FotoFacial RF in St. Louis, MO
What is FotoFacial RF?
FotoFacial RF is a procedure that uses intense pulsed light, much like laser energy, to rejuvenate the skin of the face, neck, chest, and arms. If you have fine lines, facial discolorations, or ruddiness, you may be a good candidate for FotoFacial RF in St. Louis.
The RF stands for “radio frequency energy,” and this energy stimulates your body’s natural production of collagen, which maintains a young look to the skin. One of the reasons we develop wrinkles is due to reduced collagen production as we age.
FotoFacial RF can decrease the appearance of:
- Fine lines and wrinkles.
- Ruddy complexion, including redness caused by rosacea, broken capillaries, and spider veins.
- Discolorations such as hyperpigmentation, sun and age spots, freckles, melasma, chloasma, and “mask of pregnancy”.
- Sun damage.
Who is a candidate?
The FotoFacial RF procedure can be beneficial for a wide variety of concerns on the face or body. Some of the conditions that can be improved with this treatment include:
- Sun damage
- Age spots
- Hyperpigmentation
- Excessive flushing
- Spider veins
- Broken capillaries
- Rosacea
- Freckles
- Melasma
- Enlarged pores
FotoFacial treatments are not suitable for women who are pregnant or for individuals who have used Accutane in the previous 6 months.
What is FotoFacial RF Like?
FotoFacial RF is a non-surgical, outpatient procedure. A gel is applied to your skin. Then, the light pulse and radio frequency apparatus is placed against your skin. It may feel a bit cold, and you may feel a gentle sensation from it. Most people find it to be only mildly uncomfortable if it all.
Each treatment lasts for 20-30 minutes. The number of treatments you will need depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If you have many fine lines, acne scars, discolorations, or broken capillaries, for example, you may need five or six treatments. You can have FotoFacial RF every three weeks until the results you want are achieved.
How to Prepare for FotoFacial Treatment
The FotoFacial RF device delivers bursts of energy to stimulate pigment deterioration and tissue regeneration. Because radiofrequency and light are forms of thermal energy, patients may be advised to avoid excessive sun exposure in the weeks prior to their treatment. Tanning, both outdoors and in a tanning bed, can make the skin more sensitive to intense pulsed light. Patients may also be advised to avoid certain medications, such as aspirin, that can create a risk of bruising. In most cases, there is no need to take extraordinary precautions before a FotoFacial. This is one of the many benefits of this treatment!
What to expect during recovery
There is no real recovery period from a FotoFacial RF treatment. You can go home right after your procedure and return to your normal everyday activities right away, including the application of makeup. At first, discolorations and blood vessels may seem to be even more visible on your skin, but don’t be alarmed. This is normal – they will fade more and more over the next few days.
Our doctors may suggest skincare products for you to use, and you will be asked to avoid sun exposure before and while you are having these treatments, as FotoFacial RF will make you more vulnerable to sunburn.
How Long Do Results Last?
When Can I Return to normal activity?
The side effects that are common for FotoFacial RF patients are so mild that they typically resolve within an hour or two. There is no need to take time off work or other activities. As soon as you leave our office, you can resume your day as usual.
Are there side effects of FotoFacial treatment?
The FotoFacial combines intense pulsed light with radiofrequency energy. The device controls the amount of energy that is delivered, but side effects can occur. Usually, these are limited to transient redness and a mild stinging sensation. Because tissue absorbs heat during the procedure and could result in blisters or hyperpigmentation of the skin, it is important to receive this treatment only from a qualified provider who has been fully trained in the safe use of this technology.
How much does a FotoFacial cost?
FotoFacial RF treatment is conducted in a single session, so rejuvenating therapy is quite affordable. Depending on the cosmetic concerns a patient wishes to address, the condition of the skin, and their goals, the FotoFacial may be only one aspect of a larger treatment plan. During your consultation in our friendly office, we will spend time getting to know what you’d like to address and how we can best help you do it. After a thorough discussion and assessment of your skin and underlying tissue, we can determine if the FotoFacial RF is ideal for you on its own or with adjunctive modalities. Costs can then be outlined.