Over the last year, I have noticed that I have gotten more and more “age spots” on the sides of my face, as well as some larger pores on my nose and cheeks. As I researched light-based and laser treatments, I became interested in Lumecca, which is considered by many to be the most advanced IPL (intense pulsed light) treatment available. In order to get all the “tea” on the treatment, I chatted with Jane Scher, a Registered Nurse and Certified Nurse Injector with decades of experience in cosmetic treatments (both surgical and non-surgical).
Can Lumecca be used on other parts of the body (e.g., neck, décolleté) or just the face?
Lumecca can be used on all areas of the body. The most common areas of treatment are zones that are regularly exposed to the sun. These often include the face, neck, décolletage, legs, hands and arms.
What makes Lumecca better than other IPL treatments?
One treatment has unbelievable results. It reduces age spots and skin irregularities as well as improving skin complexion. Lumecca is the most powerful intense pulsed light (IPL) to treat pigmented and vascular lesions– results are typically seen in 1-3 treatments, whereas other IPL’s can range from 4+ treatments. After use, patients notice significant improvements in the complexion and clarity of the skin. Lumecca operates using photo–thermolysis, which provides a photofacial through the delivery of a comfortable light treatment.
How quickly are results visible?
Sun damage and skin complexion results can be seen a few days after the first session. The skin will continue to look younger and more brilliant over time with most visible results after 1-2 weeks. Having multiple photofacial sessions will improve the final result. For vascular treatments such as spider or leg veins, results can be seen immediately in up to 2 weeks.
How many treatments are typically needed to achieve the desired results?
In just 1-3 sessions Lumecca improves the appearance of:
Age spots (red/brown pigmentations)
Sun damage
Vascular lesions (spider veins, port wine stains, leg telangliectasias)
Rosacea (redness)
Freckles
Is there any risk of hyper- or hypo-pigmentation for patients with skin of color?
Lumecca is FDA cleared for Skin Types I – IV. The contact cooling on the Lumecca applicator promotes safety during the procedure.
Are there any restrictions to activities recommended after the treatment?
Avoid direct, excessive sun exposure or tanning one month prior to and post treatment. Sun block should be used for 3 weeks following each treatment session. Moisturizer may be applied after each treatment. Make-up may be applied immediately after the treatment if skin is intact.
Is there any post-treatment redness, swelling, etc.?
Redness and a slight warming of the skin are normal after treatment and usually subsides within an hour. Over the next 24-48 hours you may see a darkening of pigmented spots; in the week afterwards the pigmented lesions flake off, leading to an evening out of skin tone. After treating vascular lesions you may see the vein blanch and disappear or a color change in the vessel which dissipates after a few days. Most patients do not experience any side effects and any skin reaction usually resolves within a few hours. Patients may find they are sensitive to sunlight immediately after treatment. It is recommended to avoid direct sunlight and tanning.
Does patient’s skin elasticity/firmness have an impact on whether a patient is a good candidate for the treatment?
An improved skin appearance can be noted after the first session and multiple sessions provide even better results. Treatment regime’s depend on the severity of skin damage, type of treatment (vascular vs sun damage) and energy settings.
Is there an ideal candidate for Lumecca?
Lighter skin patients with rosacea/blotchy skin, sun-damaged, or discolored skin are candidates. Patients whose skin is affected by large pores, freckles, or wrinkles, may benefit from Lumecca. Other great results can be seen from patients looking to improve skin texture, eliminate discolorations, reduce pore size, and minimize wrinkles and fine lines are ideal.
What is the average cost for the treatment?
Costs in NYC typically run $500-$750 per treatment. Seeing as the patient can get full rejuvenation in 1-3 treatments, Lumecca is a nice value proposition versus having to spend similar amounts of money for 4+ treatments from older IPL technologies.
Certified Nurse Injector Jane Scher RN BSN, based on the Upper East Side of New York City, specializes in Botox, Juvéderm, Radiesse, Perfect Derma Peel, VI Peel, Sclerotherapy, Inmode and Body FX. Jane is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgical Nurses (ASPSN). She has extensive experience in medicine, and has specialized in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery playing a large role as a consultant and surgical nurse in two large plastic surgery practices in New York and New Jersey. Jane also co-founded and served as CEO of the American Plastic Surgery Center, where she has treated patients in Manhattan and the Tri-State Area for over 31 years.
For more information about Jane visit http://janescherrn.com.