Phototherapy is a universal method for eliminating defects and preserving a youthful face

“The natural process of skin aging”, “premature aging” - these phrases evoke extremely negative emotions in most people. It is impossible to reverse aging, but the latest advances in medicine and cosmetology make it possible to slow it down and minimize external manifestations.

Even when the body is in normal physical shape and the person is healthy, the first signs of aging appear after 20 years - these are small facial wrinkles, decreased elasticity, loss of natural and uniform complexion.

Today, there is a wide range of cosmetic procedures that can stimulate the skin, giving it freshness and elasticity, thereby reducing and slowing down the aging process of cells. One of these services is photorejuvenation.

The essence of phototherapy technology

A lot of people are not aware of the essence of photorejuvenation. Many people know that prolonged exposure to the sun is fraught with accelerated aging and other problems. This type of aging is called photoaging, and it can be reversed. But what does rejuvenation with the help of light waves have to do with it? There seems to be a contradiction. But sunlight consists of the following types of radiation:

• ultraviolet - 10%;
• visible light - 40%;
• infrared light - 50%.

Sunlight combines different types of radiation

Important ! From this list, only ultraviolet light is harmful to the skin.

For photorejuvenation, broadband intense pulsed light (IPL) is used. There is no UV. IPL is a quantum flux that is supplied in separate beams - 2-6 per flash. Wavelengths of 400-1400 nm are used here.

Here are the general components of an IPL device:

• a handpiece containing a xenon lamp;
• sapphire or quartz filter;
• digital display;
• cooling system.

Phototherapy apparatus

Why are some patients unhappy with the results of IPL therapy?

The only difference between these devices is power. At the same time, the package does not always contain all the necessary attachments, so salons need to purchase them in addition. And not all salons do this. Many people use no more than two. Moreover, salon staff often violate the procedure technique. So it turns out that many clients write negative reviews. Women pay a lot of money to become more beautiful, but they do not become more attractive.

Lack of power is one of the reasons for negative reviews

The reason is also the impatience of women themselves who want to quickly rejuvenate their facial skin. However, with this technique, the result appears later; moreover, it is strongest only one and a half to two months after completing the IPL course.

This period is required for the skin to improve its structure and collagen framework. First, the pigment spots darken, only then do they begin to peel off and lighten. If there is no awareness of this, a woman may end up disappointed.

Important ! Lack of information can cause another problem: too high expectations due to the fact that the masters sometimes do not conduct preliminary conversations.

It takes time to improve your skin condition

The specialist has the right to offer IPL only after the following actions:

• thorough inspection;
• identifying points that need to be corrected;
• informing the patient in detail about how the technique works;
• an explanation of how rehabilitation works;
• granting a license for the equipment and authority to use it.

Judging by the reviews, women do not have the slightest idea about what kind of procedure they were undergoing, what device they used, or how it was configured. In addition, “photorejuvenation” refers to procedures with lasers - elos, laser resurfacing, fractional laser exposure and others. And this is despite the fact that the laser itself is not used in real IPL.

Many procedures are associated with photorejuvenation, although they have nothing to do with it

So: a woman who decides to apply for such a service should ask questions without a shadow of hesitation. This is important in order to obtain maximum information about the procedure and the device used in it. The later the generation of the device, the better it is: they have a better cooling system. Thanks to this, impulses, even the most powerful ones, are easier to bear.

Important ! It is also important how worn the filters are.

It is necessary to find out from a specialist everything about the procedure.

Possible complications

Laser lifting is a relatively gentle method of rejuvenation. However, there remains a possibility of complications and unpleasant consequences. Side effects occur in 3-5% of cases. These include the following negative points:

• skin redness;
• severe itching;
• severe swelling;
• formation of weeping crusts;
• preservation of “holes” from the fractional laser;
• hypo- or hyperpigmentation;
• the appearance of scars;
• bruises;
• skin inflammation.

Most symptoms resolve within the first week of rehabilitation. If the sensations become excessively painful, the itching does not go away, new wound lesions appear, you should immediately seek help from a specialist.

IPL Use Cases

Now there are such rejuvenation options, determined by what needs to be corrected:

• reduction of pigmentation and treatment of vascular pathologies;
• smoothing wrinkles, improving skin tone and texture, narrowing pores.

All this is achieved due to the fact that photons act on the lower cell plates deep in the epidermis. This effect improves the synthesis of elastin and collagen. At the same time, tissue nutrition improves.

