Fraxel Laser vs IPL Laser
Sun exposure, stress, and environmental factors all go into our skin’s appearance, and these signs of aging affect each of us at different rates. Preventative anti-aging measures can be taken, such as always wearing sunscreen, eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, using effective skincare products, and having laser treatments.
I’ve found the best way to maintain a youthful appearance is to have small procedures, such as laser treatments, done consistently, starting in your mid-30's. Laser treatments provide a variety of results, and the one best suited for you depends on your skin’s needs. I am going to compare two laser treatment options to help you decide which one will give you the radiant skin you desire; The Fraxel Dual Laser and the Intense Pulsed Light (IPL),
The Fraxel Dual Laser treats sun damage (hyperpigmentation), wrinkles, and acne scarring. The treatment is suitable anywhere skin pigmentation and skin texture irregularities linger, such as the face, neck, décolletage, hands, and arms.
How it works: The Fraxel Laser creates tiny columns of thermal destruction in the skin that stimulate the growth of new, healthy skin cells to replace old, damaged cells. The treatment forces expedited cell turnover and collagen production, leaving the patient with fresh, supple skin.
What to expect after treatment: The downtime, or recovery time, is usually from five to seven days. Two or more treatments spaced four to six weeks apart may be needed to achieve your desired result.⠀
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a non-ablative treatment that is used to address sun damage (hyperpigmentation), broken capillaries, rosacea, and overall uneven skin tone of the face, neck, and décolletage.
How it works: During the procedure, the device emits a broad spectrum of high energy light waves that are able to target high concentrations of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. When the light beam passes through skin, it has the power to fragment melanin and redness. The melanin is then absorbed by the body and dark spots and other imperfections become less visible.
What to expect after treatment: With IPL, there is no downtime required. Skin may appear redder directly following treatment, but that will subside within a few hours. The patient should expect a coffee grounds effects on the face from all the pigmentation that was erraticarted. These coffee grain like brown spots slough off in about a week, but are usually easy to cover. Patients typically require two or more IPL sessions spaced about one month apart to achieve their desired results.⠀⠀
It’s important to note that avoiding sun exposure yields the best results for both the Fraxel Laser treatment and IPL. Neither procedure should be seriously considered if you don't plan to stay out of the sun on a regular basis, as results will be lost almost immediately and skin could become worse after just one session of prolonged sun exposure.⠀
Contact me for a consultation to discuss which of these laser treatments is best suited for you.