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WHAT
IS A “Foto-facial”?
“Foto-facials”
and lifts are performed with a high-energy, intense pulsed light device or
with a true laser. “foto-facials” and lifts are used to tighten loose
skin, smooth scars, remove fine surface wrinkles, improve skin tone,
remove redness and blend abnormal pigmentation. A "Foto-lift" is the
name is used to indicate treatment of non-facial skin areas and is a
trademarked entity.
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HOW MUCH IMPROVEMENT CAN I EXPECT WITH TREATMENT?
Surface redness, age spots, and fine
wrinkles on the face will improve dramatically with a series of
“foto-facials” (usually five treatments). Seventy-five to more than
ninety percent improvement is often seen after a series of five
treatments. “foto-facials” may also improve large pores and reduce oil
production in extremely oily areas of the face.
The percentage of improvement in scars depends on the type of scar,
thickness, color, and duration. “foto-facials” may be combined with
other treatments for difficult scars.
Improvement in stretch marks and cellulite can also be seen with a series
of "Foto-lifts".
Note: Cellulite is usually treated with a
combination of IPL and radio frequency (RF suction massage).
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HOW MUCH DISCOMFORT WILL I FEEL?
This procedure can be performed with minimal
discomfort. A topical anesthetic and/or a "Derma-Pop" (ice
stick) are used to neutralize most of the discomfort that you may feel
during the “foto-facials” and lifts. If the facials and lifts are
performed without anesthesia, a moderate stinging sensation will be felt
with each pulse of energy. For ultra sensitive individuals, sedatives,
oral pain medications, or a topical anesthetic can be used.
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WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?
Most patients experience only
temporary redness in the skin, which will last from a few minutes to
several hours after treatment. You should be able to return to work or
social activities within hours of your treatment. The appearance looks
about the same, as you would see after exercising. Temporary swelling may
be seen in some people after treatment. If your skin is quite loose or if
you have baggy eyelids, you will have more swelling. If your skin has
scattered age spots and uneven pigmentation, the pigmented spots will turn
slightly darker after treatment. As the age spots disappear so will the
darkening.
Blisters are a rare side effect. Scars and abnormal skin
pigmentation are extremely rare and unlikely to occur after treatment.
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CAN ALL TYPES OF SKIN BE TREATED?
“Foto-facials”
and "Foto-lifts" utilizing an IPL
(Intense Pulsed Light) can only be
performed on lighter skin types.
However an
Er:YAG - 2980nm (Erbium Laser) can treat all skin types.
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HOW DO I PREPARE FOR TREATMENT?
The face should be cleansed and all makeup
removed. A topical anesthetic is applied to your skin 20 or 30 minutes
before treatment. It is very important to avoid tanning before and after
“foto-facials” which are being used to remove redness and pigmentation.
Skincare products are a must and may be recommended to prepare the skin for
“Foto-facials” and "Foto- lifts" of to use in between treatments.
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WHO WILL PERFORM THE
“foto-facials”AND "foto- lifts"?
Registered
nurses, aesthetic assistants, medical assistants and
physician assistants under the supervision of the doctors on staff will perform
treatments. The physicians may perform deeper, more aggressive treatments.
Treatment requires 15 to 45 minutes depending on the size of the area to
be treated.
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HOW OFTEN CAN I GET A TREATMENT?
Treatments can be performed as often as
every two weeks, depending on the procedure used (laser. IPL, Er:YAG) and
the patient's skin sensitivity.
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HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL IT TAKE FOR
ME TO SEE THE BEST RESULTS?
A series of five treatments is the most
effective, especially if maximum facial rejuvenation and improvement in
texture and tone are the goals of your treatment series. Then maintenance
every 3-4 months. Redness,
superficial pigmentation and age spots will improve in fewer treatments.
Scars, stretch marks, oily skin, large pores and wrinkles may require more
than five treatments.
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HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY SKIN AFTER
TREATMENT?
Ice packs may be used for ten minutes after
treatment. Anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil may be taken for 24
hours at a dose of 800mg three times a day. Elevation of the head will
reduce the risk of swelling under the eyes. Gentle cleansing and sun
protection are important until the skin has healed and retuned to normal
color.
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HOW
DO I GET STARTED?
A brief consultation is required before
performing IPL and laser facials and lifts. Occasionally the
procedure can be performed after the consultation if scheduling permits.
In most cases it is necessary to schedule a series of appointments with
sufficient time during each appointment to allow time to treat the areas
of skin that you as the patient would like to have treated.
Multiple treatment areas and extended
treatments will require scheduling more time for the treatments. It is
recommended that the patient schedules a series of treatments at regular
intervals to maximize the benefits of the “foto-facials” and lifts.
These appointments require scheduled time, equipment and personnel to
perform your treatments.
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