Photo rejuvenation (IPL), Resurfacing

Want to minimize the look of ageing on your face? Photo rejuvenation and resurfacing are excellent ways of improving your look by softening wrinkles, pigment stains and other signs of ageing.

What is photo rejuvenation and what is resurfacing?

Photo rejuvenation is a general name for a variety of procedures. The basic definition is it is a thermal disturbance of the skin’s collagen. The result of this process is an activation of the healing process and the release of substances which influence the regeneration of skin cells. The cell activity is stimulated and thus new collagen fibers are created. Skin strength and elasticity therefore improves. Other skin problems that can be treated using photo rejuvenation includes the disappearance of pigment stains and tiny veins, the filling of small wrinkles and scars and a general improvement in skin quality. Photo rejuvenation is a very gentle treatment and therefore can be combined with a chemical peel, other laser treatments, application of botulinum toxin, skin implants and it’s possible to have photo rejuvenation after surgical treatments.

Resurfacing is a method of skin treatment in which a laser is used to remove the top skin layer. The skin is eliminated using a beam from an Erbium or CO2 laser. The results of resurfacing is a smoothing of wrinkles and small scars, skin lifting and general rejuvenation. Resurfacing is more invasive than photo rejuvenation.

Why photo rejuvenation Prague?

Prague has many attractive features for those considering photo rejuvenation abroad. Its location in Central Europe is easy to access; its mild climate is conducive to healing and its experienced clinics and photo rejuvenation surgeons ensure you’ll receive the best possible care. Photo rejuvenation Prague costs are often much more affordable than in the UK or with the NHS. For more information about getting to and around the Czech Republic, please visit our handy cosmetic surgery Prague info guide.

Photo rejuvenation

Photo rejuvenation is a gentle warming of the skin with low doses of light energy. The source of energy can be either intense pulse light (IPL), pulse pigment laser or diode laser. This warming causes stimulation of the cells which produce collagen fibers. The process encourages new development of collagen, smoothes out little wrinkles and stretches the skin. The light energy is partly absorbed in dilated facial veins which causes them to seal and subsequently disappear in a few weeks. Photo rejuvenation can cause an improvement of facial pigment stains as well. The healing process following photo rejuvenation is complete in approximately 7 to 14 days.

Resurfacing

This method uses so-called ablative lasers, for example the CO2 laser or the Erbium laser. These lasers cause a gentle evaporation of the skin layer, which leads to skin surface regeneration. This procedure is mainly used to treat scars resulting from smallpox or acne, or to smooth out deeper wrinkles or a rough skin surface. The smoothing of wrinkles around the eyes and upper lip is usually perfect. The procedure can be outpatient; surgeons usually recommend a one day hospitalization with other treatments such as laser bio-stimulation or intense red light, for a faster recovery. The healing process takes two to four weeks, and constant sun protection (sunscreens with high UV filters, 50+) must follow for several months. It is possible to combine this procedure with other surgical procedures under general anesthesia, for example a face-lift.

Are you a good candidate for photo rejuvenation or resurfacing?

If you suffer from rough facial skin, wrinkles, acne or smallpox scars or pigment stains, photo rejuvenation or resurfacing may be a good option for you. It is necessary to have realistic expectations and realize that photo rejuvenation does not bring as radical results as other cosmetic treatments, like a face-lift) To see before and after photos of photo rejuvenation Prague please visit our picture gallery.

Before the treatment

During the first consultation, the doctor will discuss with you your ideas and expectations for photo rejuvenation surgery. He/she will check the condition and elasticity of your skin. If your wrinkles are too deep and/or the skin too loose, the doctor may recommend a combination of photo rejuvenation and another type of treatment, or a more radical procedure, like a face-lift, to achieve the best possible results. The doctor will provide you with all instructions concerning skin care before and after the treatment.

Anesthesia

Photo rejuvenation is performed under local anesthesia, usually in the form of an anesthetic ointment. You can go home right after the procedure. Resurfacing is performed in a so-called analgosedation (controlled sleep) and a one-day hospital stay is usually recommended.

After the treatment

Both treatments are very fast. Immediately after the treatment, the skin is slightly red and oozes (in resurfacing the skin damage is more evident). During this time, it is necessary to provide your skin with some extra TLC, such as the application of cold compresses using sterile water and ointments. A total recovery following photo rejuvenation is usually after 7 to 14 days; in resurfacing the healing process can take 2 to 4 weeks. After both photo rejuvenation and resurfacing it is necessary to protect the treated areas from the sun and to use sunscreen with a high UV filter (50+) for a minimum of 2 months. No other measures are necessary.

What are the results of photo rejuvenation and resurfacing?

The results of resurfacing are excellent. Your skin can look 5 to 10 years younger. If you choose to have photo rejuvenation, you can count on good results in the appearance of your skin’s surface, the disappearance of dilated veins and pigment stains. The impact on deep wrinkles is average. The best result is the smoothing out of wrinkles around the eyes. To achieve the best results from photo rejuvenation, it is necessary to undergo approximately four treatments in a period of six weeks. The final result can be assessed about 3 months after the end of the treatments. How long will the effects of photo rejuvenation and resurfacing last? The effects are long-lasting but do not prevent other signs of skin ageing such as the development of new wrinkles, dilated veins or pigment stains. After some time, you may feel the need to undergo photo rejuvenation or resurfacing again.
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