What are FotoFacial RF treatments?

FotoFacial RF treatments are face, neck, hands and/or body treatments using Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and RadioFrequency energy combined in the same pulse. These gentle, no-downtime treatments are used to improve the cosmetic appearance of the skin in any area treated. The original FotoFacial procedure was co-developed by Dr. Patrick Bitter, Jr. a dermatologist, and Dr. R. Stephen Mulholland, a plastic surgeon, bringing together the best of aesthetic dermatologic skin care and cosmetic plastic surgery into one non-invasive treatment. The FotoFacial procedure has increased in popularity and recognition to the point where it is now one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in North America. It has been featured in Allure, Cosmopolitan, In Style, Vogue, USA today and numerous national and regional television shows. Many Hollywood stars and TV personalities rave about the FotoFacial and credit this procedure for the renewed health and vitality in their skin. The FotoFacial RF is the next generation in high-tech skin enhancement.

Am I a good candidate for FotoFacial RF?

FotoFacial RF treatments are beneficial in the treatment of the following cosmetic skin concerns on the face and body:You may also be a good candidate for the FotoFacial RF treatments simply if you want to experience an improvement in the pore size and the overall tone and texture of the skin- Rosacea (redness of the skin), Excessive “flushing”, Broken capillaries, Spider veins, Sun damage (sun spots), Age spots, Melasma, Hyperpigmenation (brown discoloration), and Freckles. There are some medical conditions that are contraindications to treatment. These include pregnancy, people who have used Accutane within 6 months, and people who are on photosensitizing medication. A comprehensive consultation with one of our well-qualified clinicians is the best way to determine if FotoFacial RF is a good choice for you.

What results might I expect?

Clients usually notice a consistent improvement in the appearance of their skin. The degree of improvement is gradual and persistent over the 15-18 week program of 5-6 FotoFacial RF treatments. The noticeable and significant changes that are typically seen include: • Rosacea, flushing, redness, ruddy complexion, broken capillaries and spider veins of the face. All these “Pink” vascular based conditions of the skin improve on average between 50-75% percent with FotoFacial RF treatments. • Sun spots, age spots, hyperpigmentation, melasma, cholasma, “mask of pregnancy”, multiple freckles. All these “Brown”, melanin based conditions of the skin improve, on average, 50-75% with FotoFacial RF treatments. • Sun damage and aging signs of the hands, neck (Poikiloderma) and chest skin can be improved by 50-75% percent with FotoFacial RF treatments. • A general improvement in the overall tone and texture of the skin as well as a reduction in pore size. After completing a series, the skin tends to look brighter and more “refreshed.” Many clients are particularly pleased when friends and family comment on how great their skin is looking!

How does FotoFacial RF work to improve the appearance of the skin?

Each pulse of the FotoFacial RF device sends two types of energy into your skin, Intense Pulsed Visible Light and RadioFrequency energy, that act synergistically to enhance the skin. These energies are absorbed into skin imperfections such as brown spots and broken blood vessels. This process causes the skin’s natural healing process to gradually and gently lessen or eliminate these blemishes. The RadioFrequency energy also stimulates production of collagen, elastin and ground substances in the dermis, the thick undercarpet of the skin, resulting in a smoothening of fine lines and textural irregularities of the skin.

How long do treatments take?

Treatment time is usually between 30 and 45 minutes. Many clients like to “numb” before the procedure. To do this, a topical anesthetic cream is applied roughly 30 minutes prior to starting the procedure.

Will the treatment hurt and will I have to miss work?

The FotoFacial RF treatments have a tolerable level of discomfort. The feeling is often compared to a light rubber band snap. However, the discomfort can be greatly reduced, or even eliminated by the use of a topical anesthetic cream applied to the skin 30 minutes prior to the scheduled FotoFacial RF. Evolutions also uses a powerful cooling machine, the Synercool, to provide an additional degree of comfort. The end result of the numbing cream and Synercool is a highly comfortable procedure. You should not have to miss any work. After each treatment, clients are typically only slightly pink. This reaction usually goes away within a few hours, but clients are also able to apply makeup immediately. Consequently, the vast majority of clients are able to resume normal activities immediately.

How long will the skin enhancement effects last?

At the completion of the FotoFacial RF program the skin will have achieved a noticeable and consistent degree of improvement. Over 90% of clients are very happy with their results. An effective home care program can help maintain these benefits. Also, a single maintenance treatment is recommended every 4-6 months to keep the skin looking vital, even, smooth and youthful.

How does FotoFacial RF differ from other photo rejuvenation or “Photofacial” procedures?

FotoFacial RF treatments combine both Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and RadioFrequency energy into one treatment. The synergistic combination of these two energies allow for a more effective procedure with the same or lower energy levels of other IPL-only devices. Thus, FotoFacial RF treatments are safer than so-called “Photofacial” procedures in addition to providing you with the optimal degree of enhancement for your skin.

