Top Patient Questions About Photorejuvenation Treatments

According to a recent survey from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) photorejuvenation treatments are the second top non-surgical skin rejuvenation procedure performed in the United States. While more prospective patients are making the shift to non-surgical medical aesthetic options, many patients are new to the scene or may be skeptical regarding the results that can be obtained with IPL-based treatments. It’s important to listen to these patients and be prepared to answer all of their top questions with detail, patience, and respect to build patient trust and better boost your conversion rates. Use this guide to the top three photorejuvenation FAQs and share it with your clinic staff to make sure you’re all prepared.

Top Photorejuvenation FAQs

Question #1: Will This Treatment Really Work for Me?

To approach this question in an honest way without overpromising, it’s best to focus in on who the best candidate may be for IPL photorejuvenation treatments. In this case, those prospective patients wanting to target an uneven complexion with signs of discoloration or visible veins on their skin are the ideal candidate. However, there are some contraindications to consider. Here’s a list of what to ask the prospective patient before determining if the treatment is right for them (keeping in mind that many of these may be covered in your patient intake forms):

• Do you have any metal or other implants?
• Have you received a recent cancer diagnosis or do have any history of cancer?
• Are you potentially pregnant or are you currently breastfeeding?
• Do you have any diseases or conditions that could be stimulated by light or heat, such as epilepsy or herpes?
• Do you have a history of any endocrine disorders, such as diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome?
• Do you have any history of skin disorders, unusual wound healing, or excessively dry or sensitive skin?
• Have you had any surgical procedures in the last three months?
• Do you have any tattoos or permanent makeup in or near the area you’d like to treat?
• Do you use tanning beds or self-tanners?

Skin tone should also be a consideration. IPL-based photorejuvenation treatments achieve the best results for those with light to medium skin tones (Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV). For those with darker or tanned skin, there is a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation due to higher melanin concentrations in the skin. Reassure prospective patients that you will always perform a small test patch in a discreet area before committing to the first complete treatment to see how their skin reacts.

Question #2: How Much Time Do I Have to Commit to My Photorejuvenation Treatment Plan?

Individual treatment sessions are short, with a typical session averaging 15 to 20 minutes. With no downtime required post-treatment, patients can return to their regular activities afterward, making it possible to schedule their sessions into lunch breaks, on their way home from work, or whenever is most convenient for them. Generally speaking, most patients receive four to five treatments in one area to see results, though the complete number of treatments needed to reach a patient’s aesthetic goals will vary by individual. Note a range of sessions you’d recommend but be sure to include that you’d also like to see how the treatment progresses and reassess as needed along the way. It may be that they need additional or fewer sessions depending on how their skin reacts.

For an estimated timeline to complete a treatment plan, it’s recommended that sessions are spaced about three weeks apart. To calculate the timeline for their specific plan, simply multiply the number of recommended treatments by three to calculate the total number of weeks over which their custom treatment plan will span. You should also mention that patients may require a touch-up session every three to six months following the completion of their initial treatment plan. Some prospective patients may not want to commit to too much too early on in their new relationship with your clinic, at least until they see the results first. However, it can be good practice to let them know about a long-term aesthetic treatment plan to achieve and maintain the results they’re looking for from this first appointment. You don’t need to push them to sign up for everything at once, but keeping their mind open to all that you can offer can be a good way to begin building patient trust and converting a new, skeptical prospective patient into a loyal, long-term patient.

Question #3: Does It Hurt?

This is a common question that may indicate the patient is nervous about their first aesthetic treatment. Be honest with your answer, offering descriptors that may better help them understand the sensation, while also noting what you might be able to do to help manage any discomfort. One way to describe the sensation the patient may feel from the light pulses as the applicator moves around the treatment area is the feeling of a really light snap from an elastic band against the skin, or as if someone lightly flicked their skin. For those using Venus Versa™ for photorejuvenation treatments, the applicator has a cooling feature that helps improve comfort during the treatment. Assure your patient that their comfort is a priority and relies on communication during each treatment session; if they’re feeling discomfort, they can inform the operator, who will aim to adjust the treatment accordingly. You may also wish to note that post-treatment, skin may feel warm to the touch, similar to a sunburn, and may appear red up to 24 hours later. However, makeup may be applied to conceal redness immediately after each treatment—just encourage them to apply sunscreen first. You’ll also provide them with detailed notes on how to care for their skin pre- and post-treatment to improve comfort and ensure optimal results.

Take It a Step Further

While these three questions, or versions of them, tend to be the most common questions patients will ask about photorejuvenation treatments, it isn’t unusual for more questions to arise along the way. Be sure to listen to patient concerns and answer all questions with patience and respect. Ensure they understand all the details before committing and send each patient home with a copy of their recommended treatment plan, notes for how they should prepare for their first treatment session, contact information for your patient care coordinator should they need anything outside of their appointment times, and any other pertinent information that will help ease anxiousness. You want them to leave their consultation feeling prepared and excited for their first date with your photorejuvenation treatment device. 

Short on time? It’s possible to make this process a little easier when you partner with Venus Concept. We include clinical and marketing support for all of our customers. When you commit to our Venus Versa™ photorejuvenation device, we commit to your clinic’s success, providing assets for patient brochures and accurate and professional clinical training so you feel comfortable answering any and all of your prospective patients’ questions. Contact us today to learn more about the Venus Concept advantage and what sets our Venus Versa™ photorejuvenation treatments apart.