PhotoRejuvenation FAQs

PhotoRejuvenation is one of the newer forms of facial rejuvenation. Unlike lasers, which use collimated, focused light, PhotoRejuvenation uses intense broadband light. This type of light is preferentially absorbed by both the brown and red pigment in and beneath the skin. Although PhotoRejuvenation delivers energy to both the superficial (epidermis) and deep (dermis) layers of the skin, the damage to the epidermis is minimized by a chilled crystal that contacts and protects the skin’s surface. Thus, there is no true “down time”, though there is often a visible skin response that can generally be covered easily with make-up. While the primary function of these treatments is to reduce the appearance of sun damage (brown spots and excess blood vessels andb redness), many people find that it also gives the skin a softer, smoother feel and may provide improvements in fine lines and texture as well.

PhotoRejuvenation treatments are typically performed on the face, neck, chest, shoulders and hands. However, any body area that has succumbed to the signs of photo-aging can be treated.

Yes. Although not a cure, PhotoRejuvenation can substantially improve the symptoms of Rosacea, encompassing excessive flushing, broken blood vessels, inflammatory acne and enlarged pores. In fact, PhotoRejuvenation is considered the gold standard for treating Rosacea. A series of PhotoRejuvenation treatments can have a significant impact on the quality of life for those who suffer from Rosacea.

Before treatment, a cold gel is applied to the area being treated and you are given protective eyewear. During treatment, your Medalase provider will apply the surface of the PhotoRejuvenation hand piece to the skin. Very bright pulses of therapeutic light will then be delivered to the skin surface in a systematic fashion until the entire area is covered.

Each session usually lasts about 30-45 minutes, followed by a warm feeling in the treated area afterward. You may return to your normal activities immediately after treatment, but may wish to apply mineral makeup prior to leaving the center.

You may experience mild redness, but it often disappears within a few hours. Brown spots may darken immediately after treatment, and areas of redness may intensify. Excessive post-treatment redness often calms within a few hours. Within the next day or so, darker spots may develop a fine flaky covering that will shed over the course of the next few days to reveal the fresh, even skin underneath.

PhotoRejuvenation brings about gradual changes over the course of the treatments. After the series of treatments is complete, you should notice an overall decrease in the amount of unwanted brown and red pigmentation from sun damage, a more even overall skin color, and improved skin texture.

On average, five PhotoRejuvenation treatments are recommended, scheduled at three-week intervals. However, each person is unique and during your complimentary consultation, your Medalase Consultant will guide you in creating a treatment program that best meets your individual needs and goals.

With good sun protection (SPF 30) and Medalase’s customized at-home skincare regimen, results from a full series of treatments generally last for years. It is important to understand, however, that the damage one sees on their skin now is from sun exposure many years ago, and the manifestation of that damage (creation of new brows spots and blood vessels) will continue with age. Therefore, many people wish to perform maintenance treatments on a schedule that is right for them. For some people this means 1 every 3 to 4 months, and for others 1 every year is perfectly adequate.

Avoid tanning (sun bathing or tanning bed) while undergoing your series of PhotoRejuvenation treatments, since your skin will be more susceptible to over-reacting to the intense light. Your Medalase provider will recommend a companion at home skincare program to enhance and maintain your results.

While side effects are generally confined to mild discomfort during the procedure and short-term redness post procedure, rarely stronger side effects can occur including heavier scabbing of the skin or blisters. The Intense Pulsed Light devices that perform these treatments are quite powerful, making it important that the people performing your treatment are thoroughly trained in evaluating skin types and properly adjusting treatment settings to balance the needs of an effective treatment with maintaining safety. Because of these devices affinity for pigment, it is equally important that you be completely honest with your treating provider regarding recent sun exposure.