What is a Photoderm™ Facial?
It is a series of full face, gentle pulsed light treatments intended to improve the appearance of sun damaged and aged skin, as well as reducing facial and neck redness and flushing. The result is a more youthful appearing skin with little or no down time.
How does the Photoderm™ Facial treatment work?
An Intense light is emitted in a number of gentle pulses over the entire face at intervals of approximately three weeks for a series of five treatments. This light is different than laser treatments emitting light over many wavelengths and allowing the light to penetrate to all the levels of skin where dilated vessels can be found. Lasers produce only a single wavelength of light and are limited in depth of penetration and types of conditions they can treat.
What conditions will Photoderm™ Facial treat?
Rosacea, an extremely common complexion disorder characterized by facial redness, flushing of the nose, cheeks, forehead, chin and neck, dilated capillaries and occasionally acne-like outbreaks. The treatment results in a marked reduction in flushing, much smoother skin, and possibly smaller pores.
The Photoderm™ facial will also improve photo-aging of the skin, pigmentation from sun exposure (”age spots”), irregularities of skin texture, mild acne scars, etc. It also reduces large pores and dark circles around the eyes and helps to minimally reduce fine lines, especially around the eyes and mouth.
Are there any conditions that the Photoderm™ Facial won’t help?
It won’t treat frown lines, often known as lines of expression on the face, especially the forehead and between the brows. Botox® is the preferred treatment for there. It is not a substitute for lipo-augmentation, Sculptra, or Restylane, which are primarily used to replace volume and restore the youthful contour to the face.
How much improvement will I see?
Five Photoderm™ facial treatments equal approximately one Erbium laser resurfacing without the recovery time and at half the cost or less. You can usually go to work the same day or the following day without any unwanted attention. In addition to accomplishing a similar result to laser, the Photoderm™ Facial will address the tiny blood vessels and flushing, a condition that can actually worsen with the conventional laser.
What is the Cost?
The cost is determined on an individual basis , based on the surface area to be treated but are in the range of $400 to $500 per facial treatment.
Who Performs the Photoderm™ facial?
Dr. Donofrio has been using the Photoderm™ to treat dilated vessels since 1997. She will perform the initial “test spots” at the start of each treatment. A highly trained nurse or medical technician will complete the session.
What do I do before the treatment?
Stay out of the sun. Even the slightest tan will alter or prevent your treatment session. Buy LMX 4% topical anesthetic. This is over-the-counter (but you usually must ask the pharmacist for it), or you may purchase it at the front desk. Wash your face first. Apply thickly (like frosting) to areas requiring treatment at least one half hour before your appointment and don’t rub it in. Reapply if cream dries out.
