Aging can drastically change the appearance of our skin – from sun damage to blemishes to spider veins on the face, the aging process can steal away the clear complexion of our youth. The good news is that experts like Mimi Lee, MD at Doctors MedSpa in Little Rock, AR know that one of the best ways to improve the appearance of your skin is with treatments like FotoFacial RF.
How Does FotoFacial RF Work?
FotoFacial RF is a non-invasive energy-based treatment that combines the power of intense pulsed light and radiofrequency technology to rejuvenate the appearance of the skin. During this treatment, your skin will be covered with a cooling gel while the treatment device is moved over your targeted treatment area. The energy from this treatment stimulates the rejuvenating properties of your skin to improve the appearance of several age-related concerns, including:
- Sun damage
- Age spots
- Freckles and blemishes
- Rosacea
- Enlarged pores
- Spider veins or broken capillaries
What Is Treatment Like?
Your treatment appointments will generally take about 30 minutes to complete, although if you are treating multiple areas or a very large area, your appointment may take longer. Like many other energy-based treatments, you will actually need to have multiple appointments to achieve the best possible results from this treatment. Most patients will need an initial series of five to six treatments spaced about a month apart for the best results.
What Should You Do After Treatment?
The cardinal rule for energy-based treatments is to avoid any activity that can trigger pigmentation on the skin. In general, this means avoiding sunlight, sunbathing, tanning beds, and self-tanning products. If you are going to be outside, you should be wearing SPF 30 or higher based on your skin tone. You should wear SPF inside during the day if you are sitting near a window, as well.
It’s also important to avoid irritating the skin after your treatment. You should avoid hot water, chemical exfoliants, products like retinol, and steam for several days after your treatment. You should also use a lightweight moisturizer after your treatment to keep your skin supple. We will give you additional post-treatment instructions after your appointment.
When Will You See Results?
The results of your treatment will be gradual. It’s important to remember that your skin’s self-rejuvenating properties will take time to improve the appearance of your skin from the inside out. Most people will be able to see the initial results of their treatment about one to two weeks after each treatment session.
The more treatments you have, the more your results will improve. For patients who have at least five to six appointments, you may not see the final results of your treatment until three to five months after your last appointment. To get the best results from your treatments, you should be sure to carefully follow all of your post-treatment instructions.
How Long Will Results Last?
In general, you can expect the results of your treatment to last for six to 12 months for most concerns, such as enlarged pores, rosacea, and sun damage. However, some of your results may be permanent, such as for the treatment of spider veins and certain skin conditions. Ultimately, how long your results will last will depend on you.
How Do You Maintain Your Results?
The results of your treatment will last for as long as you avoid any further sun damage to your skin. While you can’t stop the aging process from creating pigmentation concerns, you can avoid sun exposure to enjoy longer-lasting results. You can also maintain your results by attending annual appointments to top up your results and keep the rejuvenating properties of your skin active.
Aside from using SPF correctly, there are other things you can do to maintain the results of your treatment. For example, certain skincare products, like Vitamin C serums, can reduce free radicals in your skin that contribute to sun damage and skin aging. Be sure to ask about skincare product recommendations at your appointment.
Who Are Good Candidates?
Most people with sun damage concerns or skin conditions like rosacea are good candidates for this treatment. A consultation with Mimi Lee, MD will be able to determine whether or not you are eligible for this treatment. During your consultation, your skin will be examined and analyzed to assess if this treatment will correct your aesthetic concerns.
For example, people who have melanin-rich age spots and moderate sun damage are generally the best candidates for this treatment. Sometimes, patients with medium to dark complexions aren’t the best candidates for this treatment. Additionally, if you are pregnant, you may not be qualified for this treatment.
Rejuvenate Your Skin With FotoFacial RF Treatments
Sun exposure over a lifetime can leave a distinct mark on your skin in the form of sun damage, spider veins, and age spots. If you want to significantly improve the tone of your skin, then an energy-based treatment that combines IPL and radiofrequency technology can greatly benefit the overall appearance of your skin. Please contact Doctors MedSpa in Little Rock, AR to schedule your first consultation with Mimi Lee, MD today.