Skin Rejuvenation

Photo Facials and Photorejuvenation using Lumenis IPL™ Skin Treatments 

Both the pleasures and stresses of life, along with the simple passage of time, cause our skin to appear older. Increasingly men and women of all ages want younger-looking skin, but don’t want to take time away from their active lifestyles.

The terms "Photo Facials" and  "Photorejuvenation" refer to the non-ablative, non-invasive treatment of red and brown pigment, using intense pulsed light without disruption of the skin's surface. This leaves leaves a smooth skin texture and even complexion, yielding a more youthful appearance. The treatments are safe with no permanent side effects. Only a slight redness to the skin might occur which clears after a day or two

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL™) Skin Treatments by Laser Elite are a safe, effective and popular way to  improve the signs of aging on the face, neck, chest, arms and hands.
This procedure typically requires 4 to 6 sessions of about 20 minutes each, performed at three-week intervals. Several IPL™ treatments are required to provide gradual, natural-looking improvement with very low risk. Thereafter, 1 or 2 maintenance sessions a year are recommended.

IPL™ Skin Treatments are recognized for a very high measure of client satisfaction. This  is because the process treats the full face, neck, chest or hands, rather than addressing a single isolated area or imperfection. With a series of treatments, IPL™ technology can help restore a more youthful appearance without client  "downtime" or the prolonged recovery necessary after other types of treatments. In fact, many people even schedule their sessions during their lunch breaks.

Lumenis™ IPL™ has been available and FDA-cleared since 1995. In South Africa, a certificate from the Directorate: Radiation Control (Department of Health) is also required. To get the certificate one must comply with certain standards, e.g. only a licensed importer can import the equipment, and the treatment cubicles must comply with certain safety standards.

Applications

IPL™ Technology:

• Improves the appearance of aged and sun-damaged skin (photo-ageing)
• Removes age spots (sun-induced freckles), and most benign brown pigments (mottled pigmentation )
• Removes redness caused by broken capillaries. Aging, sun exposure and other factors can cause the appearance of broken capillaries and blood vessels on the face known as telangiectasias, which appear as spider veins. Sometimes broken capillaries can cause a diffused redness in the skin, called erythema, a source of social embarrassment for many people. Rosacea is another common skin condition that is characterized by diffused erythema. All of these conditions respond well to IPL™.
• Removes varicose veins. During treatment, IPL™ is absorbed by the blood in these small veins, heating and destroying the vessels. Over time the destroyed veins are reabsorbed and disappear.

The Procedure

A brief consultation with one of our highly-trained  IPL™ specialists should provide all the information needed. This technology can only be used to treat light skin, excluding dark-skinned individuals such as those of African, Hispanic or Asian descent.

Before each session begins, system settings are computer-customized according to skin color and type and the area of the body being treated. Treatment begins by conducting test spots to determine the client's skin response to different device settings.

Next, a cold gel (similar to ultrasound gel) is usually spread over the treatment area. This helps keep the skin cool and focus the light treatment. Clients wear special eyewear to protect the eyes from the bright light.

The smooth, glass surface of the IPL™ handpiece is then moved over the treatment area, while light-based energy is emitted in highly controlled flashes or pulses. IPL™ treatments are usually pain-free, but an anaesthetic cream can be used if the light pulses are uncomfortable. Some clients compare the sensation to a light pinch or the snap of a rubber band.

After treatment, clients can immediately return to normal routines and activities. Occasionally evidence of treatment such as redness or blotchiness may last for an hour or two. Note: The first few days after the treatment, it will appear as if the treatment has been unsuccessful but generally after 5 days one will be able to notice a difference in skin appearance. The change in skin appearance will substantially improve after the 3rd treatment.

IPL™ and BOTOX®

BOTOX® has long been used for medical procedures, such as reducing muscle spasms.
The cosmetic use of BOTOX® skyrocketed following FDA clearance in 2002 for its use in treating glabellar lines (the wrinkles between the eyebrows). BOTOX® pioneer Dr. Jean Carruthers describes the use of BOTOX® with IPL™ as "complementary" because:

• BOTOX® gives outstanding results for lines and wrinkles.
• IPL™ clears the "canvas of the face," smoothing away various brown and red conditions while improving general texture and skin tone.
• While BOTOX's effects take time to appear, IPL™ effects begin quickly, giving clients near-term, tangible results.
• BOTOX® and IPL™ treatments can be performed during the same visit to produce dramatic effects with minimal time investment.

Costs

Costs vary depending on the portion of the body where the procedure is performed, the severity of the skin condition and other factors. Compared to other aesthetic procedures, IPL™ Skin Treatments are quite affordable. IPL™ is usually priced above microdermabrasion and some chemical peels, but less than laser resurfacing and cosmetic surgeries. IPL™ procedures are not usually covered by health insurance. Please do not hesitate to call us for a free consultation and quote.