Laser Skin Rejuvenation

Get Radiant Skin by Clearing Unwanted Pigment and Blood Vessels

Get Back Your Youthful Glow Without Surgery or Downtime

Stop covering and concealing your skin imperfections – and get back to the clear, youthful skin you desire, quickly, easily, and with minimal downtime. It’s possible with optimized-light photorejuvenation treatment – an advanced treatment that helps clear undesirable pigment and vessels from your skin, revealing clearer skin that you’ll be proud to show off.

Photorejuvenation is the nonsurgical approach to skin renewal that can transform your looks for the better – and it lets you return to your normal activities right away.

Pulses of light make all the difference, because they target pigment and vessels in your skin without harming surrounding tissue. The result? You feel little to no discomfort during the procedure, and your skin can look and feel better than ever.

Choose fast, easy, comfortable photorejuvenation to improve:

Sun spots • Age spots • Rosacea • Spider veins • Capillaries • And more!

Dial (713) 468-5200 today to learn more or schedule your laser skin rejuvenation consultation in Houston!

How does photorejuvenation work?

Photorejuvenation uses pulsed light to target vascular lesions and dark spots caused by sun damage and other factors. The wavelengths of light that are selected are absorbed into pigment or hemoglobin. The light transforms to thermal energy in the skin, which heats up particles of pigment and stimulates a healing response. The pigment, now broken down into small particles, either comes to the surface or gets picked up by the body’s lymphatic system. The pigment that comes to the surface turns very dark and crusty before naturally falling away.

A photorejuvenation session does not take long. Before commencing with treatment, the provider may apply a topical cooling gel to cleansed skin. They then pass the handheld applicator over the treatment area, delivering bursts of light. The patient wears protective goggles to prevent potential eye damage from the pulses of intense light. Depending on the size of the treatment area, the appointment may take 15 minutes to an hour.

The biological processing of dark or red spots occurs gradually. Patients may notice changes in their skin over the course of several days, first the darkening and then the sloughing off. Different types of discoloration may require a certain number of treatments. Brown pigment from sun damage may fade with 1 to 3 sessions. Facial veins and redness may require 3 to 6 treatments. Appointments are usually scheduled 4 to 6 weeks apart.

Does photorejuvenation work on all skin types?

Photorejuvenation treatment is appropriate for a wide range of adults, but is not ideal for every person or situation. Because treatment involves the delivery of intense light, IPL photorejuvenation poses risks to darker skin types, which may suffer pigmentation issues due to the absorption of thermal energy. Because IPL interacts with the pigment in skin, photorejuvenation is best performed during the winter months when we are less exposed to bright sunlight. .

In addition to darker skin tones, skin that is photosensitive due to certain medications may be more prone to exaggerated side effects after IPL photorejuvenation treatment. If you have taken Accutane or other photosensitizing drugs, or regularly use essential oils that create photosensitivity, inform your provider during your consultation. We may find an alternative to photorejuvenation that would be better suited to your skin.

How long do the results of photorejuvenation last?

Photorejuvenation improves the tone and texture of the skin through a gradual healing response. Once the desired improvements are achieved through the appropriate number of sessions, they can be maintained for years with good skin care. To slow the progression of cosmetic aging, it is necessary to practice excellent sun protection. This includes daily application of broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen and other reputable serums and moisturizers as needed. There is no stopping the aging process. At some point, additional treatments may be needed to address concerns such as volume loss and fine lines and wrinkles. However, the recurrence of brown and red spots can be well-managed with the simple steps we’ve mentioned here.

Who is an ideal candidate for photorejuvenation?

IPL photorejuvenation is well-suited to adults who are interested in reviving the appearance of skin that is showing signs of sun damage and aging. Treatment is not approved for women who are pregnant, nor for people who have taken Accutane in the previous six months. While most people are great candidates for photorejuvenation, the decision is best made after a thorough consultation and skin assessment performed by an experienced, trained professional. We are committed to a standard of excellence befitting our double board-certified physician, Dr. Alfonso Barrera. Here, we are careful about patient selection for any treatment, including photorejuvenation.

