Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jacob Rispler explains the benefits of Photorejuvenation, which helps smooth away redness, brow lesions, sun damage and more. With new and improved treatments, photorejuvenation should be pain free and easy to heal from.
What is Photorejuvenation?
Photorejuvenation is a procedure developed about 20 years ago, using lasers to treat skin conditions such as redness, brown lesions, sun damage and wrinkle reduction. Skincare lasers have gone through an evolution, from single wavelengths that attacked specific conditions, to intense pulse light lasers (IPL), to broadband light sources and lower-level devices.
Are All Photorejuvenation Devices The Same?
No. One problem is that IPLs were originally designed for lighter-skinned patients. Another problem is that it can burn the skin and leave “stripes," especially in the hands of inexperienced practitioners. That led to a decrease in these treatments. Now, however, there are newer devices, such as radiofrequency devices, and pico lasers, which do the same thing much more effectively, much safer, and more inexpensively.
What Makes Someone a Candidate for Photorejuvenation?
With the newer devices, anybody that has sun damaged skin can receive treatment, regardless of skin color or tone, including people of African heritage. With the IPLs, that is not the case.
What is the Average Cost of Photorejuvenation?
The prices at spas used to be six treatments for $1,500 dollars. Now the same results can occur in one or two sessions, depending upon the type of lasers used. Today's treatment costs depend on how severe the skin conditions are. The more severe, the more treatments will be required. It's possible to tighten the skin, get rid of the deep wrinkles, and do an eye lift.
According to The Derm Collective,1 professional IPL treatments range from $400 to $600 per treatment, with three to four treatments being ideal. LED photofacial treatments can range from $40 to $200 per treatment.
What Are the Risks of Photorejuvenation?
Classic IPL can strip off a tan and create stripes. A person with open wounds should first have them managed by a dermatologist. For instance, people may think they just have very red skin, but actually have rosacea, which is an inflammatory disease, so photorejuvenation will not improve that.
What Should Patients Expect From the Procedure?
The patient is typically prepared with a bleaching cream that prevents tanning (it doesn't actually bleach the skin). The advanced IPL lasers also have extreme cooling capabilities, which helps to protect darker-skinned patients and is less uncomfortable.
If there's no cooling, the procedure could be fairly uncomfortable, especially if it's an older laser that goes slower. The pico lasers are so fast patients don't even feel it.
What Can the Patient Do to Help Improve Healing?
After the IPL, the dermatologist will apply a medicated moisturizer with antibiotics in it, in case of any microscopic openings in the skin, to prevent infection.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
There should be very little pain afterwards. Within a couple of days, other than some micro-scabbing, most patients should be able to resume regular activities.
Are Follow-up Treatments Normally Required?
Low-level IPLs are typically sold in treatments of six. The newer treatments are sold in one to two treatments, and then patients are encouraged to come back after a year or two, especially if they've spent more time in the sun.
CareCredit Financing for Photorejuvenation
When getting Photorejuvenation, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.
Author Bio
Jordan Rosenfeld has been freelance writing for 21 years about finances, health, education and more, and is author of 9 books. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, The Billfold, GoBanking Rates, Daily Worth, Quartz, Medical Economics, The New York Times, Paypal, The Washington Post and more.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Jacob Rispler is a board certified dermatologist, and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery. He has three practices in Southern California and attracts patients from around the world.