Details: Skin Rejuvenation

How does Pulsed Light work?
Pulsed light energy is selectively absorbed by pigment and oxygenated hemoglobin (red blood); thus, brown age spots (lentigines), diffuse browning (actinic bronzing), dilated blood vessels (telangiectasias), and ruddiness (e.g., rosacea) are improved without harming healthy skin. The mild reaction that occurs in the treatment areas has been shown to stimulate small amounts of new collagen and improve fine wrinkles, skin tone and texture.

Before	After

What are treatments like?
The physician pulses the desired area using the pulsed light hand piece. Most people perceive each pulse as a gentle snap and numbing creams are seldom needed. Treatment of the face, neck, hands, or upper chest takes about 30 minutes or less.

What is the recovery time?
Treated skin quickly becomes slightly red and swollen like hives or a mild sun-burn. Makeup can be applied immediately afterwards to camouflage redness. The reaction typically resolves in a few hours to a few days. Brown spots may appear darker and rougher the first week. Red lesions and blood vessels can appear smaller or slightly purplish in color; they will fully or partially resolve in about 10 to 14 days.

How many treatments are necessary?
A series of treatments are necessary for optimal results. The number of treatments required is dependent on many factors including patient skin type, area to be treated and the reason for treatment. Dr. Warner or Dr. To will be able to give you a better estimate during your consultation; however, an average of three treatments are recommended. Treatments are given in two to four weeks intervals.

What are the risks of Pulsed Light treatments?
Most reactions to the treatment are temporary. Serious complications are rare but possible. There are rare reports of bruising, slight bleeding, and blistering as well as pigment changes (light or dark spots on the skin) which can last 1-6 months or longer. Scarring is extremely rare.

How can the risks be reduced?
Avoiding tanning will reduce the risks of blistering and pigment abnormalities to less than one percent. Start treatments when your skin is at its palest. Avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen products, vitamin E, and herbal remedies one week prior to treatment will further lessen the small risk of bruising.

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