NON-INVASIVE COMPLEXION IMPROVEMENT

AFT is the latest intense pulsed light (IPL) laser treatment technology. It is a non-invasive procedure that improves skin tone and texture. It effectively enhances photodamaged (sun-damaged) skin and addresses other superficial skin problems. AFT photorejuvenation treatment is safe and effective as it increases emission and penetration of light but also doesn’t damage the skin. It delivers Equally Distributed Fluence which enables every pulse to have a uniform density of energy through the whole output. Side effects that were connected to traditional IPL treatments are minimized now because of the lower energy. This maximizes patients’ safety and comfort.

Procedure info at a glance

Is it painful? No
Is there any downtime? Usually no
How many sessions are needed? Usually 4-6 sessions
How long does the procedure take? Around 30 minutes
When can I see the results? After recommended course of treatments
How often should I do it? Every month

How It Works

HOW DOES AFT PHOTO-REJUVENATION TREATMENT WORK?

Photo-rejuvenation treatment is sometimes called photo-facial. It is a non-invasive and fast skin rejuvenation procedure that uses intensive pulses of broadband light and treats discoloration of the skin and photo aging at the surface of the skin or at the cellular level. It gives a younger-looking and smoother appearance to the skin.

IPL light penetrates deep into the epidermis and causes collagen fibers and blood vessels to constrict but it doesn’t damage the top layer of the skin. It is so effective because the targeted light is absorbed by melanin and red blood cells deep in the skin and it intentionally damages the area where it is directed. This is when the pigmentation is broken up but at the same time cells are woken up and transform the patchy, red or sun-damaged skin to a more even and smoother complexion.

This special technique, known also as pulsed light therapy, emits intense, bright light on different areas of the skin. The therapist uses a handpiece called an IPL device that has a glass or laser surface tip. The tip is pressed to the targeted areas and emits light that disrupts the collagen beneath the skin and heats it up. This way the body is stimulated to produce more of this collagen that eventually fills in wrinkles and fine lines on the face, reduces discoloration and flushing and can fill in shallow acne scars.

WHAT SKIN PROBLEMS CAN BE TREATED WITH AFT PHOTO-REJUVENATION?

Photo-rejuvenation treatment uses broad-spectrum light technology to effectively treat different skin issues. It can be used on any part of the body. The common skin problems that it can treat include

  • Age and sunspots
  • Freckles
  • Rosacea
  • Broken capillaries
  • Hyperpigmentation – brown spots
  • Stretchmarks
  • Skin texture issues
  • Spider veins
  • Wrinkles and fine lines
  • Excessive flushing
  • Acne scars
  • Enlarged pores

Since IPL delivers different wavelengths, AFT rejuvenation therapists use it to treat different skin discoloration issues over areas such as the face, neck, chest, back and arms.

Acne-prone skin

AFT photo-rejuvenation  treatment is especially effective in targeting acne scars and inflammatory acne. IPL or light therapy lowers the levels of bacteria that cause acne to appear. It is scientifically proven that the AFT photo-rejuvenation  procedure treats the issues with acne and also lowers the excess sebum that sebaceous glands produce which can also contribute to the appearance of acne. This skin condition is treated the safest way with photo-rejuvenation .

Rosacea 

IPL photo-rejuvenation  uses special wavelengths and reduces the redness, inflammation, or uneven skin tones that are caused by rosacea. After the treatment, the skin gradually improves. Since this procedure targets problematic areas and stimulates new collagen to build up it greatly improves the appearance of rosacea.

THE BENEFITS OF AFT PHOTO-REJUVENATION TREATMENT

AFT Photo-rejuvenation  is a perfect solution for repairing sun-damaged skin and making the skin more even. Since it has minimal to no downtime and few side effects it can address various skin discoloration problems and improve them safely and effectively.

It is a non-invasive procedure and a lot of patients who shy away from surgical procedures turn to photo-rejuvenation  treatment to improve their skin issues.

AFT Photo-rejuvenation  is a fast treatment and can be completed in one hour or even less and can be used on almost any part of the body.

It reduces redness and hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, improves photo-damage, eliminates bacteria that cause acne – overall it ensures a more youthful appearance and improved tone and texture of the skin on the face, neck and chest.

