Photo Rejuvenation, Photodynamic, Acne Therapy in Orange County

Photo Rejuvenation

At Facial Aesthetic Concepts we combine two cutting edge technologies to provide you with the optimal results that you desire.

We combine photofacial (IPL) and vantage laser treatments to provide you with the ultimate in advanced skin care options. Our treatment prescriptions can dramatically reduce and eliminate hyperpigmentation, redness, broken capillaries, and actually stimulate your skin to reproduce its own natural collagen.

Photorejuvenation can provide dramatic results without injuring the skin’s surface, therefore eliminating post treatment care. You will see visible improvement in the reduction of rosacea, sun and age spots, large pores, acne scars, as well as fine lines and wrinkles. The photofacial and vantage laser systems can selectively target and eliminate melanin and hemoglobin responsible for hyperpigmentation and redness. Additional heat gently stimulates the upper dermis resulting in new natural collagen production. For optimal results we recommend a series of 3-5 treatments.

Pre-Photo Rejuvenation Treatment Instructions

1. Do remember that some drugs, especially aspirin, ibuprofen, (Advil, Motrin, etc.), may increase your possibilities of bruising. Please refrain for 5 days before your Photo-Rejuvenation treatment. You may use Tylenol if pain relief is needed.

2. Some topical medications, such as Retin A or Glycolics are not advisable and should be stopped 1 - 2 weeks before and after a treatment. This also applies to patients on a hydroquinone agent, used for pigmentation problems.

3. Please come in 15 minutes early for your first Photo-Rejuvenation treatment, to have photos taken, paperwork completed, and topical anesthetic cream applied. Please remove your makeup before coming to the office if possible.

4. We will be taking photos prior to each of your treatments. These are kept in your chart, and are kept confidential.

5. PLEASE REMEMBER to avoid direct sun exposure & wear sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 daily – reapply as needed. Hats are recommended if possible.

6. Please let the provider know prior to treatment if you have a history of cold sores or fever blisters.

IPL TREATMENTS:

Your eyes will be covered with goggles to protect them. A cool gel is applied to your skin as needed. The treatment itself consists of Intense Pulsed Light, placed over the skin with consecutive pulses. There is some mild discomfort like snapping of a rubber band.

Following the treatment, your skin may feel like it has slight sunburn. You may use cold or ice packs, as needed for comfort and to relieve any swelling. If your skin feels tender, avoid hot baths and showers for 24-48 hours. A post treatment skin care package will be available for purchase is desired.

Very rarely, a small blister or scab may form; if this occurs apply an antibiotic ointment (Bacitracin, Neosporin or Polysporin) to the area. Allow natural healing to take place – do not try to remove any scabbing.

Post Photo Rejuvenation Treatment Instructions

1. Whenever possible, it is recommended that a cool compress be applied to the areas treated immediately following the procedure to minimize or altogether eliminate any discomfort or swelling.

2. Following the Photo Rejuvenation treatment, makeup can be applied if desired. However, it is recommended that makeup be avoided, only if possible, for 24 hours.

3. After each Photo Rejuvenation treatment, a gentle skin cleansing with lukewarm water and hydrating regimen is recommended for 2-3 days. You should cleanse your face with a mild cleanser and then pat dry. Next apply your moisturizer gently across your face, or areas treated, and let your skin absorb the cream. Follow with sunscreen in the morning.

4. Avoid deliberate sun exposure. Use sunscreen daily as part of your skin care regimen. The provider may recommend a tailored skin care program for you.

Follow-up Treatments: Schedule your treatments three to four weeks apart.

Additional Treatments: Occasionally it is evident that a patient may benefit from an additional one to three treatments. This may be for residual redness or facial veins. This is determined no sooner than four weeks after the fifth treatment.

Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy is the latest advancement in photorejuvenation therapy. Photodynamic therapy, or simply PDT, was invented to boost the results of IPL (often called photofacial) and BLU-U treatments. PDT involves the application, on the areas of skin to be treated, of an FDA approved light sensitizing agent, called Levulan. This "pre-treatment" with Levulan makes sun damaged skin, acne prone skin, and pre-cancerous skin lesions more sensitive to the subsequent treatment with IPL or BLU-U.

