CLS Photofacial and Skin Rejuvenation

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

A monochromatic coherent laser beam at a fixed wavelength

Answer

A narrowband LED array emitting at 415 nm and 633 nm

Answer

A pulsed ultraviolet excimer laser

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Keloid scarring

Answer

Cystic acne requiring deep follicular destruction

Answer

Periorbital wrinkles requiring dermal remodeling only

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Fractional lasers do not produce heat; they use photomechanical effects only

Answer

Fractional lasers are exclusively non-ablative and cannot remove surface tissue

Answer

Fractional lasers operate at longer wavelengths than fully ablative systems

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

CO₂ 10,600 nm

Answer

Nd:YAG 1064 nm

Answer

Alexandrite 755 nm

Answer

KTP 532 nm

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Immediate epidermal resurfacing and pigment removal

Answer

Selective destruction of sebaceous glands to reduce sebum production

Answer

Stimulation of melanocyte proliferation to even skin tone

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Apply topical hydroquinone for four weeks prior to suppress melanin

Answer

Administer a topical corticosteroid to reduce post-treatment inflammation

Answer

Obtain HbA1c testing to rule out diabetes before proceeding