels or flushing in a similar way, targeting only the areas of redness while causing no damage to the normal surrounding skin. After the series of treatments, there is a significant reduction of unwanted pigmentation and blotchiness in the skin. These results will be long lasting. In addition the skin will be firmer and have a more consistent texture. Costs for this treatment vary but in our office a series of five treatments to the entire face average around $1800.00. The IPL Photorejuvenation is just a highly successful tool available in our arsenal to treat aging and photo damaged skin.
We offer combined packages of the Photorejuvenation with Microdermabrasion as well as IPL Photodynamic therapy with Levulan. We use the IPL new Lumenis I laser for all our Photorejuvenation treatments.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Gail Humble at our San Francisco office today