Another advantage of IPL photo-facial is that it can be combined with other procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion and other facials that address the superficial skin layer. IPL treatment targets deeper layers of the skin so it can be safely done with facials that target the top layers of the skin. It is suitable for most patients with lighter skin tones who are looking for improvement in their complexion.

FREQUENT QUESTIONS

  • ‍WHO IS THE BEST CANDIDATE FOR AFT PHOTO-REJUVENATION?

    IPL treatments provide the best results for people who have light and medium skin tone and have preserved skin elasticity to a certain degree. Their skin has only a small amount of melanin so IPL energy can easily treat unwanted pigmentation and leave the surface of the skin undamaged. These candidates can effectively treat brown and red discoloration, freckles and age spots on their faces and chest. Also, photo-rejuvenation can address other superficial problems like acne, wrinkles and pigmentation.

    People with deep tans and darker skin tones are not recommended to have IPL procedures. They can experience more side effects like pigmentation changes and blisters.

  • HOW DOES IPL PHOTO-REJUVENATION TREATMENT LOOK LIKE?

    When arriving at Lucia Clinic, patients first consult with the photo-rejuvenation therapists about their cosmetic goals. The therapist first examines the patient’s skin and talks about the issues that can be resolved with photo-rejuvenation . Together with the patient, the therapist makes a custom-tailored treatment plan that will address the patient’s skin issues and include the number of treatments necessary for reaching the best results.

    The therapist also discusses with the patients his/her medical history - present and past medical conditions, allergies, previous surgeries, etc.

    Lucia Clinic therapist also advises the patient how to prepare for the IPL photo-rejuvenation procedure like moisturizing the skin, avoiding excessive sun exposure and tanning beds, avoiding aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory and antibiotics medications.

  • ON THE DAY OF THE TREATMENT

    When coming to the scheduled photo-rejuvenation procedure, the patient shouldn’t wear any skincare and makeup products. The patient’s targeted area is thoroughly cleaned and then the topical numbing cream is applied to the patient’s face 10 to 15 minutes before the treatment. After that, a cooling gel is applied to the face. The patient is given protective eye shields before the treatment starts. The therapist then scans the IPL handpiece across the targeted area. Since the procedure is non-invasive it is minimally uncomfortable. The patient may experience the laser as a light snap of a rubber band accompanied by a slight heat. The AFT handpiece has a cooling effect that minimizes discomfort and provides safety. The procedure itself is very tolerable.

  • HOW LONG DOES AN AFT SESSION LAST?

    It can last for up to 60 minutes depending on the size of the treated area and the skin condition. When the procedure is finished the therapist wipes away the remaining gel, cleans the face and applies SPF cream.

  • HOW MANY SESSIONS ARE NEEDED?

    Even though a lot of patients see improvements in their skin after just one session of AFT rejuvenation treatment it is recommended to have between 3 to 6 sessions for the best results. Each following session is spaced out 4 weeks apart because it takes time for the treated skin to heal. This is especially important if patients are treating brown aging spots or acne scars. After the final sessions, patients can see the full results and can have additional touch-up treatments 2 or 3 times a year to maintain the results.

  • IS THERE A DOWNTIME AFTER THE AFT PHOTO-REJUVENATION TREATMENT?

    Since the treatment is non-invasive there is minimal to no downtime. Most patients can return to their normal activities right after the treatment.

    There are some typical side effects that appear like mild stinging and redness for a few days. These sensitivities actually feel like mild sunburn on the treated areas.

    Since the skin is sensitive after the treatment it is recommended to avoid excessive sun exposure for one day. If sun exposure is necessary, patients need to use SPF 30 or even higher sunblock.

    Some of the spots on the treated area will get darker after a week, but this is normal. Eventually, these dark spots peel off and leave the skin healthier and younger-looking.

    Also some crusting may occur which means that dark spots that were treated get hardened and flake.

  • WHAT ABOUT THE RESULTS?

    The results of photo-rejuvenation depend on the severity of skin issues and how large is the area that is targeted.

    The patients notice a more even skin texture and a significant reduction in brown spots, fine lines and wrinkles, acne scars and sun damage. The best results are shown in 3 to 5 months, but improvement is already seen a week after each session.

    This treatment reduces pigmentation problems like brown spots or flushing for a long period of time. This procedure can’t reverse aging so new wrinkles or skin imperfections may appear again. That’s why a lot of patients do pulsed light therapy several times over a period of several years.