During therapy, the deep layer of the epidermis is treated

ELOS – rejuvenation

ELOS, which is partly photorejuvenation, can also be considered an innovation among anti-aging technologies.

ELOS - rejuvenation is new because the energy of RF radio waves is added to the action of IPR - light quanta. Thanks to this powerful complex, the effectiveness of the procedure greatly increases.

The technology is intended, like photorejuvenation, to eliminate unwanted symptoms of skin aging.

So far this is the most effective method of dealing with time, at the same time painless and quite pleasant.

It also has a healing and life-giving effect, accelerating the healing of scars and wounds, and combats acne and oily skin.

The consequences of the ELOS procedure are similar to photorejuvenation:

• tightening and increasing the tone of the epidermis;
• elimination of wrinkles;
• restoration of healthy color and normalization of sebum secretion of the skin; reduction of pigmentation, capillary “stars”;
• activation of metabolism, etc.

The differences between ELOS and photorejuvenation are only in the power of impact: the first technique has a faster result due to its bidirectional effect. These procedures are good for eliminating facial wrinkles.

Action mechanics

The energy comes in separate bundles, captured in the epidermis using special “targets”. Next, the “targets” are heated up and destroyed. In this case, the procedure does not affect neighboring tissues at all.

The targets are:

• pigment responsible for skin color;
• blood protein containing iron;
• photosensitive pigments;
• oxyhemoglobin;
• the rest of the protein.

Much can be affected by a photorejuvenation device

In this case, light waves can be up to 1400 nm. This impulse is absorbed by the “targets”, and their temperature becomes higher. What happens next is:

• Melanin is destroyed in the skin, which brightens it. This eliminates pigmentation. Elastin and collagen are destroyed and their molecules are recycled. As a result, the pores become narrower, the color is healthier, the turgor is better;
• capillaries, with the exception of the larger ones, disappear, and even the latter become difficult to notice, and it becomes easier to cure vascular diseases. Connective tissue begins to grow at high speed, which leads to a higher rate of synthesis of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and also elastin.

Skin improves by destroying melanin and small capillaries

Important ! A clear indication for IPL is the skin's susceptibility to bacterial diseases. The procedures destroy harmful microflora, reducing acne.

But IPL is not a cure for all age-related changes. To eliminate many, it is necessary to look for other means and techniques.

The procedure may not always be effective

Facial photorejuvenation - nuances

Photorejuvenation is a conservative anti-aging method, which results in the removal of dead cells from the upper layer of the epidermis.

This is how the skin reacts to the influence of intense non-laser pulsed light, the spectrum of which contains ultraviolet rays.

The manipulation is carried out through a special apparatus that emits them. In contact with the skin, light pulses catalyze the destruction of melanin.

The light that the device emits can penetrate the skin to a depth of about 3 mm and stimulate the formation of collagen (an important substance for youth). As a result, the skin becomes elastic and youthful.

The skin is saturated with oxygen, brightened and cleansed, and the capillary mesh disappears. Cosmetologists promise that after using a photo flash, not only whitening and revitalization of the complexion, but also slowing down the natural aging process.

Remember that the effect of the manipulation directly depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and the professionalism of the doctor.

Principles of influence

The first IPL devices were released recently, only about 5 years ago. And in order to make an informed decision about whether to use this method of rejuvenation, you need to know about its effect on tissue. A beam of light enters the skin, is absorbed by its chromophores, they begin to produce oscillatory movements, this heats them up, and then:

• melanin is destroyed (improving skin tone);
• Collagen and elastin break down and are renewed (improved turgor, fresher complexion, narrowing pores);
• activation of fibroblasts;
• reduction or disappearance of capillaries depending on their size (therapy of certain diseases associated with blood vessels);
• getting rid of acne.

This procedure allows you to get rid of many problems.

It turns out that in order to achieve smoother and more elastic skin, lighten it, remove the capillary network, photorejuvenation will be a great idea. However, this technique is not able to cope with jowls, nasolacrimal grooves, or smooth out nasolabial folds.

Important ! To avoid burning the retina, the paraorbital area is not treated with it. All these nuances must be taken into account to avoid inflating expectations.

To achieve the best effect, IPL must be combined with other hardware techniques. The cosmetologist decides which ones to choose. Here are examples of techniques:

• biorevitalization;
• contour plastic;
• mesotherapy;
• peeling;
• botulinum therapy.

