Sit back and get ready for beautiful skin!
Bothered by sun damaged skin? Brown spots? Redness? Uneven complexion? Broken capillaries? Check out what FotoFacial RF® and FotoBody RF® treatments can do for you!
It’s common to see offices advertising “FotoFacials,” but the truth is that they are usually just referring to an IPL (intense pulsed light) treatment. Don’t get me wrong … IPL alone is great for decreasing brown and red discolorations of the skin. However, in order to be an actual FotoFacial RF® or FotoBody RF® treatment, the equipment must simultaneously provide IPL and radiofrequency energy into the skin. The addition of radiofrequency to an IPL treatment creates a synergy that results in even better results and longer-term improvement. This technology is so unique and effective, in fact, that it’s actually trademarked. It’s way different than plain ol’ IPL.
What is IPL?
IPL stands for “intense pulsed light” and is often erroneously referred to as “laser” by patients and clinicians alike. Indeed, it can be used to treat many of the same things (browns, reds, hair, etc.) and involves flashes of light, wearing goggles, etc. However, there are some significant differences – differences that help explain why IPL is considered by many experts to be preferable to lasers when it comes to overall skin rejuvenation.
Bored yet? Please hang in there! I promise I will not totally nerd-out on you.
What’s the difference between a laser and IPL?
OK, so laser and IPL devices both use light to do their thing. Lasers emit a single wavelength (the specific wavelength is dictated by the type of laser) and IPL emits a broad range of wavelengths (the range can be reduced or “cut off” using filters). Depending on the wavelength(s) of laser or IPL, the light energy affects different targets such as melanin (brown) or hemoglobin (red). Drs. Bitters & Mulholland, who developed the Fotofacial RF® and FotoBody RF® techniques and protocols, compare laser and IPL to a “sniper” and a “grenade,” respectively. With a laser “sniper,” a single bullet is used for a single target – it’s very focused and effective. Therefore, it’s great for spot-treating or when a certain wavelength not covered by IPL is needed. For example, in very dark skin, it might be preferable to use a laser to ensure that only a specific wavelength is used. With an IPL “grenade,” the wide range of wavelengths effectively hits many different targets (red, brown, etc.), making it an excellent option for overall photo-rejuvenation and even treating isolated spots or capillaries.
What is radiofrequency and why is its addition to an IPL treatment awesome?
Now that you are an expert on IPL, aren’t you curious to know why the simultaneous addition of radiofrequency energy during a FotoFacial RF® or FotoBody RF® treatment makes it exceptional? Radiofrequency energy creates heat via an electrical current. The deep heating of the tissue creates a subclinical inflammation that stimulates your body to release important mediators for healing. It also causes fibroblasts to convert into fibrocytes. Over time, those activated fibrocytes produce new collagen, elastin, and ground substances – all things than serve in the dermis (deeper layer of your skin) to smooth wrinkles, improve elasticity, and decrease pore size! These are what make FotoFacial RF® or FotoBody RF® treatments so unique!
What else should I know?
A consultation is the best and easiest way to determine whether FotoFacial RF® and/or FotoBody RF® treatments are right for your concerns!
Your skin didn’t get into its current state overnight - it has undergone years of sun-damage and aging. So, while you can certainly elect to just have one treatment, if you really want your skin to look its best, you should plan on at least three treatments (usually 3-4 weeks apart).
The treatment is well-tolerated. You simply lie back, protective stickers or goggles are placed over your eyes, a layer of cool ultrasound gel is put on your skin, and then you feel a series of pulses on the area being treated. These pulses feel like small rubber bands snapping – definitely nothing horrible.
While everyone’s skin can react differently, there is usually little to no downtime after the treatment.
After any laser/light procedure, your skin will be more sun-sensitive for several weeks. Therefore, it’s preferable to avoid doing it right before a vacation to a sunny place! If your schedule doesn’t cooperate, no big deal … just be absolutely sure to wear SPF (I can help you select the right kind) and stay as covered as possible with a hat, umbrella, etc.
Contraindications: currently tanned skin (via sun/tanning bed/artificial tanner), very dark skin, epilepsy (because of the flashing light), implantable devices such as pacemakers (because of the radiofrequency energy), a history of Accutane use within the past 6 months, any open sores or problems with wound healing, taking photosensitizing medications (e.g. certain antibiotics that can make you more sensitive to the sun).
