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Fotofacial

A child’s skin is smooth and soft to the touch, with even tone. Most adults would like to have those youthful complexion characteristics, if they could be achieved without downtime. Walnut Creek, CA Board-certified dermatologist, Dr. M. Christine Lee, has a solution – FotoFacial treatment for skin rejuvenation.

Fotofacial, Walnut Creek

Understanding IPL

Intense pulsed light or IPL is a skin improvement therapy. Since the treatment is energy-based, it is often classified with laser therapies, but there are significant differences. A laser concentrates a beam of light in a single wavelength or color. In dermatological terms, that wavelength is matched to a specific chromophore (the part of molecules in bodily tissues that determines color). The matching chromophore absorbs energy from the laser, creating therapeutic change in the tissue. Thus, one laser generally treats one condition.

An IPL device, however, delivers intense pulses of visible, broad-spectrum light. These various wavelengths of light are more scattered than a laser beam. They penetrate the deeper dermis layer of skin, targeting certain chromophores and structures, without harm to the epidermis or top layer. IPL energy absorbed by pigmented cells is then converted to heat.

Various interchangeable filters are applied to restrict shorter wavelengths (this is how exposure to ultraviolet rays, which are potentially damaging to skin, are avoided during treatment). In the hands of an experienced clinician, IPL treatment can be tailored to safely address multiple conditions, on virtually any area of the body. When IPL treatment is performed on the face and neck, it is called a FotoFacial.

When Walnut Creek, CA dermatologist recommends FotoFacial treatment

A large portion of Dr. Lee’s career has been devoted to improvements and innovations in laser/light/energy therapies for skin. With this experience, she may suggest a series of FotoFacial sessions for:

  • Skin tone repair – IPL treatment breaks up brown discolorations including freckles, age spots, and hyperpigmentation, evening out the complexion. By switching filters, FotoFacial removes red spots and broken blood vessels, and improves rosacea.
  • Sun damaged skin – In addition to discoloration, sun exposure thins skin and causes laxity. FotoFacial helps to restore resiliency, softening fine lines and lesser wrinkles.
  • Overall rejuvenation – Photo rejuvenation brightens the complexion and imparts a natural glow.
  • Combination treatment – FotoFacials are quite beneficial on their own. They can also be combined with other non or minimally invasive treatments such as injectable neuromodulators (Botox), deep dermal fillers like Radiesse, microneedling, or Hydrafacials.
  • Hair removal – Though The Skin and Laser Treatment Institute is equipped with leading-edge laser hair removal technologies, for some patients IPL is a suitable alternative.

IPL is not painful, and no anesthetic is needed. You simply feel a mild “zapping” sensation as pulses of energy enter the skin. Number of sessions and frequency is personalized to your skin enhancement goals. However, a typical treatment plan involves four to six FotoFacials, scheduled about once a month. Each treatment takes an hour or less, and there is no downtime.

FotoFacial cost, risks, & results

Noticeable change develops gradually, increasing with each treatment, and for a period after the final session. Most people are quite happy with results of this gentle therapy, and eager to schedule periodic “touch-ups” to maintain youthful skin.

Dr. Lee’s short and long-term safety record with IPL is excellent. However, some patients experience minor swelling or redness, which typically resolves within a few hours. FotoFacial may not be appropriate for individuals with very dark skin color, or those with a tendency to develop keloid scarring.

The cost of FotoFacial treatment may be more economical than laser therapies or other skin rejuvenation techniques. The Skin and Laser Treatment Institute in Walnut Creek, CA wants you to have the beautiful skin you deserve. Call (925) 528-0117 to find out about payment options.

Dr. Christine Lee

Dr. Min-Wei Christine Lee

Dr. Christine Lee is a Board-certified Dermatologist with sub-specialties in laser surgery, cosmetic surgery, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, facial plastic reconstruction, and dermatologic surgery. She leads The Skin And Laser Treatment Institute as its Director and serves as Clinical Faculty for the Department of Dermatologic Surgery at the University of California San Francisco. Patients travel from across the globe for her expertise, and Dr. Lee has trained thousands of stateside and international doctors.

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