You can combine several different techniques

IPL session process

This is done like this:

• the doctor applies a gel for cooling and better conduction of impulses;
• puts dark glasses on the patient and himself;
• applies the apparatus's hands, moves them little by little, making flashes, treating the entire area;
• Apply dexpanthenol to the treated area.

After watching enough advertising, you may get the impression that the procedure is pleasant. But it is not always the case. The patient may experience a burning/tingling sensation that may persist for several hours.

Important ! There is also slight redness.

The whole procedure takes place in several stages

How is the manipulation done?

The procedure is carried out in several stages:

1. The cosmetologist applies a gel with a cooling effect to the skin. Thanks to this, light beams are easily transmitted.
2. The doctor and the patient wear special tinted glasses.
3. The device is applied to the skin and a flash is produced. The device then moves slowly.
4. After completion of the procedure, the entire treatment area is treated with panthenol.

The rejuvenating manipulation itself may cause minor discomfort, which can be expressed as tingling or burning. Slight hyperemia (when blood flow in certain vessels increases) can last from one to one and a half hours.

To achieve maximum effect, four to six sessions are enough. As a rule, they are carried out with a break of one month.

When should IPL not be done?

This technique has the following contraindications:

• recent tanning;
• great dark complexion, phototype 4-5 according to Fitzpatrick;
• carrying a baby;
• lactation;

  
  During lactation, the procedure is prohibited.

• mechanical damage to the skin in the area that is planned to be treated;
• active herpes;
• photodermatosis;
• using products that increase photosensitivity;
• tendency of the skin to develop keloid scars.

If you are predisposed to the occurrence of keloid scars, the procedure is not performed

Important ! If there is a tendency to herpetic rashes, preventive procedures are performed seven days before the session. This will prevent exacerbation of the disease.

It is necessary to draw up a photorejuvenation plan in advance. This includes:

• studying reviews;
• conversations with people who have undergone the procedure;
• searching for a quality clinic and an experienced doctor.

In this case, the doctor must be experienced enough so that he can be completely trusted.

You need to trust a good doctor

Frequency and number of procedures, price of service

The doctor calculates how many sessions will be required using an individual approach. Usually 3-6 procedures are carried out, and the break between them should be at least a month. This is very important, because this allows the skin to gradually improve and renew itself, and the patient to avoid serious changes in lifestyle.

It is required in each case to calculate the required number of procedures

More or less noticeable changes appear after 3-4 procedures, but something can be seen even after the first: for example, a healthier complexion, blush, and smoother skin are noticeable.

Important ! The price of photorejuvenation procedures varies widely. The exact figure is determined by the condition of the skin and the dimensions of the area that needs to be treated, as well as the region and salon - prices vary everywhere.

The price depends on the area of ​​the body that the doctor will work with

When does IPL fail?

It makes no sense to use this technique in the following cases:

• sagging skin;
• deformation of the oval of the face due to subcutaneous fat;
• insufficient body fat and poor muscle tone;
• pronounced deep wrinkles in the nasolabial triangle.

For the greatest effectiveness of the technique, the doctor may recommend additional use of others. For example, contour plastic surgery or biorevitalization.

It is worth combining photorejuvenation and another cosmetic procedure

FAQ

How does the patient feel during the procedure?

The person does not feel severe pain. Its degree is determined by the pain threshold. Usually there are quite tolerable sensations such as tingling and/or burning.

At what age can the procedure be performed?

This procedure can also be performed on young girls, but it is recommended to rejuvenate the face no earlier than 35 years of age, since it is at this age that the body produces less collagen.

It is advisable to carry out this procedure after 35 years

How is the recovery period going?

Due to the fact that IPL affects the skin, it must recover after the procedure. But here it is easier than after surgery.

After the procedure, you can see that the skin has turned pinkish, light bruising and swelling have appeared. But this is the norm and does not pose any danger.

Bruising and swelling are normal after photorejuvenation

Sometimes pigmentation becomes more noticeable and crusts may appear on the face. But these effects, firstly, may not appear at all, and secondly, even if they appear, they pass very quickly.

To speed up rehabilitation and avoid harm to your own health, you must follow certain rules:

• limit your consumption of tobacco products and alcohol;
• to drink a lot of water;
• 14 days after the procedure, refrain from visiting the sauna;
• spend less time in the sun, and when going outside, use a cream that protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation;
• use anti-inflammatory and skin healing creams;
• Use cosmetics only in the absence of inflammation, and also only when the redness has passed.

