Book Now
Make Payment
  • (512)-257-7600
  • 1103 Cypress Creek Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Telemedicine

Fotofacial Rf/ipl

CALL: (512) 257-7600
BOOK NOW

What is the FotoFacial RF?

FotoFacial RF brings a unique combination of intense pulse light (IPL) and powerful radiofrequency energy (RF) that act synergistically to enhance the skin. This procedure has increased in popularity and recognition to the point that 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 that is FDA-approved for facial rejuvenation.

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, or diffuse redness over the face, neck, chest, and hands. Sun exposure also accelerates wrinkles around the eyes, cheeks, and mouth. Those 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 FotoFacial RF/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

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 to 30 minutes. Any pain associated with the flashes is reduced to a minimum with a special device that cools your skin. After a treatment, you can put on makeup immediately and return to your regular activities.

FotoFacial RF/IPL does not exert its full beneficial effect in only one treatment; the process must be repeated over several weeks. Three to five treatments over the span of 12 weeks are often required—i.e., 1 treatment every 3 weeks. To optimize results, we often combine treatments with superficial skin peels between the FotoFacial RF treatments. 
Our FotoFacial RF program consists of treatments 3 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 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 usually see 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.
FotoFacial RF is not indicated in patients with connective tissue disease or autoimmune disorders. It cannot be performed during pregnancy, nor can it be done on recently suntanned skin (we wait until the tan fades) or on 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, and 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. 
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. 
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 facelift 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. 
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 3 days. Mild blistering is possible, but in our experience, occurs in fewer than 1% of patients and usually clears 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. 
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.
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.

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.

Prior to your appointment, all makeup 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.

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 everyday activities. Downtime is at least 2 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.

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.

Shallow scars including fine lines may be improved, but “icepick”-type acne scarring and deep scars will not be helped. Laser resurfacing is usually indicated here.

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.

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