Photorejuvenation procedure refers to a special treatment method of skin rejuvenation (rejuvenation). Through non-ablative laser systems or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) (synonym: flashlight treatments, flashlamp treatment), a visible improvement of the skin appearance is achieved, especially in actinic (light-induced) changes and damage. Disturbing pigmentation and unsightly superficial vascular anomalies (e.g. spider veins) can also be treated. Wrinkle smoothing is also possible. Particularly successful in the field of photorejuvenation is treatment with high-energy flash lamps, i.e. the IPL method. An overview of the classification of the procedure in the field of general rejuvenation (skin renewal) is given in the following summary:
- Peeling
- Dermabrasion (abrasion of the skin)
- Laser skin resurfacing
- Non-ablative photorejuvenation – laser treatments that do not involve ablation of the skin such as long-pulsed laser systems and IPL.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) or photodynamic photorejuvenation; in this procedure, the skin is photosensitized and then irradiated with red cold light, so that diseased cells perish.
- Surgical procedures – eg lifting.
- Radio frequency technology
- Combined methods (see Aurora)
Indications (areas of application)
- Spider veins – This refers to small reddish-bluish veins or varicose veins, which are usually the first sign of venous disease.
- Blue nevi
- Cafè-au-lait spots – milk coffee colored circumscribed spot in the epidermis.
- Fine wrinkles of the skin damaged by light
- Granuloma teleangiectaticum – mushroom-shaped, pedunculated hemangioma that sits on the skin.
- Infantile hemangioma (blood sponge).
- Photo-epilation (depilation therapy)
- Nevus flammeus (port-wine stain)
- Naevus Ota (Mongolian spot)
- Lentigo senilis (age spots)
- Spider nevi (nevus araneus) – star-shaped vascular neoplasm with central vascular nodule.
- Senile angiomas – so-called cherry angioma, it is a pinhead-sized neoplasm of capillaries (smallest vessels).
- Teleangiectasia – dilation of small superficial skin vessels that are permanent.
- Tattoos (removal)
Before treatment
Before treatment, a detailed patient interview with information about risks and side effects should take place, as well as the possible limited success of the therapy should be addressed. The patient should also not wear makeup or be exposed to the sun. If necessary, a strong sunscreen should be used in advance.
The surgical procedure
High-energy flash lamps are different from normal laser systems. A laser produces monochromatic light, which means light with a single wavelength. IPL technology uses polychromatic light (light with many different wavelengths), and the wavelengths range from 560 nm to 1,020 nm. Filters can be used to select a specific wavelength range to cover a variety of treatment options. IPL technology is not a laser system. Nevertheless, the application possibilities are often identical. The effectiveness of IPL is also based on the physical principle of selective photothermolysis. The goal of selective photothermolysis is the targeted thermal destruction of specific tissue structures without affecting the immediate, surrounding tissue. Such target structures can be hair follicles in epilation or disturbing spider vein varicose veins. The treatment procedure is as follows: First, a clear, translucent usually cooled gel is applied to the area to be treated. During the treatment, which lasts between five and thirty minutes depending on the extent of the area, mild burning pain may occur. The success of the treatment can be assessed 3-4 weeks after the procedure.
After the treatment
Following the procedure with IPL technology, areal erythema (redness) and swelling may occur, but they will regress after the first 48 hours. Superficial bruising is also possible. The patient can resume his daily routine immediately after the treatment, although he should avoid strong sun exposure.The treatment can be repeated several times at intervals of 3-4 weeks.
Benefits
IPL technology is an effective method that has great similarities with aspects of laser therapy. In the field of photorejuvenation, this procedure plays a significant role.