What technology is used?

The laser/light-based technology used in skin rejuvenation treatments is a critical component in the ultimate result you receive. Evolutions Medical Spa is proud to use the only technology that marries the benefits of Intense Pulsed Light and Radiofrequency energy. It is the only machine able to perform true FotoFacial RF treatments.

SectionCan FotoFacial RF treatments be combined with other procedures?

Absolutely. Laser Genesis, chemical peels and/or Vibradermabrasion treatments can be performed in between FotoFacial RF treatments to further enhance the overall results. Also, for clients who wish to tighten skin as well as improve its tone and texture, ReFirme, Titan, and/or Sublative treatments are commonly added.

Why should I have photorejuvenation treatments done at Evolutions?

Two reasons – superior technology and excellent clinician training.

As explained throughout this section, the technology Evolutions uses for this procedure is superior to other, intense pulsed light only devices. The combination of IPL and Radiofrequency allows us to achieve a better result with a safer treatment.

Excellent Clinician Training

For any procedure, the skill of the clinician performing the procedure is critical. A number of factors need to be considered in preparation to treat a client, including skin type, medical history, medications used, etc. Based on these factors, the clinician must then decide what settings to use. If the settings are too high, there is the risk of burns. If the settings are too low, you may not receive a good result. Consequently, it is very important that the clinician performing your procedure is well-trained. At Evolutions, Dr. Perkins personally and extensively trains all of the clinicians on all aspects of performing FotoFacial RF treatments, including laser physics, skin anatomy, and practical application. Furthermore, in the unlikely event of any complication, Dr. Perkins is always available to see clients personally and help resolve any issues as quickly as possible.

FotoFacial Treatment in Santa Barbara Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions About Microneedling

Micro-needling works by creating hundreds to thousands of “micro” skin punctures to stimulate the skin’s natural wound healing process to prompt tissue remodeling while keeping the overall structure of the skin intact. The micro punctures initiate the body’s natural wound response, instantly boosting blood flow while promoting collagen and elastin production. This encourages the growth of firmer, tighter, and healthier dermal tissue

There are three phases to the wound repair process:

Phase I: Inflammation. Piercing the skin triggers your immune system to increase blood flow to the area and begin to create new tissue.

Phase II: Proliferation. The wound is re-built with new granulation cells, which are part of the extracellular matrix. Additionally, a new network of blood vessels develops.

Phase III: Remodeling. The wound is replaced with new dermal tissues and blood vessels.

Microneedling is known to improve:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Skin tone and texture
• Acne scarring
• Pore size

In addition, the process of Microneedling stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, both critical components of youthful skin that dissipate as we age. 90% of people in the original clinical trial were thrilled with the results and would recommend the treatment to friends or family.

You will likely see an improvement in your skin after 1 treatment, but results are cumulative, so many of our clients choose to purchase a package of 3 or 6 treatments.

Evolutions use the SkinPen, the first micro-needling device cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It has a long record of both safety and efficacy.

The SkinPen features a patent-pending, single-use sterile needle cartridge that was built with safety in mind. The SkinPen is also surrounded by a proprietary BioSheath that acts as a barrier to prevent cross-contamination between procedures.

Prior to your micro-needling treatment, a powerful topical numbing cream is applied to promote comfort throughout the treatment session. With the numbing, the treatment is generally very well tolerated.

Most people can return to normal activities within 24 hours after a micro-needling session. Clients may experience slight swelling and redness, similar to the sensation of a sunburn. Throughout the weeks and months to follow, new collagen and elastin production contribute to a glowing, clear complexion. Full results are seen in 6 months.

Treatment time will vary depending on the surface area treated but a full face can be treated in 30 minutes. Because a topical anesthetic is applied ahead of time, plan to spend an additional 45 minutes at the spa.

Most likely! Microneedling works well on all skin types, from light to dark
It’s a minimally invasive procedure with little downtime. As the first FDA-cleared micro-needling device, SkinPen sets the industry standard for safety.

SkinPen should not be used on patients who have active skin cancer in the treatment area(s); open wounds, sores, or irritated skin in the treatment area(s); an allergy to stainless steel or anesthetics; a hemorrhagic (bleeding) disorder or hemostatic (bleeding) dysfunction; are pregnant or nursing; or are currently taking drugs with the ingredient isotretinoin (such as Accutane).

You will notice an improvement in the skin after only one treatment, but the benefits of doing multiple treatments are cumulative, so many clients choose to purchase a package of 3 or 6 treatments. Your clinician will help you to decide how many treatments are right for you.

Treatments are generally done roughly 4 – 6 weeks apart.

Cost depends on a number of factors, including the number of areas treated, if you are doing a single treatment or a series and if you are in our VIP membership program. Call us at 805-687-0212 for more information.

Before And After: Microneedling

Frequently Asked Questions About Microneedling

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