Hangers&Hangers

How does an IPL/Photofacial differ from a LASER treatment?

Since the first Lasers were approved in the early-mid 90s, dramatic changes
and advances have occurred in Laser technology. Several types of laser
devices have been developed for the treatment of various skin conditions and
excessive hair growth.  Here at Med Spa Plus we use several Lasers, both Ablative
and Non-Ablative depending on what we are treating and the specific patient needs.
The most commonly confused are the Laser (Non-Ablative and Ablative) and IPL
(Non-Ablative) devices.  Non-ablative IPL means that the skins surface does not
get burnt off, and the sub dermal layers are not being treated.

There is an important difference between the light generated by Lasers and
pulsed light photo devices, (Lasers vs IPL).  Lasers emit the so-called
coherent light (synchronized light waves of the same wavelength), providing
very specific and intense targeted energy delivery to a particular skin
structure.  IPL on the other hand, emit a spectrum of various wavelengths of
light.

The IPL, is light device that mainly works on the surface of the skin.  Different
than a Laser, the IPL uses a bright light to shine many wavelengths into your skin.
It does work on brown spots and redness or small blood vessels, but not as
effective as a Laser, and the results are less noticeable.  A series of 4-6 treatments
will help even skin tone but does little for rebuilding collagen and tightening skin.

Ablative Lasers, or laser skin resurfacing lasers, briefly direct intense
bursts of light energy onto the surface of the skin causing the outermost
layers of the skin to be removed, and penetrating below the surface to
eliminate some of the causes for aging skin.  The skin then heals over a
period of time, and new layers of skin and collagen are produced. This acts
to remove unwanted pigment (brown spots) from the skin, remove sun damage
and rebuild collagen. The overall effect after a series of only 2-4
treatments is more even skin tone, fewer fine lines, and smoother skin.

A Photofacial using an Erbium-YAG Laser can offer patients a noticeable
improvement in skin texture and tone.  By mildly exfoliating skin (removing
the top layer), it improves texture, stimulates collagen, and removes
pigmentation.  An additional benefit is studies have shown that patients
receiving Laser skin treatments with this type of laser have a decreased
incidence of skin cancer, because the precancerous cells are sloughed off.

If you are treating brown spots, redness/capillaries, dull or sagging skin,
your best option is to use a Laser.  The number of treatments required will
be far less that what is required if you are using an IPL.  You will see
dramatic results and you skin will become noticeably healthier and firmer.

If you need some advice or medical assistance in your effort to live a healthier
lifestyle, please give us a call and we would be happy to help you with a
complimentary consultation.  We want to help you live longer, stay active,
and of course, look younger!