Turning Back the Clock

by Janee . Steinberg, MD

Today, not many people mind getting older, but everyone minds looking older.  So, we are all constantly searching for the "fountain of youth."  Over the last decade, many cosmetic surgery procedures have been developed to address aging.  However, most of them are aggressive with significant down-time and some risks.

Photo rejuvenation utilizes pulses of visible light to penetrate the skin.  This treatment , also known as the FotoFacial™, is a series of four to six treatments given at three to four week intervals in the comfort of the physicians office.  Best of all, the treatment is rendered with a topical anesthetic gel without the need for any injections or sedation.  It is important to access the skin type before performing this treatment.  More conservative treatment is recommended for patients with darker skin or pigmentary problems.  Specific settings are used for each skin type so that results are achieved.  The use of gentle treatment settings result in cumulative improvement without side effects.  Usually, there is no blistering, bruising, swelling or persistent redness.  In addition, there is minimal discomfort during and after treatment.  Patients can resume social or work related activities immediately following treatment.  

Improvement begins after the first treatment.  Photoaging or sun damage improves, which means fine lines and wrinkles diminish, freckling, dark spots and irregular pigmentation improve; small, broken capillaries clear, and the overall skin tone is more even.  Other observable improvements in the  skin are a decrease in pore size and a smoother, more youthful texture.  Many patients report not needing to wear makeup after completing the series of treatments.  Furthermore, people who suffer with acne rosacea can now be helped with this series of FotoFacial™ treatments.  Slowly, the overall redness and the fine capillaries clear, leaving a more even tone.

To date, there has be not much that we can offer these patients.  Many of them break down and cry when I tell them that I can now help them with the FotoFacial Treatment.  It is truly gratifying to see the happiness of these patients as their conditions clear.

Although the face for men and women is the most common part of the body treated, this treatment is not limited to the face.  It is very effective o  the neck, chest and even backs of the hands and arms.

While undergoing this treatment, it is extremely important that patients avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen.  Medications that make patients sensitive to light, like Sulfa or Minocycline, must be temporarily discontinued.

Topical medications such as Retin-A must also be temporarily stopped.  While photorejuvenetion treatment is a revolutionary new way to improve photoaging, it can be combined with other treatments such as Botox, to eliminate dynamic wrinkles; collagen or fat transfer to fill deeper lines, and permanent make-up to enhance the eyes, eyebrows, and lips.  Often, I combine photofacial treatment with skin care products, including kinerase, lipoic acid and vitamin C serum.

We now have a new way to harness visible light to turn back the clock!