The SFP Medispa is well known to offer the latest technology and premium skin care solutions for our patients. Sciton IPL (Intense Pulse Light) and (BBL) Broad-band light are two similar anti-aging treatments that have gained popularity over the years as being safe, gentle extremely gratifying. They are both highly effective and efficient treatments, with high patient satisfaction due to their enduring properties and powerful technologies. These treatments are designed to help both men and women achieve a smoother, more even skin tone -reducing visible signs of aging, damage or discolouration.
The technology is a non-invasive and non-ablative, meaning that no skin is removed, which can occur with some of the other laser technologies. The primary purpose is to rejuvenate aging skin, remove imperfections and any damage to the skin in order to give it a more youthful and vibrant appearance. Intense pulsed light, fotofacial or photofacial treatments eliminate redness, broken capillaries, brown spots, and reduce fine wrinkles and large pores.
Using a series of full-face treatments and specific light parameters, one will see consistent and dramatic improvements of sun damage, flushing, redness and broken capillaries. Patients observe smoother skin with visible improvements in irregular pigmentation, fine wrinkles, and pore size. Generally, different wave lengths of light are absorbed by the skin. Some of the light is taken up by pigment, others by reds in the skin. The end result is to produce a complexion that is more even toned, smoother and youthful. Whether referred to as IPL, fotofacial, photorejuvenation or BBL, this newer technology that uses broadspectrum light can gently and effectively treat a variety of skin conditions.
The characteristic redness of vascular lesions is reduced and pigmented or brown spots on the skin are faded for a more smooth and youthful appearance. IPL treatments can dramatically affect photo-aging or skin damage due to sun exposure on the face, neck, chest, and hands; almost any area of the body where sun damage is apparent.
Intense pulsed light, fotofacial or photorejuvenation treatment takes minutes, requires no anesthesia, and patients are able to return to full activities immediately after treatments. There are few technologies that can achieve these results. The absence of “downtime,” scarring, minimal discomfort, ease of treatments, and the high degree of patient satisfaction offer a number of advantages over laser skin resurfacing, chemical peeling, or microdermabrasion.
People that desire to improve the appearance of their skin and reduce sun damage, but wish to avoid the downtime and discomfort of laser resurfacing are considered good candidates for the Fotofacial treatment. People who are looking to achieve a more dramatic improvement in their skin than can be accomplished with a microdermabrasion treatment, will find the fotofacial treatment an excellent choice.
Younger patients with milder degrees of skin damage or early signs of aging are considered ideal candidates for the Fotofacial, but perhaps do not want the higher costs associated with other available treatments, along with the downtime and discomfort of other procedures. Other patients may desire instant dramatic results in their skin than other treatments can deliver.
Please note that a “one size fits all” approach is not what we offer, nor is it ideal when it comes to the state of the art IPL anti-aging treatment. Instead, the light technology is customized. In other words, the light will be modified according to the unique skin colour of the patient as well as the unique skin condition that they have. The end result is a more even skin tone, as well as skin that appears younger looking and radiant.
Unlike laser light, IPL uses broad spectrum light with cut-off filters that are customized to reach only the areas that are to be treated without damaging the surface layers of skin. The wave lengths only affect the blood vessels being targeted or the melanin in the skin that is causing the dark spots. The pin-pointed areas of the skin that absorb the light and heat energy, are effectively destroyed and eventually eliminated through the body’s natural healing processes. Part of that natural healing process includes the production of new collagen— the essential building block of fresh, healthy, new skin — resulting in improved texture, reduced pore size, and smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles.
The capability of IPL technology to avoid damage to the upper and most visible layer of the skin is one reason many patients choose this procedure over laser, chemical peels or other more invasive skin resurfacing techniques. Because the treated tissue is under the surface, there are few side effects, larger areas can be treated at one time, and little or no downtime is involved. Active patients love this procedure since they don’t have to slow down, stay home from work or miss out on other activities.
In the spectrum of skin resurfacing and rejuvenation procedures available, IPL falls between microdermabrasion or chemical peels and laser treatments.
