BLUE LIGHT (BLU-U PHOTOFACIAL)
Serving Hamilton, Stoney Creek, Grimsby and surrounding areas.
Blu-U Boost light therapy is a treatment that is non-invasive and effective. It is used to treat acne, and other minor skin imperfections.
This procedure is non-invasive and pain free, with full-face and neck treatments taking approximately 30 minutes. The BLU-U acne light works with all skin types (I-VI) (from pale Caucasian to dark African skin types) and it is just fine if you have a suntan!
Blue light Boost therapy acts by killing acne causing bacteria, overactive oil glands.
What is Blue Light?
Blue Light or Blu U is a state-of-the-art system and the latest technique in photofacial therapy. The blue light system delivers painless light of blue colour that greatly enhances the results of your skin rejuvenation.
Can Blu U Boost therapy be used to treat acne?
Yes. This results in significant improvement in mild to moderately-severe acne.
Acne can be treated with topical creams and lotions, birth control pills, antibiotic pills, retinoids, glycolic peels, photodynamic therapy and microdermabrasion. Now the Blu U boost is another safe and effective alternative available for acne treatment.
Blu U acne treatment involves three mechanisms of action against acne. The Blue U Boost treatment inactivates the bacteria that trigger acne, exfoliates the skin to unclog pores, and shuts down the oil glands (sebaceous glands) in the skin. This can produce long-lasting improvement.
Blu U boost therapy can even work in patients who have failed prescription pills.
Results with Blu U boost therapy are especially impressive when compared with conventional treatments, such as topical medicines and oral antibiotics.
How safe is it? Are there any side-effects?
The BLU-U treatment is very safe. The blue-violet light penetrates just deep enough into the tissue to reach the acne target. It only affects the P. acnes bacteria, not the normal tissue. It contains NO radiation and does not damage the skin itself. It has NO risk of causing cancer.
Even though there is no evidence of complications, we will not perform this treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How is the Blue Light Boost (Blu U Boost) different from Blue Light PDT Treatments?
Blue Light PDT uses an extra step - the application of Levulan to the skin, before exposure to the blue light. The Levulan makes the treatment even more effective, but also increases sun sensitivity after the treatment and may be associated with some down time. The Blu U boost is a more gentle version of Blue Light PDT with no down time.
How Do I select where I should go for Blue Light (Blu-U) treatment?
Unfortunately there are no government regulations as to who can own or operate a Blu-U machine. There is no minimal training required by regulatory agencies and virtually anyone who has the capital can purchase a machine and start doing treatments. For those reasons, you have to be very careful where you go.
There are several questions you should ask.
- Is the clinic a doctor's office or a spa? Blu-U can be potentially dangerous if not used by well trained technicians.
- How long have they been doing treatments?
- Is there a doctor? Is the doctor someone who is specialized in skin care and Blue Light therapy such as a dermatologist? Or is the doctor a family doctor? Dentist? Chiropractor?
- What are the qualifications of the technician who is treating you?
- What type of Blue Light machine are they using?
- Who will manage any complications is they should happen to arise?
- Does the technician do a full and in depth consultation with you to ensure that you understand the pros and cons of treatment, the risks and benefits?
- Do they take photographs to help monitor improvement?
- Does a dermatologist check you first to make sure that you are a good candidate for therapy?
How do I prepare for my treatment?
The face should be cleansed with soap and water and free of any oil. Ladies need to be make-up free during the treatment. Make-up may be re-applied immediately after the treatment.
What is the procedure for Blue U boost therapy?
- At your first visit a Blue Light technician will provide a free consultation. During the consultation she will discuss the benefits of Blue Light, explain the procedure and benefits to you and answer any questions that you may have. Furthermore she will explain how the procedure works and how many treatments you will need, and provide you with a price quote. She will also ask you a series of questions to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure and to determine your skin type and sensitivity.
