Achieve optimal results by reversing the signs of sun damage with IPL (Intense Pulse Light) photo therapy. Reduce sun spots, age spots, and uneven skin tone caused by chronic sun exposure. Treatments can be performed on the face and body.

Photorejuvenation is one of the most popular methods of skin resurfacing therapies to produce younger and healthier looking skin by improving skin texture, tone and color. When this therapy is performed on the face, it is called a photo facial.
 
During the aging process, skin comes into contact with many environmental and hormonal factors which can lead to various conditions such as freckles, melasma, sun spots, age spots, broken capillaries on the face (called telangiectasia), enlarged pore size, wrinkles, blotchy skin, cherry angiomas, Rosacea, redness of the face and neck, and uneven pigmentation.

Photorejuvenation is typically performed with an IPL laser on the face, neck,décolleté, arms and hands of the body and is safe for sensitive skin types and skin prone to scarring from laser resurfacing and strong chemical peels.

Performing a microdermabrasion procedure or chemical peel prior to photorejuvenation will remove the top layer of dead skin cells allowing the IPL device to penetrate the skin more easily yielding better results. Basically speaking, microdermabrasion works on the surface of the skin while photorejuvenation works under the skin.

IPL treatments can also improve the appearance of mild acne scarring, dark circles under the eyes, accelerate skin repair, and increase of oxygen and moisture to the skin. Treatments are generally performed in a series of 4 to 6 sessions that provide excellent long-term results with minimal adverse effects and little to no down time.

IPL works by light absorption into tissue. Various wavelengths of UV light are highly absorbed by melanin (pigment in hair and skin) and hemoglobin (blood). IPL treatments are performed in a series of pulses over the desired treatment area. The light source penetrates the skin without damaging it and targets blood and melanin on the surface and underlying layers of the skin. Blood present in broken capillaries absorbs the light causing it to clot. The clotted blood will be absorbed by the body and the vessels will disappear. Melanin in the skin will also absorb the light which will bring the pigment to the surface of the skin. Eventually, as the skin sheds, the pigment will flake off and can be assisted by mild exfoliation in the shower about one week after the treatment.

A benefit from IPL is that is causes a thermal (heat) effect to the underlying tissues which, in turn, stimulates the production of collagen. This effects results in tightening of the skin and decreased pore size.

In combination with photorejuvenation, Dr. Young may prescribe a skin lightening agent to accompany therapy for pigmented lesions. Regardless of the treatment regimen, you should always apply a UVA/UVB SPF30 to the treated area to protect against further damage from the sun regardless of the time of year.

Photorejuvenation treatments are contraindicated for:

Patients with a history of abnormal/severe response to sunlight

Patients with a suntan, or who have tanned in the past 6 weeks

Patients who will be exposed to excessive sunlight for a few weeks following treatment

Patient with connective tissue disease

Patients with autoimmune disorders

Patients who have undergone chemotherapy or radiation treatments 6 months prior to treatment

Patients who are pregnant

Patients who have taken Accutane medication 6 months prior to treatment

Conversely, photosensitizing medications such as antibiotics, anti-anxiety, sulfa drugs, birth control pills and anti-hypertensive medications are not contraindicated for photorejuvenation procedures.

Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic condition that generally affects the skin of the face and occasionally the eyes and is characterized by reddened skin, blemishes, and thickened skin in more advanced conditions. Rarely are other areas of the body affected. Rosacea affects approximately 14 million people in the United States. Adults between the ages of 30 and 60 are more likely to suffer from Rosacea with post-menopausal women being affected more than men.

The exact cause of Rosacea is not known. It is believed, however, that heredity plays an important factor. Persistent flushing of the skin is believed to be a precursor to developing Rosacea. Many patients have claimed that one or more factors have aggravated their condition such as, heat; hot water; sweating; strenuous exercise; sunlight; cold weather; certain spices; menopause; stress; and, alcohol.

Signs and symptoms of Rosacea include frequent flushing of the skin, vascular rosacea (Telangiectasia), inflammatory rosacea, and several other conditions involving the skin, eyes, and nose. Frequent flushing of the face (such as the forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin) happens during the initial onset of Rosacea which can also include a burning sensation especially when products are applied to the face. With Rosacea, slight swelling of the face can accompany the redness.

Vascular Rosacea, or Telangiectasia , results in persistent flushing and redness which is caused by the enlargement of small blood vessels under the skin. Inflammatory Rosacea results in persistent redness and small pimples. Sometimes sensitivity and inflammation of the eyes accompanied with Telangiectasia can simultaneously occur.

There is no cure for Rosacea, but it can be treated and controlled. Rosacea and Telangiectasia respond well to IPL (Intense Pulsed-Light) treatments. In most cases, the blood vessels will disappear after only a few treatments. Laser treatments may be necessary for more advanced conditions. Medications may also be prescribed in conjunction with treatments. Depending on the severity of the condition, it may take several weeks or even months of treatment before an improvement is noticed in the skin.

Sun, Brown & Age Spots
When you look at your face in the mirror, or look down at your hands, do you see clear skin? Many people have pigment problems due to either sun damage, aging, or other conditions such as Rosacea and Spider Veins.

Fortunately, there is a way to turn back the clock on aging and have your skin looking years younger! Dr. Young uses the Palomar StarLux Pulsed-Light System to treat pigmentation problems because it is the most versatile, effective and comfortable aesthetic treatment available. IPL provides the most skin-safe, comfortable procedure without any downtime. The appointments are quick and you can even return to work without feeling any discomfort. IPL is very effective in correcting the damage from the sun, reducing pore size and eliminating unsightly spider veins.

Sun Damage is defined by a widened area of pigmentation usually on the face, chest and arms.

Sun Spots are more individual pigmented lesions, also called Age Spots, which are primarily found on the face and hands.

Spider Veins (also called telangiectasia) are tiny individual blood vessels which can appear blue, red or purple.

TOP OF PAGE