Photo Rejuvenation Myths Busted

One of the most common pieces of misinformation many people have about laser treatments is simply the variety of procedures there are. You may hear a friend talk about a laser treatment they had and think, “that won’t help the cosmetic issues I have, so I guess laser treatments aren’t for me.” But as you can quickly see by perusing our list of laser treatments, there are a great many uses for aesthetic lasers, and each is ideal for a specific type of patient or to resolve a different set of concerns. Photo rejuvenation is one of our lesser-known yet widely successful procedures, so we’re tackling a few of the most common photo rejuvenation myths our patients ask us about.

Myth #1: Photo rejuvenation is for sun damage.

Fact: Don’t get us wrong—the procedure can be a very successful way to reduce sun damage like age spots and melasma. But it does so much more, too. Photo rejuvenation is also a great option for fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, broken capillaries, uneven skin texture, large pores, and facial redness, just to name a few.

Myth #2: Photo rejuvenation is another name for laser skin resurfacing.

Fact: While they both use lasers and they both aim to give you a younger, brighter complexion, photo rejuvenation and laser skin resurfacing are two very different procedures. Our fractionated CO2 laser skin resurfacing treatments send columns of laser light into your skin to create microscopic “wounds” and activate your body’s healing process for facial rejuvenation. Photo rejuvenation, on the other hand, uses pulses of a non-ablative laser (a laser which doesn’t break the skin) to deliver controlled warmth to the deeper layers of your skin, causing your body to produce more collagen and resulting in a more youthful appearance.

Myth #3: Photo rejuvenation is a facial treatment.

Fact: This misunderstanding may be because patients hear the term “photofacial,” but our photo rejuvenation treatments can also be applied to other areas of the body, like the chest, arms, and hands.

Myth #4: You can get an accurate idea of the treatment by talking to someone else who’s had it done.

Fact: Part of what makes laser treatments so successful is their customizability (which is also why it’s so important to choose an experienced laser technician and a specialized ASLMS-member facility). The length, sensation, and number of sessions required for photo rejuvenation vary from patient to patient, depending on your cosmetic goals, the area you’re treating, and your unique anatomy. It’s also important to remember that for some, there may be a different procedure which is better suited to their needs. This is often the case for patients with darker skin (including those with naturally fair skin which is currently suntanned), patients who are taking Accutane for acne, and patients who are pregnant.

Myth #5: You’ll need to plan for some downtime after photo rejuvenation.

Fact: Because photo rejuvenation uses a non-ablative laser, it’s actually rather gentle on the skin, and it typically requires little or no downtime. In fact, most patients find that the post-treatment sensation (which they liken to a sunburn) fades within a few hours to a few days after their appointment. But keep in mind that everyone’s procedure is unique, so schedule a skin analysis and consultation at Laser Lights to discuss what you can expect before, during, and after your photo rejuvenation.

At the end of the day, one of the most important keys to getting the best possible cosmetic results is to find the right treatment for you, and while guides like this can help, you should also seek the advice of a trained professional. Starting every patient with a skin analysis allows us to make a recommendation catered specifically to you. To learn more about the services we offer, explore our website and remember to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ to keep up with our latest special offers and learn some great skincare tips.