Fotofacial FAQ Beverly Hills
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FOTOFACIAL
For your convenience, Dr. Steinsapir has compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions about cosmetic fotofacial. If your question is not answered below, please do not hesitate to contact our private practice facility, located in Beverly Hills, California. We look forward to speaking with you, and are always available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
When I lived in the Bay Area, Patrick Bitter Jr., M.D. did several Fotofacial® treatments for me. Is Dr. Steinsapir familiar with Dr. Bitter?
Dr. Bitter invented the Fotofacial® and trained Dr. Steinsapir on how to perform Fotofacial® treatments. Dr. Steinsapir is listed on the official Fotofacial® website.
What exactly is a Fotofacial®?
It is a facial skin treatment that harnesses the power of intense pulse light (IPL) to rejuvenate the appearance, texture, and overall condition of the skin. There are a variety of machines that produce intense pulsed light. Dr. Steinsapir uses the Lumenis Vasculight® HR, one of the most sophisticated machines developed for the purpose of performing IPL treatments. During the session, a treatment crystal attached to the hand piece is passed over the facial skin, triggering a bright flash of light that is filtered by the crystal. The light targets colored marks in the skin (i.e. collagen, brown spots, and red spots). Treatments take about 15 minutes and a pre-treatment numbing creaming makes the treatment comfortable. Typically a 5-6 session series is performed at 3-week intervals. The treatment is designed to improve the appearance of: sunspots, flushing, blood vessels, and enlarged pores. Over the course of 5 or 6 treatments, mild facial tightening can be achieved.
I have veins in my lower eyelid. Will the Fotofacial® address these?
Generally, the Fotofacial® can close small red blood vessels. However, larger veins need a different type of treatment. Typically, a YAG laser is used that can close veins up to 3 millimeters.
I get cold sores. Will this be a problem with my Fotofacials®?
Dr. Steinsapir routinely prescribes Valtrex® to use for a few days around the Fotofacial® treatment to reduce the risk of a cold sore outbreak before, during, and after the Fotofacial® treatment.
I had a series of Fotofacials® a few years ago. Would I benefit from more Fotofacials®?
The answer in general is yes. However, a personal consultation will be needed to determine exactly what you will need. Typically, skin redness benefits from re-treatment after 6 to 12 months, although only one or two sessions may be required. Sun damage takes longer to re-occur after the initial treatment series, but this very much depends on how well you have been protecting your face from sun damage since your last Fotofacial® series.