Photofacial Treatment: Pros and Cons

• Photofacial definition
• Difference between IPL and Photofacial
• Pros and Cons of Photofacial treatment including FDA search results and percentages of success
• Additional problems associated with Photofacial treatment

Millions of patients visit their dermatologist office complaining of skin problems that run the gamut: fine lines and wrinkles, persistent red complexion, sun spots, acne scars, large pores, blemishes and post-pregnancy pregnancy masks. There are various treatments that involve a lot of inconvenience and potential problems: microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser resurfacing have been used to improve skin conditions. Intense pulsed light is a newer, non-abrasive technique to treat some of these conditions. Also called photo rejuvenation. IPL Photofacial is a gentle treatment. The difference between IPL and Photofacial: Photofacial treatment is a more established method of IPL. The difference is in the equipment. Photofacial equipment is more powerful and seems to have a higher rate of success. The question is always: What are the Photofacial treatment pros & cons?

Photofacial treatment Pros

1. Doesn’t Interfere with Your Life

Each treatment can take from 15 minutes to 30 minutes and you can usually return to your daily activities immediately after. The number of treatments is different for each patient and the particular reason for treatment. The main positive is that this doesn’t bother your normal day.

2. Results Are Almost Immediate

Most patients report positive results after the first treatment: some are immediate; some results take a few days. A typical result shows 75-95% improvement after a set of treatments. Each patient will have their own unique results. Reports of 50% improvement in redness and rosacea, and between 30-40% improvement in pigmentation. Studies indicate 90% of Photofacial Skin Rejuvenation patients have a high degree of overall satisfaction with the results, which are long lasting. This is a definite positive, because, after all we are in an immediate-gratification-society!

3. No Hospital Visit Required

Convenience is the key to every day life. The Photofacial treatments are conveniently done in your doctor’s or clinic office. As a non-invasive procedure, no hospitalization is required. You can set an appointment around your schedule and be back at work or play when done. No hospital hassle.

4. Changing Your Life

Many people have lived with embarrassing skin problems for years. Others have developed skin problems due to age or other factors. Once they have the Photofacial procedure done, patient self-esteem reaches new high levels. For many, Photofacial treatments have changed their lives in ways that they never thought. Their confidence level improves and they feel better about themselves. Scientific studies have proven that an elevated sense of self can also affect your overall health.

5. Photofacial Before and After

Take a look at the pictures of patients having completed the process. The doctor’s office usually has a number of Photofacial before and after photographs that you can use to compare your individual condition. Typically, you can see a difference in skin reddening, sun damaged skin, rosacea. Your situation may differ from those displayed, but seeing the positive results is worth it’s weight in gold.

6. No Real FDA Problems

There are only a few reports on the FDA website of any difficulties with the Photofacial process. Most are ambiguous, with little details being reported by the patient.

Now since we already learned about photofacial pros let’s talk about any negative aspects.

Photofacial treatment Cons:

1. Doesn’t work on all discolorations

Photofacial rejuvenation treatment might not work on all skin discolorations. Even something as simple sounding as removing freckles, may be expensive with little results. The discoloration may just be too deep in the skin for a positive Photofacial results. Some doctors will recommend that you continue treatment combined with other procedures such as microdermabrasion to get to the lower epidermal layers.

2. Photofacial Cost and Longevity

Since this is considered cosmetic, it will not be covered under your insurance. Costs vary from state to state. The cost to you can be from $720 to $3,000 and is dependent upon how many treatments you will need. Those that have had great results have saved the money and consider it worth the investment. Patients that have had less than favorable results consider it a waste. You must save up your money for the Photofacial cost and anticipate that treatments can take months to complete; only to find out the results were less than you expected.

3. Photofacial Side Effects

There have been reports from some patients that their skin has aged after their photofacial treatments. Additional reports have included enlarged pores, broken blood vessels and increased redness. Some patients have reported that the laser treatment actually hurt their teeth that had fillings. The description was like chewing on tin foil.

4. Make Sure You Use Only Service from Accredited Doctors

Make sure that you ask to see the certification credentials from the physician’s office for the Photofacial equipment. This will ensure that they have been trained and did not just buy the machine. This is a very important part of your ‘homework’. Like everything else, you want the professional that knows what they are doing and is accredited.

5. More Problems than You Started out with

Patients have reported more serious skin problems after their Photofacial treatment: Some have reported blistering and filling with fluid as one of the Photofacial side effects. Striping of the skin, also called foot-printing is common if the skin being treated in tan or has severe sun damage. Given the Photofacial cost, this can be a double negative by leaving you feeling depleted in both wallet and appearance.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.