As we age, skin loses elasticity and sun damage mounts if an individual doesn’t use high-SPF sunscreen and hats to vigilantly protect themselves, says Joel Aronowitz MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in California. Photofacials offer a relatively new tool in the treatment of this skin damage.
Photofacials Using BroadBand Light (BBL) Therapy
The medical technology firm Sciton developed a BroadBand Light (BBL) therapy device that uses High Energy Rapid Output (HERO) technology to deliver intense pulsed light (IPL), a form of broad-spectrum photothermal energy, according to Aesthetics Daily. When melanin absorbs this energy, it lightens. The IPL has the same effect on blood vessels that show through the skin.
Putting Science in Everyday Language
Dr. Joel Aronowitz explains that those technical and medical terms simply mean that BBL provides a way to treat a large area, such as a cheek or leg, quickly and effectively. Age spots, visible blood vessels, freckles, and other forms of hyperpigmentation, such as rosacea, lighten in color and can fade away completely when exposed to the BBL on an appropriate setting and for the correct length of time. Although these skin abnormalities do begin to change with the first session, most patients undergo two to five sessions, notes Aesthetics Daily.
Photofacial Facts
According to Real Self, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved photofacial technology for the purpose of treating skin redness and discoloration. That means the process underwent independent testing in U.S. government labs before it went on the market, and those clinical tests prove it works.
The FDA set guidelines for its use, and although medical spas can administer it, Real Self recommends having the procedure performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in their offices. Check the experience and reputation of the doctor before undergoing this process. Make sure they have ample experience using the technology and that patients who underwent it with them enjoyed their results.
The results of a photofacial treatment last about one year. A patient must use sunscreen when outdoors and properly protect their skin for results to last that long. To achieve further improvements, undergo photofacials annually.
Cost of Photofacials
A photofacial treatment costs much less than most plastic surgery procedures, so undergoing it annually isn’t as expensive as it might seem. Real Self reports a wide cost range for the treatment—$250 to $1,800. Depending on your location and the provider’s expertise, prices can vary. Remember to consult with a qualified professional before proceeding with any cosmetic procedure. per session. On average, people in the U.S. pay $810 per treatment. The final cost depends on how many sessions the patient requires, the location of the doctor, and their level of expertise.
Improving Aging SkinTo find a board-certified plastic surgeon near you that administers BBL photofacials, use the “Find a Provider” tool on the Sciton website. The website also provides before and after photos from various doctors and detailed information on BBL. Boost your self-confidence today with a photofacial that improves your skin’s coloring and tone.
