Summary
Photo-rejuvenation encompasses many procedures using light or laser-based technology to reverse the effects of photoaging. Non-ablative photo-rejuvenation refers to the controlled use of thermal energy to carry out skin rejuvenation without disturbing the overlying epidermis and with minimal to no downtime. Currently employed non-ablative modalities include primarily intense pulsed light (IPL), visible wavelengths including 585nm pulsed dye laser (PDL), and 532 nm green light (KTP laser). Different infrared wavelengths with water as the target are used for remodeling dermal collagen. The primary mechanism of action is thermal injury either by heating the dermis to stimulate fibroblast proliferation or by heating blood vessels for photocoagulation. The newest way to deliver these wavelengths is by fractionating the dose. The non-thermal mechanism, which represents a fundamental change in thinking, is the theory of photo-modulation. This novel approach to photoaging uses non-thermal light treatments to regulate the activity of cells and not to invoke thermal wound healing mechanisms. The two types of Photo-facial (foto-facial) or Photo-rejuvenation are available are the Intense-Pulsed Light (IPL) and the Light-Emitting Diode (LED) treatments; however, to get the results you hope to do, it’s essential to understand the difference between these facial rejuvenation technologies before you book an appointment. Your best bet for minor skin problems is to schedule an LED (often called a Non-IPL) treatment, and for more severe conditions, you’ll book to IPL.
Photo-rejuvenation encompasses many procedures using Light or laser-based technology to reverse the effects of photoaging. Photoaging, of which dermal collagen degeneration comprises a large part, is compounded by environmental damage, including smoking, pollutants, and other insults causing free radical formation. Non-ablative photo-rejuvenation refers to the controlled use of thermal energy to carry out skin rejuvenation without disturbing the overlying epidermis and with minimal to no downtime. Currently employed non-ablative modalities include primarily intense pulsed Light (IPL), visible wavelengths including 585nm pulsed dye laser (PDL), and 532 nm green light (KTP laser). Different infrared wavelengths with water as the target are used for remodeling dermal collagen. Because absorption by melanin is negligible, can use these devices for all skin types, including 1064, 1320, 1450, and 1540 nm. The primary mechanism of action is thermal injury either by heating the dermis to stimulate fibroblast proliferation or by heating blood vessels for photocoagulation. The newest way to deliver these wavelengths is by fractionating the dose through microlenses that allow microthermal zones surrounded by healthy skin. The non-thermal mechanism, which represents a fundamental change in thinking, is the theory of photo-modulation. This concept involves stimulating cells to do certain functions using light packets that are low energy and stimulate or inhibit various cellular processes. This novel approach to photoaging uses non-thermal light treatments to regulate the activity of cells and not to invoke thermal wound healing mechanisms. The two types of Photo-facial (foto-facial) or Photo-rejuvenation are available are the Intense-Pulsed Light (IPL) and the Light-Emitting Diode (LED) treatments; however, to get the results you hope to do, it’s essential to understand the difference between these facial rejuvenation technologies before you book an appointment. Your best bet for minor skin problems is to schedule an LED (often called a Non-IPL) treatment, and for more severe conditions, you’ll book to IPL.
What is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Skin Treatment?
IPL devices are not lasers but instead contain a powerful flashlamp that produces noncoherent, polychromatic Light that can provide various wavelengths, fluences, and pulse durations. This Light acts like a laser in causing selective photothermolysis and treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions, photodamage, acne, and unwanted hair. The advantage of IPL is its ability to target both melanin and hemoglobin, resulting in global improvement in abnormal pigmentation and vascularity. Therefore, IPL devices help treat various vascular conditions, including facial telangiectasia, poikiloderma of Civatte, superficial hemangiomas, and port-wine stains. Photodamage, including unwanted pigment, is typical for these devices both on and off the face.
In addition, it induced collagen remodeling with a modest effect. An IPL photo facial is the better choice if you have brown spots, broken capillaries, or overall redness of the face. The term “photorejuvenation” was coined in describing the global improvement in multiple limits of photoaging. An exciting research project with IPL devices showed that there were youthful changes to the skin DNA in addition to histologic skin improvement. Long-term IPL use has been linked to retardation of skin aging and is marketed under the Forever Young brand. The use of IPL has led to modest clinical improvement in rhytides, although pigment and vascular abnormalities of photodamaged skin show a dramatic increase. The combination of IPL with RF leads to a synergistic effect, resulting in further improvement of wrinkles and skin texture accompanied by a reduction of skin laxity. IPL has been the most effective light source used in conjunction with aminolevulinic acid (ALA) to improve skin signs of photoaging in photodynamic therapy.
What is Light-emitting diode (LED) Skin Treatment?
