Photofacial (Intense Pulsed Light)
Everything changes with time! And technology seems to advance at a rate that in few years it might me possible to freeze time. Who knows? As a dermatologist, when I say freeze time, I also mean continue to have a youthful skin for as long as possible. We are not talking anti-ageing here, for Meraki Skin Clinic believes in ageing racefully. Photo-facial is one of the many such procedure that can not only treat pigmentation & early fine lines but also help you age gracefully
What is Photofacial?
It is a facial that involves the use of different types of light emitting devices to treat certain skin conditions.
What kind of device?
It essentially involves the use of either of the two devices, depending upon the nature of light used
- Intense Pulse Light (IPL)
- Light Emitting Diode (LED)
Types of Photofacials
- IPL-photofacials involves the use of hand-held device that emits a broad spectrum of pulsating light through direct contact with the skin.
- LED- photofacial makes use of different colours of LED lights based upon the skin condition being treated. The device is either hand held or in the form of a lamp.
How IPL works ?
The principle on which IPL works is known as “selective photo thermolysis”. This means that out of the different wavelengths of light emitted by the device, a particular wavelength of light is selectively absorbed by a particular chromophore, thus resulting in its destruction eventually. There is no collateral damage to the surrounding tissues. The 3 main chromophores in human skin are –
- Hemoglobin – that is how it is effective in curing vascular lesions like angiomas and rosacea.
- Melanin – that is how it is effective in treating pigmentation and in hair removal
- Water
Where are photofacials useful?
Generally, photo facial is a good way to get rid of skin blemishes, uneven skin tone and maintain a youthful healthy-looking skin. There are certain specific issues for which it works wonderfully too-
- Rosacea
- Sun damaged skin
- Freckles
- Spider veins
- Broken capillaries
- Rhytids
- Hyperpigmentation
- Port wine stain
- Hair reduction
- Skin tightening
LED photo facials are specifically useful in reducing acne.
Photo-facial at Meraki Skin Clinic
Our experts first assess your skin, and it is prepped for a few days before its ready for a photo-facial, this would include the use of certain serums and sunscreen. On the day of photo-facial, our trained therapist cleanses the facial skin, followed by application of a cooling gel in the face. The eyes are covered by eye protection gear. The hand piece of the laser machine is placed in contact with the skin and simultaneously shorts of light are given on the skin. Once the procedure is completed, face is cleaned and a combination of serums, moisturizer and sunscreen is applied.
How often should it be done?
The frequency varies according to the issue that is being handled. Generally, it is done once a month.
How long does a session takes?
About an hour.
Does it hurt?
Well, pain is mostly subjective. Some patients feel a mild stinging, while others have also reported feeling like a rubber band flicking them in face. But, with the intermittent cooling technology, discomfort can be minimized.
How long is the recovery time?
As such photo-facial has a good safety profile. Mild redness or burning sensation can be expected, which can subside within 24-48 hours.
Side effects –
When done under expert guidance, risk of any side effects is minimal
- Mild redness
- Mild swelling
- Crusting
- Blister formation
A dermatologist’s experience with photo-facial-
I get a photo-facial done every month just for maintaining general health of my skin. Over a period of time, it has helped me get rid of hyperpigmentation on my forehead. I have also experienced my facial skin looking a bit firmer and more uplifted. At first, it did feel like someone is flicking a rubber band on my face, but it got better eventually. I really look forward to this self-care session.
Consult our experts to get the BEST PHOTOFACIAL TREATMENTS IN GURGAON
