Photofacials

If your face shows signs of photoaging, such as mottled skin or red spots, a photofacial (IPL) with the revolutionary Cynosure® Icon™ can help even out your complexion. Family medicine physician Alexander Owens, DO, provides a variety of skin rejuvenation treatments with the Icon laser system at his office in Naples, Florida. In under 30 minutes, you can be pampered on your lunch break and return with rejuvenated skin. Request an appointment for a photofacial online or over the phone.

Photofacials Q & A

What is a photofacial?

The photofacial is a noninvasive procedure using high-energy light to treat skin discoloration and imperfections associated with sun damage and aging. IPL targets redness and pigmentation to even out your complexion.

Alexander Owens, DO, uses this technology to provide cutting-edge clinical photofacials. This high-tech treatment repairs a multitude of imperfections and restores some of your skin's youthfulness.

What problems do photofacials treat?

The melanin in your skin absorbs the pulsed light from the Icon laser, so photofacial treatments are most effective at clearing up pigmented and sun-damaged skin.

The skin problems that respond best to IPL include:

• Vascular lesions, or visible blood vessels
• Unwanted hair
• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Acne
• Rosacea

The system also uses a proprietary melanin reader, called Skintel, which identifies darker problem areas. This system allows Dr. Owens’ to tailor the treatment to you.

What happens during a photofacial treatment?

If you're worried about pain, your provider may use a topical anesthetic before the procedure. He will also apply a cooling gel to the skin and give you safety glasses to wear during the treatment.

While you relax on the exam table, Dr. Owens’ glides the IPL handpiece over your skin, treating each section in increments. He places cooling pads on your skin to offset the effects of the heat. The entire process takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete.

You may experience some swelling, redness, and increased pigmentation for a few hours or days after treatment. However, the pain dissipates quickly, and the brown spots slough off as a new layer of skin appears underneath.

What are the benefits of a photofacial?

Photofacials are a safe, effective way to improve skin tone. You can also expect a rapid recovery after IPL treatments. The temporary discomfort you might feel after the procedure shouldn't prevent you from returning to work after your appointment.

To find out if IPL is right for you, schedule a consultation at the Naples, Florida office today. You can request an appointment online or over the phone.