With PDT using IPL there is a more dramatic reduction in pigmentation, texture irregularities, redness, and visible veins that previously required a series of 3 to 5 IPL treatments. Unlike IPL treatments without Levulan, PDT with IPL can treat many superficial pre-cancerous lesions (actinic keratosis) as well as some superficial skin cancers while simultaneously treating those skin problems mentioned before: pigmentation irregularities, vascularity, and uneven skin tone.

Similarly, the BLU-U when used in combination with Levulan can, in a single treatment, treat pre-cancerous lesions without any discomfort or downtime. In some circumstances insurance companies may provide reimbursement for photodynamic therapy. Also BLU-U is also an excellent treatment for problematic acne. The treatment can reduce the incidence and severity of breakouts, thereby reducing the risk of acne scarring. It has become very popular treatment option for acne with our teenage patients along with patients suffering from adult acne.

Fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots, uneven skin tone, sun damage with brown discolorations treated with Photodynamic Therapy.

For more information on photodynamic therapy (PDT) and how it can benefit you please contact us to come in for a complimentary consultation.

Pre Photodynamic Therapy Treatment Instructions

You have chosen to do Photodynamic Therapy to improve the condition of your skin. Please read the following:

Please discontinue any harsh facial products for two week prior to your treatment (this includes Retin-A, Retinol, AHA’s, Glycolics, and all Vitamin C products).
If you have a significant history of cold sores, please notify our office prior to your treatment so we may treat you preventatively.
If at all possible, please come into our office without any make-up on for your treatment.
Please have a mild cleanser, moisturizer, and sun block on hand for your after treatment care (we can recommend some great products if needed).
Please be aware that you will notice redness, peeling, and sun sensitivity after your treatment for an average of 5-10 days. With this in mind, please make arrangements to avoid the sun during this time.

If you have any questions, please call our San Clemente office at (949) 276-4141, our Aliso Viejo office at (949) 297-4141, or our Santa Margarita office at (949) 709-4141.

Post Photodynamic Therapy Treatment Instructions

After your treatment, you will experience some degree of redness. This redness may occur immediately or it may evolve over the next several days.
For the first 48 hours after your treatment, you must avoid direct sun exposure (as you will be at risk for burning).
Depending on the degree of your skin’s damage, you may also notice that your skin will begin to peel, crust, burn, and/or itch. You may also notice a temporary discoloration of your skin, which should resolve over the next 7-14 days.
You must avoid all undue sun exposure for the entire time that you have any degree of redness, sensitivity, and/or other noted side effects.
Sun Block is required to be worn daily on the treated area (SPF 30 or above).
You may treat the area with cool compresses or ice packs for any visible swelling, etc.
Please avoid hot showers and/or hot water on the treated area. Also, please avoid scrubbing the affected area.
Please avoid any harsh products (i.e. Retin-A, Glycolic, and “AHA’s”, etc.) on the skin until after your skin is healed. You may resume your regular routine after all irritation is resolved.
Please cleanse the skin with mild agents and moisturizers 2 times per day (we can recommend excellent products for your skin that are available at either of our offices).
Please schedule two follow up visits after your treatment. The first visit for one week after your treatment, and the second visit for one month after your treatment.
When you are four weeks post your treatment, you may retreat the skin with a photodynamic therapy treatment again if it is necessary.
If you have any questions, please call our San Clemente office at (949) 276-4141, our Aliso Viejo office at (949) 297-4141, or our Santa Margarita office (949) 709-4141.

BLU-U Acne Therapy

Blue light therapy is a common treatment performed at Facial Aesthetic Concepts. This quick, easy, and pain-free method for treating acne, especially teenage acne, has been scientifically proven to reduce the number of visible blemishes and kill the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts. BLU-U treatments will, at the very least, reduce the number and severity of acne breakouts and frequently prevents their recurrence altogether when combined with proper skin care products.

How does it work? The BLU-U emits a very special blue light that reacts with the bacteria that causes acne. The blue light stimulates the production of "porphyrins" within the clogged pore. Porphyrins act to kill the bacteria present within the pores, thereby reducing inflammation and helping to prevent future breakouts.

BLU-U therapy is simple. All the patient does is sit in front of the light panel (with eye shields on) for 15 minutes once or twice a week. The treatments will last for about 6-12 weeks. BLU-U treatments are completely painless, have no downtime, and are very safe. Come in for a complimentary consultation to see if BLU-U treatments are right for you.

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Photo Rejuvenation, Photodynamic, Acne Therapy in Orange County