You need to strictly follow some rules

What result does IPL give?

Avoiding disappointment in the procedure will allow you to be aware of everything that concerns it - all the details and the effect. Among doctors there are those who tend to deceive patients who trust them.

Before deciding on the IPL procedure, you should study some materials about the clinic: look at photographs of women before and after the session, watch videos on the topic, study patient reviews. This is the only way to form the opinion that a technique deserves before resorting to it.

It is worth studying all the necessary information in advance

And yet there are promises that almost all cosmetology clinics make:

• elimination of pigmentation;
• elimination and prevention of wrinkles;
• slowing down aging;
• lifting;
• increasing skin elasticity;
• getting rid of double chin;
• cleansing, narrowing pores;
• improvement of complexion.

Each of these points is nothing more than the greatest possible result. That is, in some women, wrinkles may be too deep even for IPL, and in some women, pigmentation is associated with age, and it will not be possible to completely get rid of this problem with the help of photorejuvenation.

Sometimes some problems still cannot be fixed

That is why it is worth soberly assessing the condition of your skin and understanding what effects you can really achieve. Here are the ones that the technique will definitely give:

• lift;
• smoothing out small wrinkles;
• skin healing;
• improving its color.

On the other hand, the fame of the clinic and the professionalism of the doctors, of course, increase the likelihood of successful cosmetic therapy. In addition, the correct selection of radiation has a very serious impact. Be that as it may, it is better to immediately think correctly about what the result will be.

You need to think carefully about everything before the procedure.

Which three devices are most widely used?

During IPL therapy, doctors use different devices. Moreover, each device has differences from others and its own characteristics. The most popular are:

• Palomar. Frequent “assistant” to qualified cosmetologists. Certain properties allowed such a device to achieve the greatest distribution. This is an excellent way to eliminate skin imperfections and stimulate collagen production. This type of instrument has several systems;
• Quantum. Made in the USA. It copes best with rosacea and pigment spots. It also normalizes the functioning of the sebaceous glands well;
• DEKA. Made in Italy. Allows you to improve your skin health.

Various devices are used during the procedure

How is the rehabilitation going?

You need to understand that this procedure involves a certain effect on the skin, so it is worth preparing yourself for the rehabilitation period. Of course, it is not as difficult as after plastic surgery.

First, a certain pink tint appears on the skin. Don't be scared, because this is a normal reaction. You should also expect minor swelling and bruising.

Initially, pigmentation may become more pronounced, and crusts may form on the face. But such consequences do not always happen. In addition, they disappear quite quickly.

In order for recovery to take place quickly, without any special consequences, you should follow these rules:

• reduce smoking, drinking alcohol;
• drink plenty of fluids;
• do not go to the sauna for 2 weeks after light exposure;
• limit your exposure to the sun, use products with UV protection;
• treat the skin with creams that promote healing and relieve inflammation (for example, Bepanten).

If there is no inflammatory process, the redness has disappeared, then you can use cosmetics.

Experts' opinion

According to doctors, IPL is a very effective technique without serious flaws. According to them, photorejuvenation allows you to avoid plastic surgery, while obtaining excellent results. However, more than half of the doctors add that it is better not to do IPL for a woman under 35 years of age.

According to some experts, the operating principle of IPL is based on a special type of non-polarized light radiation, with which it is possible to influence a considerable number of skin problems at a lower cost, and therefore a lower price for the patient, which, for example, laser therapy does not allow.

Experts believe that this procedure has many advantages.

Anna Avaliani, cosmetologist

“Before committing to the IPL, one must prepare. Thirty days before the procedure and fourteen after it, you need to spend as little time in the sun and heat as possible. For another month before the session, you should not use antibacterial drugs, retinoids and medications like Aspirin and Ibuprofen. Otherwise, complications are possible. The absence of a positive result may mean a medical error - using the wrong filter or a device that has exhausted its resource. And if the doctor does not have the proper experience, the appearance of burns, scars, and even worsening pigmentation cannot be ruled out.”

