Fotofacial™ treatments are a dynamic non-invasive process using Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to rejuvenate the skin. A series of five treatments are performed every three weeks in our office setting. The entire face is treated for a uniform and cosmetically pleasing result. The benefits of Fotofacial™ ™ treatments are achieved with minimal discomfort, no down time, and limited risk.

What Makes Photorejuvenation One with Lumenis One™ Special? Lumenis One® is a true fourth generation Intense Pulsed Light system with patented state of the art technology which optimizes power, pulsing and light delivery to provide maximum results, comfort and safety. Advanced technology can be expensive.  While other practices may promote similar treatments with cheaper, lower-powered technology, there is a visible difference in results.  Our practice believes in providing only the very best for our patients and has made the investment in the Lumenis One®.

What are the indications for the Fotofacial™ Procedure?

Fotofacial™ ™ procedures have been proven to be effective for treatment of both Group A and Group B skin. Group A damage includes irregular pigmentation, brown spots, enlarged facial vessels, flushing, and redness due to sun damage or a condition known as Rosacea. Fotofacial™ treatments reduce the number of vascular lesions and the intensity of flushing by a process termed “ Selective Photothermolysis” (selective absorption and destruction of targets with light energy). Similarly, pigmentary changes such as brown spots, age spots, freckles, and mottled pigmentation lighten with each IPL treatment.

Fotofacial™ ™ procedures are also an effective treatment for Group B skin damage. Group B damage can have wrinkles, large pores, uneven skin texture and tone plus a ruddy, cobblestone appearance. Group B damage requires deeper penetration of the IPL into the dermis. Long wavelength light and possibly the Nd:YAG laser energy is used. New collagen production reduces pore size, fine lines and wrinkles while producing a more youthful skin tone and texture.

What research has been conducted on the Fotofacial™ Procedure?

Dr. Patrick Bitter Jr., a California Board-certified Dermatologist, developed the Fotofacial™ ™ procedure. This technique has been used on tens of thousands of patients with Rosacea and sun damaged skin. Clinical studies have shown uniform excellence with 100% of patients showing an overall improvement and satisfaction with the procedure. “From the patient’s standpoint, there are several things that are appealing about this procedure,” states Dr. Bitters. “One is that there is no downtime. Two, the skin simply looks like younger skin that the patient remembers from 10 to 15 years ago.” Long term follow-up of 18 to 24 months has shown that 80% of patients with facial redness and flushing maintain their improvement. However, 6 months to yearly treatments are recommended to maintain the rejuvenation benefits. Ask to see our own published article showing the remarkable effectiveness of this procedure.

What is a Fotofacial™ ALA procedure?

The Fotofacial™ ™ plus procedure includes the application of a photosensitizing compound called Aminolevulenic Acid (ALA) during a standard Fotofacial™ treatment. The Aminolevulenic Acid is activated by the intense pulsed light energy used during a Fotofacial™ which results in a more dramatic rejuvenation effect. For people with severe sun damaged skin (including brown spots, wrinkles, and redness), this means yet a more youthful appearance. Even more exciting, pre-cancerous skin cells will also be replaced with normal skin cells, (so people with roughened, red Actinic Keratosis will benefit from this procedure.) A patient undergoing a Fotofacial™ plus procedure will experience more redness, swelling, and peeling than with a standard Fotofacial™ treatment. A patient is also extremely light sensitive and needs to avoid bright light for 2 days following an ALA treatment. However, fewer treatments will be required, considering one Fotofacial™ plus is equal to 2 to 3 standard Fotofacial™ procedures.

Point at photo to see post operative results Click here the photo for a larger view

We ask that if you are using Retin A/Renova, to please stop for 48 hours prior to each treatment. Also, please avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen one week prior to treatment unless medically indicated. To undergo the treatments, you must maintain a commitment to sun protection through the use of protective clothing, sunglasses and an effective UVA/UVB blocking sunscreen.

What can I expect from the Fotofacial™ treatments?

After your first treatment you can expect to see some redness, darkening of brown spots, and slight swelling. These symptoms will resolve in several hours to days. Make-up can be immediately applied, if desired. After treatment, your skin will feel smoother and have a more even tone. A gradual decrease in overall redness, flushing, and age spots will be more visible after each treatment. At least five treatments are performed to achieve the optimal results. Everyone will benefit from a maintenances treatments to help maintain their youthful appearance.

The Olympic Dermatology and Laser Clinic has been clinically recognized as 1 of 9 site in the nation for “Excellence” in technological advances and quality of care. Fotofacials are a complicated procedure, requiring a high level of operator expertise to manage multiple treatment options. Our Clinic is among the few centers in the US noted for our effectiveness of outcomes and clinical expertise.

Before	After
Before	After

How many Fotofacial™ treats will I need?

For optimal results, a series of 3 to 5 treatments are recommended.  Follow-up treatments may be recommended to maintain results.