How to prepare for photorejuvenation?

Before getting photorejuvenation treatment, patients can take a few steps to protect their skin from unnecessary inflammation and irritation. We suggest:

  • Wearing SPF 30 sunscreen or moisturizer daily and avoiding excessive sun exposure.
  • Avoiding smoking for several weeks before treatment.
  • Avoid the use of medications and supplements that thin the blood.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals and retinoids in the week or two before photorejuvenation.
  • Stay hydrated before and after treatment to promote optimal tissue regeneration.

Aftercare for Photorejuvenation Treatment

Post-treatment, patients may experience a few mild to moderate side effects like crusting, redness, even a little blistering in some cases. Knowing what to expect in terms of potential side effects, patients can manage them by avoiding certain activities and engaging in others that will support tissue regeneration.

After photorejuvenation, don’t:

  • Go out into the sun without proper sunscreen and clothing for protection. Tanning is never good for the skin. It is what leads to spots and wrinkles and skin cancer to begin with. After photorejuvenation treatment, patients should be vigilant in their use of broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen every day.
  • Get hot and sweaty. For the first few days after photorejuvenation, patients should avoid using saunas and hot tubs and should take lukewarm showers rather than hot showers.
  • Exercise. When we exercise, we get hot and sweaty. The increase in heat and circulation to exacerbate redness and swelling. Ideally, patients will take two days off from their normal exercise routine after photorejuvenation.
  • Exfoliate. Wait a week to resume exfoliation, including the use of products that aid in cellular turnover. Examples include alpha-hydroxy acid, Retin-A, and glycolic acid. Accutane should be strictly avoided for months after getting photorejuvenation.
  • Pick. Pigmented lesions darken and crust before falling off. As tempting as it can be, picking and rubbing should be avoided. “Helping” the skin release crusting could result in scarring or pigment changes.

To support the best results from photorejuvenation, patients should:

  • Apply sunscreen daily.
  • Clean the skin morning and night with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser.
  • Wear moisturizer daily and reapply as needed to prevent dryness.
  • Use medical grade skin care products such as stem cell serum to maximize tissue repair.

Read what our patients are saying!

I can’t express enough the gratitude I have for the wonderful job you performed during my cosmetic surgery. My experience from my first consultation to my recovery has been a beautiful one; I feel differently about my body now and feel a little younger as well! I had reservations about having surgery after doing some research and speaking with women who have had the surgery done. I heard there may be bruising, pain and swelling. Some of the symptoms may be intense. However I can honestly tell you that I had NO bruising, LITTLE pain and swelling, I am absolutely pleased with the results and do not have any regrets whatsoever. (I wish I had the surgery a long time ago!) I don’t want to go without mentioning how gracious and wonderful your staff was during preparation and after. I would encourage anyone who would like to do a little something to make them feel better about themselves to do so . However they should go through the experience with you and your staff!

Thank you for being who you are!”

– Cindy B.

Click here to read more reviews.

What are the potential risks and side effects of photorejuvenation?

There are few risks associated with photorejuvenation. Most of the side effects that have been documented through the history of this procedure are mild to moderate and transient. The most common side effects include some degree of the following:

  • Bruising
  • Crusting
  • Brown spots
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Sunspots
  • Blemishes

Rarely, blistering and bleeding occur after photorejuvenation. There is also a slight risk of hyper- or hypopigmentation, the darkening or lightening of areas of the skin. Scarring is possible but also very rare.

Risks associated with photorejuvenation can largely be diminished by having an honest, thorough conversation with the provider. It is important to alert a provider of previous skin cancer, a history of keloid scarring, pregnancy, and other medical conditions. Patients should also inform their provider of medications and supplements they are taking before treatment occurs.

Book a Laser Skin Rejuvenation Session in Houston, TX!

To learn more about Photorejuvenation or to determine whether you are a candidate for treatment,  call our office at (713) 468-5200 or go to our contact page and fill out a consultation request form. Dr. Alfonso Barrera serves patients in Houston and the surrounding areas of Texas.