How Photorejuvenation Works: Pros and Cons

Having a clear, smooth complexion is something most people want, yet even with the most intricate and strictest skincare routine, desired results still seem to be out of the picture. With that, millions of patients worldwide visit their dermatologists, asking for help for an array of skin problems and blemishes. Various treatments are available, from chemical peels, laser resurfacing, and microdermabrasion, which boast excellent results and improve skin conditions yet also pose inconvenience and certain disadvantages.

Fortunately, photorejuvenation is on the rise, giving people a newer, gentler, non-abrasive alternative to treat many of their skin issues. This treatment utilized IPL (intense pulse light technology) to help address many dermatological and cosmetic problems and reduce the appearance of many skin woes, such. There are many perks and just a few snags to this treatment, making it a popular choice for many dermatology patients. Here’s how the procedure works, plus the benefits and the drawbacks of using photorejuvenation.

How Photorejuvenation Works

Photorejuvenation utilizes specific wavelengths of pulsed light to treat skin issues. Using an IPL device, the doctor shines an intense, bright light on various parts of the skin, breaking up the pigment cells in the skin’s deeper areas. As these cells are destroyed, the body’s immune response encourages additional collagen and fibrin production. Both proteins fill in wrinkles, lines, and shallow acne marks and improve skin tone and elasticity.

Average sessions last about 30 minutes. Depending on your skin’s condition, the doctor will use special settings and filters to control the depth of the procedure. After the treatment, all targeted pigmented areas will darken, turn to scabs in one to two days, and naturally go off within a week. Treatment is usually repeated in a two or four-week interval. In ordinary cases, two to four sessions are needed to achieve the desired result.

The Benefits

Photorejuvenation offers lot offers many benefits compared to other skin procedures, which include:

  • Fast procedure
  • Little downtime
  • Treat many skin condition
  • Almost immediate results
  • Long-lasting effects
  • Can be administered anywhere in the body
  • Long-term safety record

1. Fast procedure, little downtime

Each session only lasts about 30 minutes. It won’t affect a patient’s schedule and activities, as he or she can quickly return to your typical day and activities after the treatment. It’s one of the reasons why it’s a popular procedure, especially for people with busier lifestyles.

2. Treat many skin conditions

Photorejuvenation covers and treats many skin conditions, such as wrinkles, brown spots, age and sun spots, melasma, freckles, spider veins, large pores, rosacea, acne marks, stretch marks, skin tone, and texture problems, and excessive flushing.

3. Almost immediate and long-lasting results

While it may take two to four sessions to achieve the desired results, considerable positive effects can already be seen after the first session, showing in just a few days. Results vary per patient and skin condition treated, but results yield up to 95% improvement after the series of treatments. What’s remarkable is that results are long-lasting, giving patients more satisfaction.

4. Can be performed anywhere on the body

Photorejuvenation procedures aren’t limited to treating issues on the face. It can be administered anywhere in the body, such as the neck, legs, arms, armpits, stomach, back, chest, and bikini line. 

5. Long-term safety record

IPL technology has been used in the industry for over two decades. It’s considered a safe procedure as special filters block harmful radiation during the treatment. 

The Drawbacks

Like any other skin treatment, photorejuvenation has some drawbacks. These include:

  • Requires a few sessions
  • Minor side-effects
  • May not be effective on all skin discolorations
  • Can be costly

1. Require a few sessions

Some people want almost real-time results and achieve their desired skin goals after treatment. Photorejuvenation may not work for them. A patient may need two to four sessions, depending on the skin issue being treated and body reaction, to achieve the full desired results.

2. Minor side-effects

Few minor side-effects have been reported after getting a photorejuvenation treatment, such as mild pain, sunburn sensation, redness, swelling, and peeling. Though rare, there have also been cases of blistering and the appearance of white or paler patches on the skin.

3. May not be effective on all skin discolorations

Photorejuvenation may not work on pigmented cells lying too deep beneath the skin. Thus, the procedure fails to provide positive results. Some cases need to be combined with other skin treatments to penetrate and target deeper layers of the skin.

4. Can be costly

Costs vary from state to state, from clinic to clinic, and from one medical professional to another. Typically, the total price can range from $700 to over $3,000, depending on the issue and the required sessions needed to treat it. Some people who were happy with the improvements consider the cost worth the penny.

Final Words

When you look better, you feel better. As such, it only fits that we do our best to keep your skin at its best. Photorejuvenation is a new alternative that can help you address your skin problems. Still, weigh the pros and cons. Should you decide to proceed, be sure to look for accredited physicians trained to do the procedure and won’t simply rely on the machine. After all, you want someone who can truly help you achieve the blemish-free skin we are all yearning for.