Reviews you can trust, from real people like you.      
How it works
  • Our highly-trained Review Moderation team evaluates all reviews before they're published to ensure they're written by people like you and not a member of a doctor's office.
  • This multi-step process takes up to 24 hours from review submission to publication.
  • Doctors can't pay to have reviews removed or hidden.
  • Reviews are only removed at the reviewer's request or if they violate our Terms of Service.

If you have questions or believe we should re-evaluate a published review, let us know.

Sort by:
*Treatment results may vary

Three months results

I realized I hadn't updated my pics. The result was very nice, but I am going in for a second treatment, even though she said I may not have to. The right side of my face still isn't gone as much as I'd like and I have a few small places on my other cheek I'd like to tackle. But, here are pics taken today in my kitchen using the same light as the other pics. No makeup on. You can really see how it improved. I need to smile more! Now I'm researching on how to improve my neck and jowls-seems like they suddenly started to fall off my face! If I land on a decision I will post here.

I used to be in the sun a lot and also used...

I used to be in the sun a lot and also used tanning beds from the age of mid-20's on. I am now 50 and really notice the pigmentation issues with my skin. In addition, I went through menopause fairly early in life and I started getting a darker pigmentation around my mouth and jawline, which aged me. I had a consultation with my dermatologist and then discussed options with their medical esthetician. I chose the photofacial procedure after discussing the best possible outcomes and what I wanted to accomplish with the esthetician. I went to the consultation with a LOT of information that I acquired right here on Real Self-so thank you all for helping me become aware of all the options, the pros and cons and your experiences! Because my skin is naturally very fair, and the spots were a good contrast, this procedure was recommended as the best approach. She only recommended one (yes, just one-I know many of you went three times), with a follow up of Obaji for a few months. Here is my experience:
The photofacial is a little uncomfortable, but tolerable. I had no numbing cream. It felt as if a rubber band is being lightly to moderately snapped against your skin. April (the esthetician) was wonderful in explaining the process and did a little "test" one on my skin so I knew what it felt like. I could have asked for numbing cream, but that would have added about 40 mins to the procedure, that took, in total, about 10 minutes, tops. I think I only said "ow" when she did around my top lip, and it was the last two or three snaps. That is all. Both she and doctor said same thing "Don't pick at it!". This is why, after a few days, those spots that were brown become a little crusty looking and the impulse is to scrub or pick it off. Don't do it! Just wash gently with facecloth twice a day. I posted my pictures up through today so you can see the process. I am happy with the results, but not quite done. Getting botox between brows and talking to them about juviderm. If I do that I will post again that update. This was a good procedure for me and I felt I got exactly what I expected. The photos are arranged in date order, all taken without makeup.

Provider Review

April Olesen
Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

April Olesen is a Medical Esthetician with Brandon Dermatology and has been with the practice since it opened in 2003. She is easy to talk to and suggested the best options for me that also kept my pocketbook in mind.