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If a patient has redness, spider veins, brown spots and sun damage
on his or her face, intense pulsed light treatments are used to
eliminate the redness and veins, as well as fade the brown spots
and improve skin texture. If the brown spots are stubborn and there
is extensive sun damage, Fraxel® laser treatments can be done. Fraxel®
laser penetrates more deeply into the skin than intense pulsed light,
but is not as effective in treating the veins. Fraxel® laser and
intense pulsed light treatments can complement each other to give
patients the benefits of both technologies.
What is intense pulsed light?
IPL technology is a non-invasive procedure that improves the appearance
of aging skin and gives it a more youthful look. Since it treats
skin damage without disruption of the skin's surface, there is no
recovery time and patients can return to regular activities right
after treatment. In addition to treating the face, the neck, chest
and hands are commonly treated as well.
How does IPL work?
IPL consists of a very bright, controlled light that is absorbed
by various components of the skin. The colours in the light are
attracted by the red and brown discolouration in the skin and by
the collagen tissue. The body's healing mechanism takes over and
absorbs the reds, sloughs the browns and stimulates the production
of new collagen. The light is customized to your specific skin condition
and colour to effectively improve the cosmetic appearance of your
skin. It will appear smoother and younger-looking.
Which device is used in Dr. Gidon's office?
We use the Lumenis 1 ™ system, which delivers state-of-the-art photorejuvenation
technology.
What is photorejuvenation?
Photorejuvenation using IPL is a safe and effective treatment for
men and women to reverse sun-induced skin damage. It improves the
texture of the skin, stimulates your own collagen to help smooth
fine lines and wrinkles, clears red blotches and spider veins, and
fades brown spots, including brown age spots found on the backs
of hands. It can also soften scars and reduce pore size, all with
very little recovery time.
What areas can be treated?
It is usually performed on the face, neck, chest, back, arms and
hands.
How is the treatment done?
Dark goggles are worn to protect your eyes from the bright light.
A cold gel is applied to the skin to help the absorption of light
and keep the skin cool. The pulse of light feels like a small sting,
but it is well tolerated. The treatment takes about 30 minutes.
Usually 5 or 6 treatments, 3 to 4 weeks apart, are required to see
maximal results. Improvement is natural and gradual. You must avoid
tanning while undergoing treatment.
How will I look right after treatment?
If you have red, blotchy skin, you will probably have some temporary
redness. If you have brown age spots or freckles, they will appear
darker for the first few days and then peel off. Immediately after
treatment, most patients can carry on with their normal activities
and must use sun protection. If you are prone to facial cold sores,
Dr. Gidon will prescribe antiviral medication to prevent a recurrence.
What conditions can be treated?
- sun damage
- redness, flushing and small veins
- rosacea
- red discolouration and enlarged pores caused by acne
- brown pigmentation, age spots and freckles
- a dull complexion
- fine lines and mild scarring
What improvement can I expect?
Your skin will appear smoother, firmer and refreshed. Improvement
in tone and texture will give a more polished look. You will have
a more even skin colour, with reduced pore size, softened fine lines
and improved acne scarring.
How long will the results last?
The results can last for years, depending on the aging process and
environmental factors such as sun exposure. A maintenance treatment
every 3 to 4 months, the use of anti-aging products recommended specifically
for you by Dr. Gidon, and sun protection will give long-lasting results.
Can photorejuvenation be used in combination with other procedures?
Yes. This treatment complements and enhances other anti-aging treatments
such as Thermage™, Fraxel®, Botox® Cosmetic injections, filler substances,
chemical peels and microdermabrasion to keep skin healthy and attractive.
How do I know if photorejuvenation will improve my skin?
Dr. Gidon is very skilled in the use of intense pulsed light and has
many years' experience treating sun damaged skin. During your consultation,
she will assess your skin and determine if this treatment is appropriate
for you. She can customize a skin rejuvenation program for your specific
concerns.
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