Pulsed Light Therapy with AFT
Medications, genetics, pregnancy and environmental factors are common contributors to vascular and pigmented skin conditions. Our providers are using the next generation of Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology to safely and effectively treat benign skin lesions. A non-invasive AFT (Advanced Fluorescence Technology) light is specifically targeted at problematic areas to minimize any damage to healthy tissue surrounding the lesion being treated.
What are Benign Vascular Lesions?
Benign vascular lesions are an abnormal clustering of blood vessels that are red in color and include dermatologic conditions such as port wine stains, telangiectasias, hemangiomas, erythema and rosacea. Nevi, or pigmented spots (also known as age spots), are clusters of melanin in the skin and are brown in color. Some age spots may fade while others can become more pronounced in time. Common age spots treated with AFT include lentigos, seborrheic keratoses, and dyschromia.
How Does AFT (Advanced Fluorescence Technology) Work?
Advanced Fluorescence Technology converts unused short-wavelength light into a usable spectrum for AFT treatments. This allows a lower fluence to be used for increased light emission and penetration during the procedure. By minimizing the chances of unwanted events, AFT helps to ensure better results without the adverse effect of damaging healthy skin. So, AFT safely delivers equally distributed emissions with each pulse uniform in energy density. Repeatable results are attained with much lower risks. The end result is less discomfort and minimal skin damage to produce the desired results.
AFT's selective pulsed light energy is precisely absorbed by the target areas, without little to no damage to the surrounding skin. By precisely heating and closing off blood vessels, the pulsed light reduces the lesions and spares healthy tissue from injury. With pigmented lesions, the energy from the pulsed light heats the melanin in the lesion and causes the pigmentation to fragment. These fragments are naturally absorbed and eliminated by the body.*
How Do I Know if AFT is Right for Me?
Your physician will examine your vascular or pigmented lesions to determine the best skin treatment plan for you. If AFT pulsed light is the most suitable solution, our doctor will determine the number of visits according to the characteristics of your lesions, such as size, type and location. Most skin lesions can be treated within less than half an hour. For optimal results, multiple AFT treatments may be required.
Is AFT Pulsed Light Technology Safe?
Consistent energy parameters assure a very safe and effective treatment with a quicker recovery. The AFT light pulses delivered to your skin are uniquely shaped and precisely targeted resulting in little to no skin damage or discomfort. This optimal use of energy increases patient safety while eliminating the need for common cooling methods.
Does the Treatment Procedure Hurt?
Individuals respond differently to pain. That said, most of our patients tolerate AFT pulsed light treatment very well, and describe the pain sensation as similar to a rubber band snapped against the area of skin being treated. The majority of our patients require no anesthesia, though topical anesthetic is an option for treating lesions in sensitive areas. Patients can typically return to their normal activities immediately.
NOTE: You will be asked to carefully follow your pre-treatment and post-procedure instructions as prescribed by your provider.
Will it Take Long?
Your exact regimen will depend on your specific skin condition. Normally, AFT treatments take less than 30 minutes.
Do I Need to Come Back?
Based on your needs and expectations, you may have to consider multiple treatments. Your healthcare provider will discuss the details of follow up visits and can outline an overall timeline if additional procedures are required.
So, Where Do I Go and How Do I Get Started?
AFT Pulsed Light Treatment is only performed at our Dr. Phillips Center. To learn more about how this treatment can be used to correct your specific skin condition, call us today at 800-827-SKIN (7546) to set up a consultation.
Will My Insurance Pay for Pulsed Light Therapy with AFT?
Generally speaking, insurance companies regard these treatments as "non-covered" procedures. However, our practice offers a variety of payment options. Preferable prices are available for multiple treatments and will be given to you during your consultation. Fees may vary based on the skin areas being treated.
NOTE: Results may vary. For best results repeated treatments may be required.
*Source: Alma Lasers®
DISCLAIMER: The information provided by this site is intended solely for educational purposes. This information is not to be used for medical diagnostic purposes and is not intended to serve as a recommendation for treatment and/or management of any medical/surgical condition. Most of all, this information should not be used in place of a physician or other qualified health provider. If you believe you have a medical condition, please contact your physician immediately.
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