Laser Facial Treatments
Intense Pulse Light
Intense Pulse Light Details
How does it work?
IPL is most often performed on the face, neck, chest, and hands to erase the signs of aging. Our lasers are clinically shown to reduce wrinkles and improve the tone of the skin by non-invasively stimulating new collagen production.
What can I expect after an IPL treatment at SF Aesthetics?
After an IPL treatment for sun damage, your freckles will turn dark and scab over. Imagine having a dusting of coffee grinds on your face. Over the course of seven to ten days, the scabs will flake off, revealing a more even complexion. The types of responses heard from patients are that they feel like their skin is lifted. There is a decrease in pore size, the skin feels tighter, looks brighter, and there is a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. By combining IPL and Laser Genesis at San Francisco Aesthetics, we take care of noticeable coloration defects and also provide the skin with the toning and textural improvement that patients are seeking. Non-invasive techniques for skin rejuvenation are being quickly established as a new standard in the treatment of mild wrinkles and overall skin toning. All patients show improvement after the treatment series.
Laser Genesis
Laser Genesis Details
- Flushing symptoms of Rosacea
- Surgical scars
- Texture and large pores
- Redness from acne breakouts
Laser Genesis is a gentle procedure with no down time. It uses a 1064 nm wavelength to gently heat the dermis which diffuses redness and stimulates collagen production. It’s an ideal treatment for someone who is beginning to see the signs of aging and wants to “freshen” their look without resorting to invasive procedures.
What can I expect?
Laser Genesis is a mild laser treatment that does not cause discomfort, bruising, swelling, redness, or peeling. Because the treatment is not uncomfortable, no topical anesthetic is necessary. The laser creates a warming sensation on the skin and after the session nobody would be able to tell you just received a laser treatment. The effects are subtle and usually a series is required to achieve optimal results.
Rosacea
Rosacea Details
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- redness of the face or cheeks similar to a rash
- a tendency to flush or blush easily
- increased vascularity (broken capillaries) of the face
- a red, often enlarged nose
- acne-like skin eruptions
- a burning or stinging sensation of the face
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While Rosacea cannot be cured, its symptoms can be controlled and your appearance can be improved. The best way to control Rosacea is to avoid the triggering events such as prolonged periods of sun exposure, nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol. Heat and rich foods can also contribute to the effects of rosacea. While topical creams may help control rosacea, the best way to improve your appearance is with light-based treatments such as laser. Treatments must be individualized depending on the severity of your condition and the symptoms you want treated. Dr. Tsai performs all of the laser treatments at San Francisco Aesthetics and she will design a treatment plan to meet your needs. The redness, broken capillaries, and enlarged blood vessels can often be reduced in only a few visits.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic Therapy Details
What is Photodynamic Therapy?
Photodynamic therapy is a medical treatment that uses light to activate a photosensitizing drug. In this case, the drug used is called Levulan Kerastick which is absorbed by the cells of damaged tissue and destroys the cells. Photodynamic therapy has a variety of dermatological uses; however Dr. Tsai primarily uses the treatment for moderate to severe acne.
First, the Levulan Kerastick is applied topically to the skin. The next step is the incubation period where the medication is left on the skin for a period of time recommended by Dr. Tsai. The third step is the administration of the Dusa BLU-U blue light to activate the Levulan.
Photodynamic therapy involves three mechanisms of action against acne, fighting it by:
- Killing the bacteria that triggers acne
- Exfoliating of the skin to unclog pores
- Reducing the size of the sebaceous glands underneath the skin
With repeated treatment, patients typically see a significant long-term reduction in acne symptoms including break outs, redness, and inflammation.
Am I a candidate for Photodynamic Therapy?
Dusa BLU-U and Levulan are considered a last resort acne treatment. Dr. Tsai recommends this to patients who have tried and failed a variety of other acne treatments. Patients who are considered to be appropriate candidates for photodynamic therapy for the treatment of acne have used the following treatments without success:
- Birth control pills or spironolactone (for female patients only)
- Topical antibiotics
- Oral antibiotics
- Retin-A
- Topical salicylic acid
- Topical benzoyl peroxide
If you meet the above criteria and would like to discuss the treatment of your acne with photodynamic therapy, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Tsai by contacting SF Aesthetics and Laser Center at 415-885-2737.