What is the FotoFacial RF?
FotoFacial RF brings a unique combination of Intense Pulse Light (IPL) and powerful Radio Frequency energy that act synergistically to enhance the skin. This procedure has increased in popularity and recognition to the point where it is now one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in North America. This remarkable and innovative treatment modality uses an ELOS (electro-optical synergy) technology thar is FDA- approved for facial rejuvenation.
Who are candidates for FotoFacialRF/ IPL?
Sun damage is very prevalent in residents of Texas. Most people who live here for even a few years exhibit some evidence of sun damage in the form of dilated capillaries, brown spots, diffuse redness over the face, neck, chest, and hands. Sun exposure also accelerates wrinkles around the eyes, cheeks, and mouth. Those people who have noticeable signs of excessive sun damage including redness, dilated capillaries, wrinkles, brown spots, areas of diffuse pigmentation, and coarse skin texture are all ideal candidates for FotoFacialRF/IPL.
Rosacea, a exceedingly common skin affliction is manifest by facial redness, spontaneous uncontrolled flushing and blushing, and acne breakouts. While topical and oral antibiotics reduce the associated acne breakouts, until IPL there was no effective treatment for the redness, flushing, and blushing. Now this common skin disorder is readily and effectively treated by FotoFacial/RF. Flushing, blushing, and redness can be reduced as much as 80% in many cases, and acne breakouts improved substantially as well.
What is a FotoFacialRF/IPL treatment like? How long do they take? Are they painful?
FotoFacial/RF treatments are simple, convenient, and quick. After covering your eyes with protective glasses, we place a thin layer of cool gel over the treated area, press the IPL/RF device onto your skin and flash. The flashes are repeated until the entire area has been treated. Depending on the size of the area, a FotoFacial/RF treatment usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes. Any pain associated with the flashes is reduced to a bare minimum with a special device that cools your skin. After a treatment, you can put on makeup immediately and return to your regular activities.
Do I need more than one treatment?
FotoFacialRF/IPL does not exert its full beneficial effect in only one treatment; they must be repeated over several weeks. Three to five treatments over the span of twelve weeks are often required. That is, one treatment every three weeks. To optimize results, we often combine treatments with superficial skin peels between the FotoFacial/RF treatments.
What type of results from FotofacialRF/IPL can I expect? How much improvement will I see?
Our FotoFacial/RF Program consists of treatments three weeks apart. In the interval weeks between FotoFacial/ RF treatments to maximize the benefits, we combine FotoFacial/RF with superficial peels, either Microdermabrasion or a light chemical peel. These superficial peels remove the layer of dead skin that can decrease the IPL/RF penetration of the skin. Additionally, we treat the skin with a variety of skin care products, based on our patient's skin type. Some individuals, particularly those with darker skins and/or heavy pigmentation may require several weeks of skin care products prior to initiating the FotoFacial/RF Program.
We see usually a 75% improvement in redness, dilated capillaries, brown spots, hyperpigmentation and skin texture with FotoFacial/RF. Improvement in fine wrinkles, is variable. Overall, your skin will look brighter, fresher, and more youthful. It will shine again as it once did when you were younger.
Are there any people who cannot undergo FotoFacial/RF?
Fotofacial/RF is not indicated in patients with connective tissue disease or auto immune disorders. It cannot be done during pregnancy, nor can it be done on recently sun-tanned skin (we wait until the tan fades) or in those who may receive excess sun exposure for a few weeks following treatment. It cannot be used on patients taking Accutane. Photosensitive medications such as some antibiotics, anti-anxiety drugs, sulfa drugs may be a contraindication. Care must be taken in patients who get fever blister attacks on the lips (cold sores). An anti-herpes medication can be taken to avoid activation of this virus. There is no age limit for FotoFacial/RF.
How long will the beneficial effects of Fotofacial/RF last? Will I need additional treatments to maintain the results?
