Everyone has heard the saying “no pain, no gain,” but when it comes to
achieving flawless skin, that adage is a thing of the past. Erasing fine
wrinkles, sun-damaged skin, rosacea and achieving dewy with no pain or
down-time is now possible in the span of a lunch hour through the brand new
“FotoFacial.” American Laser Centers in Plano, Texas have been at the
forefront of this new technique.

FotoFacial is a procedure where a series of wavelengths are pulsed through
the layers of the skin, providing multiple types of improvement. One of the
main advantages to this particular type of treatment is no downtime.
Patients receive a low energy setting in five treatments spaced every three
to four weeks apart, making it painless and the recovery time needed
non-existent. The procedure can be done anywhere on the body including the
face, backs of the hands, legs and the neck. However, it is not ideal for
darker toned skin, and it is important that patients avoid tanning booths
and the sun while undergoing treatment.

Dr. Steven Watson is the on site plastic surgeon at American Laser Centers.
He explains that, “almost all patients will notice an improvement on the
skin after the first visit. Most patients are so thrilled with the immediate
results that they can’t wait for the next treatment.” He adds, “this is an
intense light machine that will decrease pores and erase blotchy pigment,
which makes the tone of the skin more even and dewy looking”

Rosacea patients and those with sun-damaged skin will also see marked
improvement. A patient treated for sun-damaged skin will notice up to a
90 percent improvement. Dr. Watson adds that, “the FotoFacial is
appropriate for anyone who is seeking to improve the texture of their skin.
Even patients in their 20’s who have had cumulative sun exposure can begin
to combat damage at an early age.”

Dr. Watson says that, “the FotoFacial can be used to improve fine wrinkles,
but for deep wrinkles it would need to be combined with a cool touch laser
procedure.” Botox injections, collagen, silicone and microdermabrasian can
be combined with the FotoFacial as well. The good news is that all are small
procedures that do not require anesthesia or any down time.

As Dr. Watson explains, “the FotoFacial differs from microdermabrasion in
that the latter is like sandblasting the skin and the FotoFacial is just a
wave of light pulsing the skin to affect a change in the pigment and blood
vessels.

Treatments are offered in a series of five or three. Opting for the five
treatments will give patients no downtime and a slightly pink glow after
each session. Going with the series of three treatments allows for faster
results but will cause some scabbing and redness for five to seven days
afterwards. After the series of treatments are completed, in order to
continue reaping the benefits of the procedure, Dr. Watson believes going
back one to two times a year for routine maintenance will be needed.

“This is a wonderful treatment,” says Dr. Watson. “It’s a “lunch-time
procedure and with so much ease that you can go right back to social
activities and work.”