Photorejuvenation is a procedure that utilizes Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to deeply treat the skin. This treatment stimulates collagen production on the face, neck, décolletage, or other body areas, depending on where it is applied.
IPL photorejuvenation treatment has the capability to address signs of aging such as pigmentation spots, blood vessels, dull skin, and fine lines.
In this article, we will explain how the treatment works, who it is recommended for, its benefits, expected results, and the treatment cost at Living Clinic.
How it Works?
Before Treatment
Before undergoing a photorejuvenation session, you should schedule a consultation with the dermatologist at Living Clinic. This consultation is to assess your skin condition, discuss expectations, and determine if photorejuvenation is the most suitable treatment for your skin type and goals. During the consultation, the doctor will also review your medical history to understand if there are any contraindications.
Depending on your skin type and the area of the dermis to be treated, you may be advised to avoid direct sun exposure and apply sunscreen before the procedure. In addition to these precautions, there may be other recommendations from the specialist before undergoing photorejuvenation.
During Treatment
At the beginning of the treatment, you will wear protective goggles to shield your eyes from the intense pulses of light. Then, a cooling gel will be applied to the treatment area to ensure the procedure is conducted safely.
During the treatment, the dermatologist will use the IPL device on the area to be treated, through which a series of short and controlled pulses of light will be emitted.
Generally, there is a slight sensation of heat as the energy from the light is absorbed by the cells in the skin area being treated. The treatment intensity is always personalized based on the patient’s goals and their skin characteristics.
After the treatment
Following the photorejuvenation session, the treated skin area may become slightly red or more sensitive, akin to experiencing a mild sunburn. The doctor will explain the necessary post-care instructions, which may include applying a soothing moisturizing cream and avoiding sun exposure.
Who is it recommended for?
Photorejuvenation is recommended for those looking to correct skin damage and imperfections typically associated with aging (usually marks that appear from around age 40) as well as sun and heat exposure.
Therefore, within the scope of photorejuvenation, IPL is a procedure suitable for individuals experiencing:
- Fine lines and wrinkles;
- Spots or hyperpigmentation;
- Spider veins and rosacea;
- Enlarged pores;
- Among other imperfections.
What are the possible treatment areas?
Photorejuvenation is commonly performed on the face where aging and sun-induced damage are most visible. However, other areas such as the neck and hands can also be treated.
Benefits and Results
Photorejuvenation combats the decreased production of collagen that occurs with aging. Since this protein is responsible for the skin’s strength and elasticity, this treatment offers the following main advantages:
- Smoothing out expression lines;
- Lightening superficial spots;
- Treating areas with erythema (redness) and telangiectasias (spider veins);
- Calming inflamed skin (very useful in rosacea);
- Revitalizing the skin, making it more radiant and youthful;
- Reducing the number of enlarged pores;
- Improving skin texture.
Below is the case of a patient who underwent IPL photorejuvenation treatment at Living Clinic.
See the full case in Intense Pulsed Light Before and After.
Contraindications
Despite being a very safe treatment, there are some contraindications for IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). The main contraindication is having tanned or sunburned skin, due to the risk of increased absorption of IPL energy. Another situation to avoid is performing this treatment on people with melasma, as the emitted light can further sensitize the skin, worsening this condition.
Treatment Price
Each session of photorejuvenation with pulsed light costs €200. Those who wish can also purchase session packs, which offer more competitive prices and are available upon request.
The number of sessions can vary depending on the problem and the area to be treated. However, on average, we recommend 3 sessions with 3-week intervals. Schedule a consultation to receive a personalized treatment plan.
Responsible for the treatment at Living Clinic
Dr. Paola Halfeld is a specialist in Dermatology from the Brazilian Medical Association and has a Master's Degree in Public Health from the University of Porto. She graduated in Medicine from the Estácio de Sá University in Rio de Janeiro. Subsequently, she completed her integrated master's degree in medicine at the University of Algarve, with registration with the Portuguese Medical Association in 2020.
She is a full member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology and a member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
During her training she did internships at leading institutions such as the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) and the National Cancer Institute (INCA). She was a fellow in aesthetic dermatology and trichology (the area of dermatology that studies and treats hair disorders).
She has participated in several medical congresses, contributing scientific papers as lead author and co-author, as well as numerous courses and training courses in the most varied areas of dermatology. She recently presented her master's study at the World Congress of Dermatology in Singapore.
She has a special interest in the treatment of diseases affecting the scalp and hair and in aesthetic dermatology. Her practice is to carry out a complete physical examination for skin cancer screening on all her patients.
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