Austin FotoFacial Procedure
FotoFacial™ Treatments are full face, neck,chest and/or arm and hand treatments using pulses of visible light.
When performing Fotofacials, Dr. Zimmet uses a pulsed light and a second laser called VariLite. Using the two devices in conjunction seems to provide better results than using either one alone. The VariLite laser emits a tiny intense beam of light which targets two conditions. VariLite treats freckles (pigmented lesions) as well as small red or purple superficial veins (vascular lesions) on the face around the nose or cheeks. VariLite is generally used to treat rosacea and sun-damaged skin.
After treatment, redness, facial veins, discolorations and texture typically improve. It is a non-ablative technique to rejuvenate and improve skin. Recovery is usually quick- redness typically is mild and usually lasts less than a day. VariLite treatment does not cause any skin discoloration or bruising unlike older technologies. For most patients, a series of five treatments are performed at about 4 week intervals.
Recently, Photodynamic Therapy has been used to enhance the results of the Fotofacial procedure.
WHAT ARE THE INDICATIONS FOR FOTOFACIAL TREATMENTS?
FotoFacial Treatments are beneficial in the treatment of the following:
- Pigmentation and uneven skin tone.
- Redness and flushing.
- Rosacea – FotoFacial™ Treatments reduce the overall redness, flushing and dilated capillaries and improve the breakouts of this common chronic facial condition.
- Smooth the skin texture and reduce pore size.
- Sun damage (Photo-aging). Treatments reduce fine wrinkles, freckling and irregular pigmentation.
WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED?
FotoFacial Treatments can be used on any part of the skin. They are especially effective for improving the appearance of the face, neck, chest, arms and hands.
WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?
You can expect to see a gradual decrease in overall redness, flushing and dilated capillaries. People with visible aging from the sun can expect to see their skin become smoother and fading of sun spots. Many people with rosacea see an improvement in breakouts and are able to decrease or discontinue their medications.
WHAT ARE TREATMENTS LIKE?
You will wear special eyeglasses to protect your eyes from the laser light. Dr. Zimmet will use a pen-like instrument to pinpoint the beam of laser light to the treatment area. Each treatment takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many areas are treated. A mild amount of discomfort can be expected. Immediately after treatment, the skin may appear red and flushed and tiny capillaries may appear more visible. Brown spots generally appear darker. All of these changes gradually fade over a period of hours or few days.
HOW SOON WILL I SEE RESULTS?
Most patients notice improvement even after the first treatment. These improvements are gradual and will be more visible after each treatment. For most patients, a series of 5 treatments is appropriate. Some patients will benefit from additional treatments.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR FOTOFACIAL™ TREATMENTS?
The best candidates for FotoFacial™ Treatments are:
- People who suffer from rosacea and experience flushing and redness of their skin.
- People with early aging changes and sun damage who desire healthier more youthful appearing skin.
- People who do not want to take time off to heal from laser resurfacing or chemical peels.
- Active people who want to improve their skin but do not want to interfere with social or outdoor activities.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF FOTOFACIAL™ TREATMENTS OVER CHEMICAL PEELS AND MICRODERMABRASION?
Chemical peels, laser resurfacing and microdermabrasion are ineffective in reducing redness, flushing and dilated capillaries. FotoFacial™ Treatments typically improve fine lines, broken capillaries, redness and brown discolorations. Pore size may be reduced. Collagen production can be stimulated such that fine lines and skin texture are improved. The end result of is smoother, healthier and younger-appearing skin.