- After your FREE consultation the technician will call in Dr. Vignjevic. He will assess your skin type and whether Blue Light would be suitable for you. In addition, he will answer any further questions that you may have. You cannot be treated by the technician unless you have been assessed by Dr. Vignjevic first.
- If you decide to go ahead with a treatment, photographs will be taken of the treatment area. These photographs are strictly for your chart and will not be released or used without your permission. Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us.
- You will be asked to wash your face and to remove any makeup. It is not necessary to remove mascara, lip stick or lip liner.
- After this, the Blue Light Medical Aesthetic technician will initially cleanse the skin. She may use microdermabrasion (a fine spray of crystals) to remove dead skin cells and impurities. Microdermabrasion prior to treatment improves the penetration and effectiveness of the Blue Light.
- Patients sit comfortably in a chair or lie on an examination bed while the light is applied to the affected area for a period of 8 minutes; they can even listen to music while being treated.
- No anaesthetic topical cream is needed prior to the light exposure because the treatment is painless.
- Patients are given special goggles, which they may choose to wear to protect their eyes during the treatment. Wearing the goggles is not mandatory.
- During the treatment a patient may feel stinging, tingling, prickling, or burning of the lesions, but this should go away after the treatment.
- After treatment with the Blue U, a healing cream is applied to the skin, and then a layer of sunscreen is applied last prior to leaving the office.
- You will be provided with a booklet of after-care instructions and the technician will recommend specific products to take care of your skin after the treatment.
- You will be provided with Doctor Vignjevic's personal cell phone number should you have any questions or concerns that arise after office hours.
What should I expect after my treatment?
- Normally there is minimal redness. Blistering, crusting, scabbing or bruising is extremely rare and there is usually no down time.
- There is usually no pain or discomfort.
Special precautions for 1 week after your treatment:
- Wear sunscreen daily for the first 48 hours after treatment regardless of the time of year or if it is overcast or cloudy. Sun exposure may lead to the production of blotchy dark pigmentation which may take several months to fade.
- Avoid excessive heat exposure such as saunas, steam rooms, hot showers or baths, and strenuous exercising for 24 hours. This prevents the risk of blistering.
- You can return to normal activities immediately after treatment, as long as you avoid bright light and sunlight for 48 hours.
- Avoid any aggressive skin care products such as scrubs, exfoliants, alpha or beta hydroxy acid products.
- Keep clothing from rubbing the treated area and avoid other irritation to the area.
- Do not get hairspray on the treated area.
- Notify the office should you have any prolonged redness, excessive puffiness, or other unusual side effects.
Skin Care Regimen – immediately after treatment and between your treatments
Specific instructions regarding cleansers, moisturizers and sunscreen use will be provided to you on the day of your treatment.
What should a person do if they get significant redness, swelling, or pain after a treatment?
- Avoid the sun or bright lights as much as possible.
- Call the office where you had your treatment. They should be happy to help you and to answer your questions.
- If you are concerned that you have had an abnormal reaction, have a cold sore, or an infection - call your doctor's office immediately.
Who should not have Blue Light (Blu U boost) treatments?
You should not be treated if you have:
- Skin sensitivity to blue light.
- Porphyria (a disorder of the blood that can lead to sensitivity to light).
- Allergies to chemicals called porphyrins.
- Lupus
Is the cost of Blue Light covered by drug insurance?
Sometimes.
Treatment of acne MAY be PARTIALLY covered if you have PRIVATE drug insurance. OHIP and regular provincial drug plans do NOT cover the cost of Blue Light therapy.
How many treatments are required?
Typically, treatment sessions are approximately 30 minutes long, every 2 to 6 weeks. Acne usually requires 4 to 8 treatments, with maintenance every 4 to 6 months. It is important to keep the treatment appointments recommended . By following the treatment plan, you'll see maximum results and enjoy clearer skin.
What if you are interested to learn more?
- Please click on the underlined links above
- E-Mail Us
- Or call our aesthetic centre directly at 905-549-7873 to book a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable technicians