While we are never proponents of the “blue plate special”–the nickname for stacking up cosmetic surgeries all at once–it’s true that many individuals who are seeking to improve their looks do benefit from a balance of procedures. For example, if you experience certain volume deficiencies in your face then you may see aesthetic improvement from the filler Restylane®; and if you have sun damage, facial lines, or blotchy skin then you may also be a good candidate for Fotofacial® or photo facial treatments. Your suitability for either or both of these procedures can be determined at a private consultation with a qualified oculoplastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon. The good news is that these procedures are compatible, safe, and relatively comfortable.
Understanding the basis for how Restylane® and Fotofacial® both work will clarify why it is safe to receive both treatments. Photo facial is an intense pulse light treatment (IPL) that improves red spots, small blood vessels, and sun damage. These treatments are the basis for photo facials, and they are generally delivered over the course of four to five sessions that are three weeks apart. This is sufficient time to see significant improvements in your skin’s appearance, creating a more even tone and a tightening of the skin. Fotofacial works by directly treating your skin where the lines and damage are directly located.
Restylane® treatment, on the other hand, is carefully placed under the skin to correct deficiencies in facial volume, such as the under eye circle. In this example, under eye Restylane® is safely placed beneath the skin to address the volume need, thus correcting the optical problem that we perceive as dark circles under the eyes. Because Restylane® works from under the skin while Fotofacial® directly targets the skin itself, Restylane® treatments are unaffected by IPL treatment, and vice versa is also true.
It is important to always disclose your complete past and current medical history with your physician as you develop your treatment plan. This will ensure that your care is as safe and personalized as possible. Dr. Steinsapir specializes in both Fotofacial® and Restylane® treatments and is the inventor of of Deepfill Restylane®, the breakthrough approach to correcting under eye hollows. Dr. Steinsapir is friendly and approachable, and will gladly answer your questions and help you feel confident in your treatment choices. Call us today to schedule an individualized consultation and see results.
About Dr. Steinsapir
Dr. Steinsapir is a board certified eye surgeon and fellowship-trained in oculoplastic surgery and cosmetic surgery in Los Angeles where he specializes in balanced facial cosmetic surgery for natural results, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, fast recovery time, and leadership in medical technology. Dr. Steinsapir has a private practice and also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Contact us today to learn how Dr. Steinsapir’s experience and training make him an expert in cosmetic surgery, which can be a vital part of your evidence-based treatment plan.
Services described may be “off-label” and lack FDA approval. This article is informational and does not constitute an advertisement for off-label treatment. No services should be provided without a good faith examination by a licensed physician or surgeon and an informed consent with a discussion of risks, benefits, alternatives, and the likelihood of treatment success. Only you and your treating physician or surgeon can determine if a treatment is right for you.