FotoFacial RF May the Treatment You Didn’t Know You Needed

The signs of aging are sneaky. They begin to appear ever-so-slightly until, one day, we see a mottled complexion or distinct sun spots and leathery skin where the tissue was once smooth and firm. The fact that there are so many anti-aging remedies available today may only make matters more complex. Here, we want to focus on a particular treatment, FotoFacial RF, to discuss what this modality is and what it can do.

What is a FotoFacial?

FotoFacial RF is a type of phototherapy that is performed to rejuvenate the skin from the inside out. Phototherapy facials emit pulses of intense light beams toward the skin, somewhat like a laser does but a bit more gently. The RF in the FotoFacial RF treatment indicates the addition of radiofrequency energy alongside intense pulsed light. Together, these energies affect both the surface of the skin and the layers of tissue in the dermis.

On the surface, discoloration such as melasma and sun spots absorb wavelengths of light. This breaks up the melanin that has clumped together to form the spot. Beneath the surface, radiofrequency stimulates fibroblasts to produce more collagen, the healing protein that influences the youthful appearance of the skin.

By affecting multiple layers of the skin, a FotoFacial can reduce the appearance of:

• Redness caused by spider veins, broken capillaries, and rosacea.
• Discoloration from melasma, freckles, sun posts, and age.
• Fine lines and wrinkles.

The FotoFacial Procedure

FotoFacial treatments are conducted in the office without a need for anesthesia. Before beginning, the provider applies a gel to the skin. A handheld applicator is used to deliver intense pulsed light and radiofrequency simultaneously. The applicator is placed against the skin for treatment. Gentle sensations may be felt as energy is absorbed. Patients describe this as mildly uncomfortable but not painful. Some patients feel nothing but the applicator moving on their skin.

A FotoFacial takes 20 to 30 minutes. After treatment, patients can resume normal activities with few, if any, side effects. As pigmented lesions respond to the absorption of light and radiofrequency, they may darken. This is indicative of melanin breaking up and moving to the surface. Lesions may scab before pigment begins to slough off naturally. As pigment flakes away, the skin looks more evenly toned. Depending on the desired outcome, patients may schedule a series of approximately 6 treatments, followed by periodic touch-ups once or twice a year.

Start your New Year off bright! Schedule a FotoFacial RF treatment in our St. Louis office at 314-567-3567.