THE PROCEDURE
Before
Photorejuvenation treatments are scheduled after a comprehensive consultation and skin assessment.
On the day that the laser procedure is performed, some clients arrive early so we can apply topical numbing cream to the skin. This cream needs approximately thirty minutes to adequately desensitize nerve endings and make the treatment more comfortable.
During
Most people do not describe photorejuvenation as painful. The sensations that are commonly felt during the procedure are snapping or tingling, and only momentarily thanks to cooling bursts that occur after laser pulses. Treatment may last just a few minutes or up to an hour depending on the size and number of areas being rejuvenated.
After
One of the things clients appreciate about photorejuvenation is that there is no downtime after treatment.
Briefly, the skin may appear red and puffy. It is vital to protect the skin from UV exposure for at least one week after photorejuvenation, with long-term, daily sunscreen use maximizing GentleMAX benefits .
AREAS TREATED
Face • Neck • Chest • Arms • Hands
Frequently Asked Questions
+ How does photorejuvenation work?
GentleMAX photorejuvenation primarily works by penetrating superficial tissue with thermal energy. This energy transfers to heat within skin cells and the cells that produce pigment.
Even the blue and red pigments of spider veins and broken capillaries absorb energy during photorejuvenation treatment. This absorption raises the temperature in affected cells just enough to shatter pigment.
In vascular lesions, the effect of heat causes stagnant blood to clot. Subsequently, these vessels shrink or disappear altogether.
An additional impact of photorejuvenation treatment occurs in the fibroblast cells that make collagen. When heated, these cells increase the proliferation of the vital protein.
The results of increased collagen become visible over time as the skin becomes softer and more toned.
+ Who is a candidate for photorejuvenation?
Age and sun exposure have a profound effect on the appearance and smoothness of the skin.
The continuous influence of UV light and biological aging often leads to wrinkles, blemishes, and other concerns.
Photorejuvenation is a non-invasive technique that can correct these problems and more. Good candidates for photorejuvenation may experience the following results:
- Improved skin tone
- Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
- A decrease in the prominence of sun spots and acne scars
- Overall improvement in the appearance of the skin
At SKIN Medical Spa, Dr. Robert Colvin and his team will perform a thorough assessment of each client’s skin before recommending photorejuvenation or any other treatment. We intend to provide the therapy that is most appropriate for your unique cosmetic and dermatologic concerns.
+ What skin can it treat?
One of the most valuable aspects of photorejuvenation is that multiple conditions can be addressed simultaneously.
From age spots to freckles to rosacea, many skin concerns are addressed with this type of skin treatment.
Some additional concerns that can be treated are enlarged pores, UV damage, wrinkles and fine lines. While some skin issues are genetic, others are from the environment and can be corrected with the right type of skin treatment.
+ How many treatments will I need?
Photorejuvenation treatments have a cumulative effect on the skin, just like the UV exposure that caused damage in the first place.
The number of treatments that are needed varies based on the overall condition of the skin and the severity of sun damage or cosmetic aging. Usually, the skin improves dramatically over the course of two to four treatments.
+ What is the post-treatment care like?
One of the things that clients appreciate about photorejuvenation is that there is no downtime after treatment. For a short time, the skin may appear red and puffy.
Swelling and flushing are typically quite mild and short-lived, decreasing steadily over a few hours. In some people, minor swelling lingers for a few days. The skin may also feel sunburned. Comfort can be managed with cool compresses or a cooling aloe vera gel.
It is vital to protect the skin from UV exposure (natural sunlight and tanning beds) for at least one week after photorejuvenation. Moving forward after treatment, clients are encouraged to practice good sun habits that include daily use of SPF 30 sunscreen. Sun protection is one of the best ways to maximize the long-term benefits of GentleMax treatment.