After your initial treatments we recommend maintenance treatments every 6 months. However, even without regular follow up treatments, the positive results of our Fotofacial/RF treatments can last a considerable length of time. Of course, sun exposure, smoking, aging, etc., can reduce the longevity of these benefits.
What conditions will this treatment not help?
Fotofacial/RF won't treat frown lines, sometimes known as lines of expression on the face, especially the forehead and between the brows. These are very effectively treated by BOTOX® Cosmetic injections which Dr. Honeycutt provides. Fotofacial/RF is not a substitute for a face-lift and will not help baggy or sagging skin. It will not cure the puffiness around the eyes for which blepharoplasty surgery is usually performed. It is not a treatment for skin cancer. It won't remove bumpy moles but can reduce their pigment. Although, it will remove acquired freckling, genetic freckles usually return after treatment. It will not remove Seborrheic keratoses, also known as age spots. It also will not remove sebaceous hyperplasias, a benign growth of oil glands in the skin.
Are there any side effects?
Most side effects of Fotofacial/RF are mild and of short duration. These can consist of short-term discomfort during the treatment. There is sometimes mild pinkness immediately following treatment, lasting less than 24 hours in most people, on rare occasions it may last up to three days. Mild blistering is possible, but in our experience occur in less than 1% and usually clear very quickly. A post treatment increase in pigmentation (hyperpigmentation) has been noted on occasion but is either transient or highly treatable and uncommon. Even more rare is a decrease in pigmentation (hypopigmentation) of the skin after treatments.
What requirements are necessary to have this treatment?
All patients must have a consultation prior to the procedure. At the time of the first treatment, each patient will be tested to properly evaluate the correct settings for the patient's skin condition and skin type. These parameters will then be recorded in the patient’s chart for future reference. An informed consent document must be signed prior to the initial treatment.
What if I have a low tolerance for pain or sensitive skin?
The application of a cooling tip during the treatment reduces any pain to a minimum. We have extensive experience with patients who have sensitive skin, always listen to their concerns, and treat accordingly.
Who administers the treatments?
All patients will be evaluated by Dr. Lori Honeycutt as to their suitability for FotoFacial/RF. The treatment itself is performed by our experienced Licensed Esthetician.
Is there anything special I have to do prior to a Fotofacial/RF treatment?
Prior to your appointment, all make-up or creams must be removed. Men will be asked to shave on the day of treatment, prior to their arrival at the office. If any herpetic lesions (cold sores) or bacterial infections are noted on the day of the procedure, the treatment will be canceled until the condition has resolved.
Can I accomplish the same results with Laser Resurfacing as Fotofacial/RF?
No. Laser Resurfacing may very well help wrinkles, but it does not affect or remove blood vessels or flushing and deep pigmentation. Further, it usually requires time away from work and your usual every day activities. Downtime is at least two weeks and up to a few months of redness in the treated areas can occur. Laser resurfacing has a valuable place in the treatment of certain conditions of the face, but it is not a substitute for the Fotofacial/RF.
Can I accomplish the same results with Chemical Peels, Or Microdermabrasion?
No, these treatments by themselves cannot achieve the results of FotoFacial/RF. Microdermabrasion and light chemical peels enhance the benefits of FotoFacial/RF and are used in conjunction with FotoFacial/RF treatments.
Will FotoFacial/RF treatments help my acne scars?
Shallow scars including fine lines may be improved, but "ice pick" type acne scarring and deep scars will not be helped. Laser resurfacing is usually indicated here.
What if the redness and sun damage extends to my neck, chest, hands, and arms? Can these areas be treated?
Yes, these areas can also be treated successfully, much like the face. Many women especially are delighted to get rid of the "V-neck" effect of sun-damage that has accumulated in these areas from years of sun exposure.
What do treatments cost?
Experience has shown us that we cannot predict how many treatments any patient may need. Therefore, we charge for FotoFacial/RF on individual treatment basis only. There is an additional charge for the neck, chest, or hands but they are discounted when multiple areas are treated.
Ask to schedule a consultation to determine the approximate number of treatments recommended for optimum effects.