Limelight (LL)

Treatment of Skin Redness, Tiny Veins, Brown Spots, and Sun Damage Age & Sun Spot Removal

If you are concerned about the appearance of dark spots, redness, sun damage, and more, Illustra Dermatology will help improve your skin. We will perform a comprehensive skin evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for Limelight (LL) therapy. Limelight (LL) is a non-invasive treatment for various types of skin pigmentation and vascular lesions. The procedure offers the advantage of improving skin tone and surface imperfections associated with aging and photodamage. LL is a treatment that rejuvenates the skin for adults with redness and discoloration on their face, neck, chest and hands. Results are usually achieved in just 3-5 treatments. The best results are seen on more visible pigmentation as darker spots selectively absorb the light.

Sun Damage

What areas can be treated?

LimeLight is ideal for any part of your face, neck, décolletage, hands, and forearms with skin redness, telangiectasia (tiny veins) or brown spots. Light (low contrast) brown spots, which were previously difficult to resolve, respond very well to treatment.

Who is an ideal candidate for Limelight?

Ideal candidates are individuals who have skin conditions such as rosacea, sun damage, brown spots(hyperpigmentation), visible pores, redness, freckles, or broken capillaries. Dr. Adrianna Browne will examine your areas of concern during your cosmetic consultation to determine if you could benefit from an LL photofacial.

People with lighter skin tones are good candidates for this gentle treatment. However, people with darker skin tones may benefit from other treatment options. It is important to mention any medications that can make your skin more sensitive to the sun as these can increase the risk of complications.

Before& After Limelight

Procedure Technique:

To prepare your skin for the Limelight, an Illustra Dermatology staff member will wash and dry your face and protect your eyes with shields. During the procedure, a cool gel is applied to the skin. When the pulse of light is delivered, a brief pinching and warmth sensation will be felt (similar to a rubber band snap). After the treatment, patients may feel a stinging sensation with redness and swelling, similar to sunburn. Anesthesia or pain medicine is typically not required. The LL procedure will make your skin sensitive to the sunlight. Due to this, it is extremely important to minimize your sun exposure, and when you must be out – apply SPF 30+ before going outdoors.

Limelight

How long will the treatments take?

Treatment time depends on the area of the body being treated. Most Limelight treatments can be performed in about 20 – 45 minutes if no other treatments are administered. However, most treatments should take less than one hour.

How many treatments will I need?

Three to five treatments--with every treatment spaced on a 4-8 week basis--are usually sufficient to see results. Additional treatments may be recommended, especially for excessively sun-damaged skin.

What happens after the treatment?

Immediately following the Limelight procedure, the treated area will be slightly red, swollen, and brown spots may appear darker when you leave our office. This typically lasts a few hours and possibly a day or longer. Make-up and/or cosmetics can be applied to cover redness (see below for post-treatment instructions). After 2 – 5 days, the irregularities under the skin will rise to the surface skin layers and then start to flake away. You may have visible improvements after your first treatment, but your complexion will attain ideal results with multiple Limelight sessions. Dr. Adrianna Browne recommends that most patients get 3 – 5 sessions scheduled every four weeks at Illustra Dermatology.

When will I see results?

Most patients will experience a disappearance or significant reduction in skin irregularities after a series of treatment sessions spaced several weeks apart. However, results depend on the type and severity of the condition being treated. In the days following Limelight treatment, the sun spots will become darker and may look like sprinkles or patches of coffee grounds. Within one to three weeks, the darkened spots will flake off and fade. It is important that you do not try to pick off the pigmentation, but let it fall off naturally. This will happen after a few weeks, revealing clear skin. Diffuse redness or telangiectasia will decrease and your mottled complexion will improve. Patients with rosacea often notice a decrease in redness and a return to a more normal skin tone within a week.

Clearer Skin

Will the spots and redness reappear over time?

New brown spots, telangiectasia and diffuse redness may appear with new sun damage; however they too can be treated. Remember to always apply broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors to minimize sun damage and the appearance of new spots and diffuse redness. Rosacea is chronic and cannot be “cured” with any laser or light source, however its appearance can be improved.

Planning for My Treatment:

  • Skin consultation is required prior to treatment. Typically your treatment will be scheduled in a separate appointment.
  • No sun-tanning or self-tanners 2-4 weeks prior to treatment.
  • Some medications or supplements may increase the risk of bruising.
  • Avoid treatments that may irritate the skin for 1-2 weeks prior to treatment (waxing, depilatories, etc.).
  • History of cold sores or herpes may require an anti-viral prescription prior to treatment.
  • Notify the clinic if you have any questions, or if you have any changes to your medications prior to your last treatment or consultation.

LimeLight Post-treatment Instructions:

  • Avoid sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB sunscreen SPF30+) to prevent further sun damage. It is recommended to cover up and wear a large-brimmed hat for at least a week after each session.
  • Use a gentle cleanser with warm water at least twice a day during the healing process.
  • Patients must keep their skin moisturized at all times with a thick moisturizing cream in the morning and at night.
  • Makeup can be worn 24 – 48 hours after treatment, as long as it is applied and removed gently.
  • Bruising, redness, and swelling will resolve within 48 hours.
  • Treated pigment will turn darker (brown to black) within 24-48 hours – DO NOT pick at treated areas.
  • Avoid heat, including hot tubs, saunas, etc. for 48 hours.
  • Avoid skin irritants such as tretinoin, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, astringents, etc for 3 days post-procedure.
  • Notify the office of any concerns (blistering, excessive redness/swelling, etc.).