The IPL procedure itself requires no anesthesia since it causes minimal discomfort and takes only about twenty to thirty minutes to complete. Patients will be asked to place dark goggles on their eyes in order to protect their eyes from the bright light that is emitted.
After a cooling gel is applied to the skin, a smooth hand piece is gently placed over the area of skin to be treated. The light is delivered through the hand piece in pulses as it passes over the skin. Some patients may be concerned that the light may hurt. However, most patients who have undergone the procedure describe the light as a “small sting”. The sensation is noticeable, but, in most cases, is very well tolerated and should not be an issue of concern. Though there may be some redness that disappears within a few hours, there is no recovery time necessary. You can return to all of your regular activities and even wear makeup if you like following your IPL treatment.
In terms of what to expect immediately after the photo-rejuvenation treatment is complete, you will notice some redness if you are one who has suffered from blotchy and red skin prior to the treatment. Furthermore, if you had existing freckles or brown spots prior to the procedure, they may appear darker for a few days following the treatment. This is normal and to be expected. Fortunately, it will peel off on its own after a few days have passed. In addition, patients who suffer from recurring cold sores may be prescribed an antiviral medication in order to prevent a recurrence.
The effects of IPL photo-rejuvenation treatments are gradual and completely natural. Typically, four to six sessions spaced about three weeks apart are required to achieve optimum results. The consistent use of a high-SPF sun protection may allow the benefits of the treatment to last from anywhere up to a year. Any tanning should also be avoided while undergoing the treatment. Expecting impressive and instant results immediately following the procedure is an unrealistic expectation, and it is best to discuss your unique needs and concerns with Dr. Philip Solomon, Otolaryngologist, Head and Neck Surgery practicing Facial Plastic Surgery, before you decide if IPL is right for you.
IPL has been used to treat freckles, melasma, spider veins, fine wrinkles, and birthmarks. IPL can also be used to treat mild scarring, fine lines, a dull complexion, age spots, brown pigmentation, acne based enlarged pores, Rosacea, small veins, flushing, redness, and other skin damage brought on by prolonged exposure to UV rays. In many cases, the hands, chest, and neck are also treated.
With regard to longevity, the results can last for several years in some cases. Sun exposure is a huge factor in terms of how long the results will last, as well as the person’s natural aging process. Dr. Solomon may suggest a unique line of anti-aging products for you in order to maximize the effectiveness and duration of the treatment. However, as each person and condition is unique the end result varies for patients.
Another benefit with a photo rejuvenation treatment at Solomon Facial Plastic is that your treatment will be in the hands of an experienced facial specialist and can even be combined with other procedures if you so choose. For instance, it can be used with microdermabrasion, chemical peels, injectable fillers, Botox injections, profractional lasers, and even laser surfacing to provide even greater results. Always consult with your IPL treatment specialist about any other procedures you may be interested in.
A consultation with Dr. Solomon, a facial cosmetic surgeon in Toronto who is board certified in Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and a board certified facial plastic surgeon by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery will help you determine if IPL photo-rejuvenation is the best procedure for your needs and goals.
Your consultation will also include a visit with our facial cosmetic surgery clinic nurse, who will perform a computer photo imaging skin assessment. This imaging software allows us to assess your skin and target treatments with IPL. The computer skin analysis system also allows us to assess your response to IPL treatment.
Call our office today to schedule an appointment and find out the options we have available to treat damaged or aging skin in a safe and gentle way. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have and to help you achieve the radiant complexion you’ve always wanted and deserve.
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Botox Injections, Bellafill, Belkyra, Liquid Facelift, Temporary Facial Fillers, SFP MediSpa Services, Fractora, Forma Facial, Ultrapulse C02 Laser Resurfacing, PhotoFacial IPL Therapy, MicroLaser Peel, Pelleve Facial Skin Tightening and Fraxel Laser.
In order to best assist you, we require all cosmetic patients to schedule a virtual or in-person consultation. There is a fee of $250 with imaging plus HST for all consultations. Your consultation fee will be credited towards your procedure and/or treatment. To schedule a consultation, please complete the attached form or call our office at 905-764-7799. We look forward to hearing from you.
