A photofacial from Toronto’s Avebelle Cosmetic Clinic is a treatment that involves the use of laser-emitting devices to diminish the appearance of skin blemishes, pigmentations, and broken capillaries. Skin discoloration refers to marks that are lighter or darker than the normal skin tone. Any increase or decrease in melanin – a type of pigment that gives color to the skin – can result in uneven areas. Hyperpigmentation is a skin condition that occurs due to factors that trigger an increase in melanin production such as sun exposure, hormonal influences, injuries, and inflammation.
One form of hyperpigmentation called sunspots, are flat brown, grey, or black spots. These spots form on sun-exposed areas when melanin is clumped together or excess amounts of it are produced. The texture and tone of the skin can also be negatively affected by other external stressors.
To learn more about our cosmetic treatment options, contact Avebelle Cosmetic Clinic.Â
Book a consultation online or call us at 416.901.2327
Photofacials are used to treat various types of common skin concerns including wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, brown age spots, freckles, dilated pores, acne scars, broken capillaries, and other pigmented lesions. The laser beam that is produced targets red and brown pigment. A photofacial heats and removes the damaged cells. At Avebelle Cosmetic Clinic, photofacials are performed with an Nd: YAG laser. As they have a wavelength 1064 nm, Nd: YAG lasers can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin more effectively compared to other lasers.
Patients who are healthy, have light to moderate blemishes, and maintain realistic expectations for what they can improve are good candidates for laser skin resurfacing procedures like photofacials.
This type of treatment is ideal for patients who have a light to medium skin tone but there is a higher risk of skin pigmentation problems such as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation for those with darker skin tones.
In your consultation, you should let the nurse know about any medications you are currently taking or any skin enhancement treatments you have previously had. A thorough VISIA Skin Analysis is conducted, along with a discussion to better understand your skincare goals and treatment expectations. Let them know if you have the tendency to get cold sores or fever blisters around the mouth, as a photofacial may trigger flare-ups. Avoid taking certain medications such as Accutane® and Retin-A for several weeks. You may also be asked to avoid taking blood thinning medications such as aspirin and refrain from smoking, as it delays healing. Take steps to protect your skin from sun exposure, such as applying broad-spectrum sunscreen and wearing sun protective clothing every day.
During photofacial, eye protection is provided and must be worn throughout the session. The device is placed against the skin then the laser is activated. Photofacials are well-tolerated by patients and will not cause much discomfort, so a topical anesthetic may not be necessary. Some people describe the feeling as the sensation of a rubber band snapping. The treatment time depends on the type, size, and location of the concerns that are being treated and the skin type of the patient.
It is critical for patients to protect the skin from sun and heat exposure after the treatment, to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The most common side effects include minor redness, swelling, and itching that persist for several days after the photofacial procedure. The skin will feel similar to what you would experience from a mild sunburn.
Avebelle Cosmetic Clinic offers other laser-based procedures including spider vein removal for reducing spider veins or small varicose veins and laser hair removal to zap unwanted hair from the face and body. Botox® is a neuromodulator that can soften wrinkles that are associated with repetitive facial expressions. Injectable fillers can be used for facial contouring or reducing wrinkles.
To learn more about our cosmetic treatment options, contact Avebelle Cosmetic Clinic.Â
Book a consultation online or call us at 416.901.2327
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