Experts agree with the benefits of the procedure

Alison Pontius, plastic surgeon

“It is commonplace for a person, having become a victim of the media, which advertised “magical rejuvenation,” to expect the IPL to throw off decades of their life. But this is impossible. This technique heals the skin, corrects it “little by little”, but does not give such a strong effect as many expect. To improve the result, it is necessary to combine IPL with other techniques at the discretion of the cosmetologist. But if this method is completely unsuccessful, you can go under the knife of a plastic surgeon.”

Spider vein removal

Spider veins are a fairly common problem. It is especially relevant for people who have crossed the threshold of maturity.

A phototherapy session is one of the most effective methods of combating various forms of vascular disorders on the face.

In this case, under the influence of light and temperature, the walls of damaged vessels bond together. After this they disappear from the visible field of view.

The duration of treatment depends on the number and size of the affected vessels. On average, it varies from 6 to 8 procedures and is individual for each case.

Unfortunately, if this problem occurs once, then in the future it can be expected in other areas of the face, so it is recommended to perform 1-2 preventive sessions per month to prevent new spider veins.

What is yellow peeling and what problems can be solved with its help? This publication offers truthful reviews about darsonvalization of the face.

Here https://cosmetolog-expert.ru/plastika-litsa/protseduryi/udalenie-papillom-lazerom.html all the most important things about laser removal of papillomas and moles.

Patients' opinions

Diana , Norilsk

“I resorted to IPL at 37, I really wanted to no longer have pigment spots and nasolabial folds, and I also wanted to correct the contour of my face. The process was unpleasant, comparable to a burn. After that, I walked around with redness for almost an hour. But then the face tightened up, became noticeably lighter and younger. The spots then became quickly crumbling brown dust. And in order to notice the folds, now you need to look closely. Highly recommend! But the main thing here is not to become a victim of scammers.”

Elena , Moscow

“If you've passed half a century, you've probably started to develop age spots. Having heard about the IPL technique, I decided to collect as much information as possible on it: I studied reviews and photographs of patients, and a list of contraindications. The latter did not apply to me, so I tried the photorejuvenation procedure on myself. At the same time, I did carboxytherapy. And that’s it, the spots on my cheeks disappeared. Then she underwent an ultrasound of the skin. According to the doctor who examined the results, my skin has returned to normal.”

Women are satisfied with the procedure

Galina , Ivanovo

“My skin has always been problematic. Pimples and blackheads popped up constantly. Spots and scarring as a result were par for the course. With age, wrinkles began to appear. The doctor recommended photorejuvenation, which would get rid of all skin problems at once. At first I was worried. However, the master turned out to be experienced. The procedure did not cause much pain, and the burning sensation soon went away. After the very first procedure, there was a slight peeling left, but it was worth the money spent. Five sessions passed and the skin became completely healthy, without problems.”

Tatiana , Krasnodar

“The cosmetologist recommended photorejuvenation, and I underwent this procedure. The main disadvantage here is that you have to endure pain. I also learned about the existence of laser photorejuvenation. I'm thinking about trying this method. If your skin is highly sensitive, I would not advise you to undergo IPL therapy. But I’m happy with the result: I got rid of rosacea and excessive pigmentation, and my face also tightened up.”

The problems, according to women, went away quickly

Valentina , Vladivostok

“Personally, I was very satisfied with the IPL result. There was no pain, one might say. The former pigmentation was gone, my face regained clarity, and I looked seven years younger. Due to the fact that my skin is not highly sensitive, I did not see any side effects.”

Contraindications

Photorejuvenation triggers global changes at the cellular level, so you should carefully read the list of contraindications.

• Pregnancy and lactation period.
• Photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to light).
• Large neoplasms in the affected area.
• Eye diseases. Cataract and glaucoma.
• Acute and chronic skin diseases.
• Acute infectious diseases. For example, a herpes infection.
• Exacerbation of chronic diseases.
• Diabetes.
• Hypertension.
• Oncology.
• Epilepsy.
• Presence of a pacemaker or metal prosthesis.
• Hemophilia and other blood diseases.
• Thyroid diseases.

The procedure is also contraindicated in patients under 16 years of age. In rare cases, a cosmetologist may prescribe a set of procedures to a young patient using Lumenis M22 to eliminate acne and post-acne.

Cost of the procedure

We will indicate the approximate cost of such a procedure in different cities of Russia.

Photos before and after the procedure

Photos before and after a course of facial photorejuvenation procedures No. 1

Photos before and after a course of facial photorejuvenation procedures No. 2

Photos before and after a course of facial photorejuvenation procedures No. 3