MSI offers LED photo-facials if you have sensitive skin or want to treat a minor blemish or wrinkle. Usually referred to as light therapy or LED treatment, LED photo-facials are painless, calm, and relaxing, and unlike laser treatments, carry no risk of burning. An LED photo facial is a very gentle treatment that uses narrow spectrum light to boost collagen, creating plumper, younger-looking skin or killing the bacteria that causes acne. However, you will need to book a series of treatments to do the best results; at MSI medical Spa, we recommend six sessions. An LED photo facial is a very gentle treatment that uses narrow spectrum light to boost collagen, creating plumper, younger-looking skin or killing the bacteria that causes acne. LED photo facials are painless, serene, and relaxing and (unlike IPL or laser treatments) carry no risk of burning. LED photo facials are the right choice for people who want to boost collagen or treat acne. Through LED Photo-modulation, LED Light can correct skin appearance and help lower signs of aging over time. The results will not be as dramatic as plastic surgery or even other energy-based devices, but it is a gentler, more natural, less expensive way to go. The best results come after a series of photo facial treatments. First, a series of six treatments with one-to-two weeks between is recommended. After that, keep up with a treatment every month or two. It is offered a stand-alone treatment or faster results as a part of a more comprehensive rejuvenating MSI Peel.
The ideal combination for stand-alone LED-LLLT in skin rejuvenation would, therefore, be 590 nm applied first to target specifically the epidermis, followed by 830 nm, which will not only boost epidermal cellular activity but will also photoactivate mast cells, macrophages, neutrophils (if present), and of course fibroblasts. It has to be noted that the effect is not instantly visible, but on the other hand, increasing efficacy is seen over a 12-week follow-up. This requires good patient education is a must. Even more exciting than the stand-alone options for 830-nm LED-LLLT is its ability to be used in conjunction with any other procedure or approach which alters patients’ tissue architecture. Despite the moaning of the skeptics, LED phototherapy has arrived, has been proven to work in many areas, and is finding a steadily increasing number of applications both within and outside dermatology. It is comparatively inexpensive, robust, easy to administer, safe, effective, pain-free (in fact, it can take its ups to treat pain), side-effect free, and minimally contraindicated. It offers the possibility of a stand-alone noninvasive phototherapy method. Still, when used together with any of the methods currently used by the dermatologist to alter their patient’s skin, already can expect good results to become even better. LED phototherapy will not turn a poor dermatologist into a good one, but it will help the excellent dermatologist to become even better, with happier patients.
The skin is cleansed of all makeup. A topical anesthetic may be used and left on for a proper time and then washed off. Eye protection is placed on patients and providers as well as all people in the room. The door is locked, appropriate signage is placed on it, and a pair of more glasses are left for staff to use if they come into the room during treatment. Appropriate filters or handpieces are used, and limits adjusted. The restrictions applied to vary by device, filter, and the clinical entity being treated. A clear coupling gel is placed on the treatment area as an optical and thermal coupler. One to 2 device activations are performed on the intended area, skin reaction assessed, and parameters adjusted based on response. The treatment is completed, and posttreatment sun avoidance and instructions are reinforced.
How Do I Look after Photorejuvenation Skin Treatment?
After each treatment, patients can return to normal activities. The skin will be slightly pink when you leave but easily covered with makeup. Post care is relatively easy and may include ice packs administration to cool the patients’ skin immediately after the procedure. A low potency corticosteroid cream may be used for 2 to 3 days (twice a day) to increase comfort and shorten healing time. Patients must refrain from direct sun exposure for one week. A high-quality sunblock (sun protection factor 30+) should be used daily along with a barrier if outdoor activities are unavoidable. Downtime after IPL treatment is minimal to zero.
How Many Sessions of Photorejuvenation Skin Treatment Do I Need?
The number of IPL photo facials you need will vary depending on the condition you are treating, the results you want, and how your skin responds. Photo facials work best in conjunction with MSI skincare products developed for you. It can be offered as a stand-alone treatment or mainly as a part of a more comprehensive rejuvenating MSI Peel. After the first series of treatments, more Foto-facial sessions are recommended once every 3 to 4 months to keep up results.ain
What is Photodynamic Therapy or PDT?
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves photochemical reactions mediated through the interaction of photosensitizing agents, light, and oxygen for rejuvenating the skin and treating acne. Photodynamic therapy is a 2-step procedure. In the first step, the plant photosensitizer (mild reaction) or ALA (moderate to severe reaction) is applied to the skin, and it can take its ups. The second step involves activating the photosensitizer in the presence of oxygen with a specific wavelength of light (infrared light, IPL, Laser, or LED (blue, red, or combination). Once delivered, the targeted tissue absorbs the Light’s energy. Photodynamic therapy works best to improve sun-damaged skin and treat such oily skin conditions as inflammatory acne and rosacea.
