Laser Resurfacing

Laser Photofacials

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Photofacial is an ideal treatment for skin care concerns ranging from redness, light acne scars and rosacea to broken capillaries and hyper pigmentation. IPL Photofacial involves a non-ablative laser that has been carefully calibrated to seek out specific pigments in the skin – redness, darker discolored patches or dark spots from acne scarring. The actual IPL Photofacial procedure feels like the mild snapping of rubber bands against the skin’s surface. With each snap, the IPL Photofacial penetrates deep below the skin’s surface to treat the issues at the source. For successful elimination of redness, sun spots and old acne scars, a patient will likely require multiple IPL Photofacial treatments. The Photofacial can truly create a marked difference in the patient’s skin over time, since the skin continues to improve for weeks after the actual IPL treatment.

Immediately following an IPL Photofacial, a patient is free to resume his or her daily activities. Each IPL Photofacial treatment is conveniently quick and takes only about fifteen to twenty minutes from start to finish. For this reason, many patients seamlessly integrate their IPL Photofacial into their lives by getting treatments during their lunch hour. A brief period of facial redness is the most common side effect of the IPL Photofacial, although this can easily be covered up with liquid foundation, powder or a concealer until the redness subsides, usually within an hour or so. Southeast Med-Spa is proud to offer our patients the IPL Photofacial procedure in our Smithfield and Clayton offices.

Constant exposure to the sun can severely damange the skin. As we get older, some of that damage is manifested by irregular or blotchy pigmentation spots, called solar lentigenes, which can occur on face, arms, hands, shoulders, and chest. These spots detract from beauty as they interfere with the clarity of skin color.

To combat this, IPL Photofacial uses the 600 nm wave-length and specifically targets this superficial pigment in the epidermis. By using a wavelength spectrum with strong melanin absorption and weak hemoglobin absorption, much lower fluence (power) is needed for effective treatment. Pulses are controlled by a closed-loop power control that regulates every pulse for consistent, safe results. A standard pulsed light system, in contrast, uses a broad spectrum and requires much higher fluences for similar outcomes since a large portion of the light is not effective in the treatment.

Two to four treatments are needed for optimum results. Some discoloration may be seen in the area immediately following the treatment. Within one to three weeks the lesion gradually flakes off.

IPL Treatments take only a few minutes and are usually quite painless. The sensation of a mild brief pinching sensation is sometimes felt.

No program is complete without good products including 4% hydroquinone, a chemical that blocks the pigment uptake and manufacture by the cells. We offer a full line of skin care products to help complement and enhance the results of your laser treatment. For long-term benefit, any treatment should always be combined with an effective sunscreen. We offer several choices of different sunscreens that are specifically designed to protect your skin above and beyond over the counter sunscreens.

Pricing
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Laser Resurfacing

Many dermatological and cosmetic skin conditions such as wrinkles, acne and surgical scars, melasma, striae, unwated textural irregularities, crow’s feet, blotchy skin and virtually any trouble spot on you face, neck, chest, arms and legs, can be improved with fractional laser skin resurfacing. Fractional laser skin resurfacing with Palomar® maximizes your aesthetic outcomes while minimizing procedure risk and reducing downtime. It’s the smart approach to skin resurfacing that uses microbeams to create areas of treated tissue surrounded by untreated tissue, which provides faster healing and reduced side effects.

Post-Treatment Instructions

General

• A mild sunburn-like sensation is expected. This usually lasts 2-24 hours but can persist up to 72 hours. Mild swelling and /or redness may accompany this, but it usually resolves in 2-3 days.
• Apply ice or cold packs to the treatment area for 10-15 minutes every hour for the next 4 hours, as needed. An oral, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, such as acetaminophen may be taken to reduce discomfort. Use according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
• In some cases, prolonged redness or blistering may occur. An antibiotic ointment may be applied to the affected areas 2 times daily until healed.
• Bathe or shower as usual. Treated areas may be temperature-sensitive. Cool showers or baths will offer relief. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, use of exfoliants, scrub brushes and loofa sponges until the treatment area has returned to its pre-treatment condition.
• Until redness has completely resolved, avoid all of the following:
• Applying cosmetics to treated areas. Swimming, especially in pools with chemicals such as chlorine.
• Hot tubs and Jacuzzis.
• Activities that cause excessive perspiration.
• Sun exposure to treated areas. Apply SPF-30 or higher sunscreen to prevent development of new pigmented lesions.

For Pigmented Lesion Treatment

• The lesion may initially look raised and/or darker with a reddened perimeter.
• The lesion will gradually turn darker over the next 24-48 hours. It may turn dark brown or even black.
• The lesion will progress to scabs/crusting and will start flaking off in 7-14 days. DO NOT pick, scratch, or remove scabs.
• The lesion is usually healed within 21-30 days. It will continue to fade over the next 6-8 weeks.

For Acne Treatment

• There may be an initial flare-up of acne, similar to the kind seen after a peel procedure or the beginning of a new topical or oral acne medication.
• Some of the blemishes may form scabs. DO NOT pick, scratch or remove scabs.
• The acne blemishes will fade after about 2-3 weeks.
• A 40% reduction in the number of lesions and the prevention of new lesion formation can be expected following the treatment course.

For Fractional Resurfacing

• Application of cool gel packs and topical creams immediately following treatment can help alleviate post treatment itchiness and stinging that may occur.
• Edema, and sometimes blanching, is expected immediately post treatment and generally resolves within 24-48 hours. It may last up to 3-5 days in some clients.
• Clients may experience significant redness, broken capillaries or bronzing in the treatment area for 1-3days after treatment. This may persist in a mild form for several weeks particularly in areas other than the face.
• Gentle cleansing and use of non-irritating cosmetics is permitted after treatment. The use of retinoids should be avoided during the treatment period.
• New skin will begin to form and it is essential to avoid injury and sun exposure at least two weeks following treatments. It is highly recommended that clients use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher containing UVA/UVB protection along with a sun blocker such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide between treatments.
• Clients should also continue to use SPF 30 or higher up to 6 months following final treatment whenever they are outside.
• Once the treatment area has healed, some itching or dryness may occur. This will gradually clear. The use of non-irritating moisturizers may provide some relief.

Contact us today for pricing or for more information.