Photofacial and Skin Rejuvenation Flashcards

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) photofacials use which type of light source?

Answer: A broad-spectrum, non-coherent polychromatic light source with filters

IPL devices emit broad-spectrum light (typically 500–1200 nm) from a flashlamp. Cut-off filters remove shorter wavelengths to target specific chromophores (melanin, oxyhemoglobin). Unlike lasers, IPL is non-coherent and non-monochromatic, allowing flexible targeting of multiple skin concerns in one device.

Which skin condition is a primary indication for IPL photofacial treatment?

Answer: Photodamage including lentigines (sun spots), facial erythema, and telangiectasias

IPL photofacials are most indicated for photodamage: solar lentigines (targeting melanin), diffuse facial redness, and superficial telangiectasias (targeting oxyhemoglobin). The broad spectrum allows multiple targets in one pass, making IPL well-suited for the blended appearance of photoaged skin.

Fractional laser resurfacing differs from fully ablative resurfacing in what key way?

Answer: Fractional lasers treat only microscopic treatment zones (MTZs) surrounded by untreated skin, enabling faster healing

Fractional photothermolysis creates an array of microscopic thermal injury columns (MTZs) surrounded by untreated tissue. The spared tissue serves as a reservoir for rapid re-epithelialization, dramatically shortening downtime compared to fully ablative resurfacing while still stimulating significant collagen remodeling.

Which laser is primarily used for ablative skin resurfacing of photodamaged skin, wrinkles, and acne scars due to its strong water absorption?

Answer: CO₂ 10,600 nm

CO₂ laser at 10,600 nm is strongly absorbed by water, vaporizing tissue in a controlled layer-by-layer fashion. It is the gold standard for ablative resurfacing, effectively removing photodamaged epidermis and upper dermis and stimulating new collagen formation during the healing process.

In a non-ablative fractional laser skin rejuvenation session, what is the primary mechanism responsible for long-term wrinkle improvement?

Answer: Thermal denaturation of collagen followed by neocollagenesis and tissue remodeling over weeks to months

Non-ablative fractional lasers create thermal damage in the dermis without ablating the epidermis. This induces an inflammatory wound healing response that includes collagen denaturation, fibroblast activation, and new collagen synthesis (neocollagenesis). Dermal remodeling continues for 3–6 months after treatment, progressively improving wrinkles and texture.

What pre-treatment preparation is commonly recommended before ablative laser resurfacing in patients with a history of cold sores (HSV-1)?

Answer: Prescribe prophylactic antiviral therapy (e.g., valacyclovir) starting 1–2 days before and continuing for 7–14 days after treatment

Ablative laser resurfacing removes the epidermal barrier, creating conditions that can trigger HSV reactivation and a severe disseminated herpetic outbreak in susceptible patients. Prophylactic antiviral therapy (e.g., valacyclovir 500 mg twice daily) started 1–2 days before treatment and continued for 7–14 days post-treatment is the standard of care.