Prior to the application of the actual laser, your provider will start by applying a numbing cream that will need to rest for 45 minutes. At roughly half the cost of Fraxel, IPL is most economical (based on cost per treatment) without any downtime following treatment. During your treatment, which usually lasts about 30 minutes, broad-spectrum wavelengths are directed at the underlayers of the skin where the energy is absorbed. However, while BBL treatment is certainly good for addressing mild skin concerns, light energy treatments cant address all skin concerns and may not be helpful for textural skin issues. When it comes to sun damage, preventative measures are the best cause of action so you should always try to avoid sun exposure and use a high factor SPF sunscreen where possible. You will need approximately one to two days of recovery time after a session, and most patients can return to their normal daily activities within 48 hours. You can unsubscribe any time obviously. Fraxel Dual splits the difference between the two; there are actually two lasers involved, one that targets surface pigmentation and one that goes deeper to . Its parameters are set to be less invasive and target the skins superficial layers. Clear + Brilliant is best if you want to refresh your skins appearance without significant downtime. When it comes to reducing skin laxity all over the body, Dr. Green typically recommends the use of Thermage FLX.Thermage FLX is an FDA-approved skin tightening treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin while keeping the surface of the skin cool, which can boost . Lasers, IPL, or intense pulsed light devices have been around for a while, but recently a new treatment has started garnering attention BroadBand Light or BBL. Thermage FLX. When it comes to my personal before/after photos, I truly have to apologize. To illustrate, using a laser to treat acne scars or brown spots allows for very targeted treatment. IPL devices use short pulses of light that penetrate the skin and convert to heat to destroy problem areas hyperpigmented skin, vascular lesions (e.g., spider veins), acne, and sagging skin. It's important to keep in mind that the pain threshold also varies significantly from one person to another. Both devices offer non-ablative resurfacing. The next day, I saw more pigment, particularly on my cheeks. Fraxel lasers, or fractional resurfacing lasers, use microscopic light beams to generate micro-injuries on the skin. The biggest difference between the two technologies is in their performance. Fraxel is a brand of laser that performs fractional skin resurfacing, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Marcus. However, at Franklin Skin and Laser in Franklin, TN, we believe that some laser treatments may be more effective than BB treatments. The IPL can destroy the hair follicles and prevents hair from re-growing in the treated area. Fraxel lasers can also remove some tattoos while IPL is contraindicated for tattoo removal. His staff is awesome, and like Dr. B they genuinely care. This usually resolves after a few days. Many people claim that Fraxel does not deliver the desired results after two treatments. Ablative wavelengths target and treat the skin for surface-level conditions such as textural issues and pore size. Since natural collagen production slows down as we age, the stimulation of new collagen can do wonders to restore the appearance of your skin. My appointment was for a second opinion for a cyst which needed to be removed. I experienced dryness within minutes, and the effects were obvious. Although this treatment uses the power of lasers to resurface the skin, it does not cause any damage to the skin, such as scarring. Another reason why lasers are better than light treatments is the longevity of the results. IPL also has the BBL (skin tight) function and is very successful at tightening the skin as well. Many people are concerned about getting lip filler for fear that they may look unnatural or end up with lips that are too big. A dermatologist who trusts the treatment on their own skin is good enough for me. You should not use hot water or acidic cleansers for the first 24 to 48 hours. If you want to look younger without any need for downtime, Fraxel might be for you. Ive always had a wonderful experience every visit! Overview. IPL and BBL devices are based on the same intense pulsed light technology. However, there are differences between the two. This therapy is typically recommended for those who want to minimize the look of fine lines, reduce the size of pores, and generally enjoy a rejuvenated appearance. Broadband light therapy, or BBL, is also called a photofacial and is the second generation of IPL treatments. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. BBL is most commonly recommended for those with skin that is showing signs of UV damage, pollution, and dermatological conditionsincluding stubborn melasma. 301.798.9699 5471 C2 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 200, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Our skin professionals will assess your cosmetic concerns and recommend the best treatment plan to restore your youthful glow. As a non-ablative laser, Fraxel Dual works by heating up the tissue underneath the skin to stimulate collagen production while leaving the top layer of the skin intact, Dr. Marcus says. Ive been to many dermatologists in Newport Beach and Beverly Hills and he ranks right up there amongst the best ! This common side effect will wear off within a week after treatment. PicoWay is also used to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in your complexion, which . 01. There may also be a few days of downtime with Fraxel treatment. The company recommends a series of six, but you can see a major difference after four. Dr. B quickly realized I was in an acute situation, and the process of removal needed to be started immediately. They can treat a wide range of skin issues, from dull skin to wrinkles and scars. It was as though the light was reflecting perfectly off my face without any diffraction from pigment. Since then, the technology has received approval for treating various health and cosmetic issues. With both procedures, a topical numbing cream (anaesthetic) is applied to make the procedure more comfortable. It will help with aging skin and will also reduce pores. Let's take a look at each of these popular procedures. 2023 George H. Sanders. By applying specific filters, skin professionals can address different skin conditions. The laser can also break up skin pigments to remove liver spots and other types of hyper-pigmentation, as well as kill hair follicles for hair removal. This level of versatility means that any skin concern on any area of the skin can be effectively treated. At Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care, Zuzana Likar personally trains staff members to her unparalleled standards. Microneedling is generally less expensive than Fraxel largely because of the differences in technology. Because the Fraxel utlizes the 1927nm wavelength, it is the best treatment for hyperpigmentation and superficial sun damage. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. For the best results and minimal chance of risk, you should always select a board-certified dermatologist to perform your Fraxel treatment. please upgrade IE 11 or later, Alternatively, you can install and use these secure and newest browsers: Chrome | Firefox | Safari for MacOS | Edge for Windows. However, the two technologies slightly differ. When it comes to cosmetic procedures, it seems like there is a new procedure introduced every month. The dual setting can be used together or separately, depending upon your specific needs and what your goals are for your overall skin. Both IPL and BBL work by sending light energy into the skin. On the other hand, Fraxel laser treatment usually leaves the skin red and swollen for up to 10 days. The very mechanics that allow this treatment to reduce the appearance of scars and fine lines will also enable this treatment to correct skin laxity, not only on the face but also on the body. Laser treatments, on the other hand, have more depth and are generally more versatile. Ahead, discover the benefits, cost, side effects, and my detailed before-and-after photos. In addition, it can help to rejuvenate the skin. RebeccaMarcus, MD, is a board-certifieddermatologist with a special interest in skincare. Common Breast Augmentation Misconceptions, 7 Tips to Speed Up Recovery from a Tummy Tuck, Guide to Maintaining Your Body After a Tummy Tuck, Strategic Digital Marketing and Design by Firm Media. Because of this, they can address multiple skin conditions. This means they remove dermal tissue without damaging the top layers. It is currently my favorite laser available. Getting matched with the right laser is just part of the equation. Additionally, the aggressiveness of this treatment means that you will not need to have very frequent treatments, so you will be able to save time and money to maintain your results. In our practice we have treated good number ofdarker skin typepatients with similar conditions. The light turns to heat, and this thermal energy breaks down the chromophores. One reason many clients love Fraxel because just one treatment yields dramatic results. The five-day rule I had heard about for so long was almost true. The information on RealSelf is intended for educational purposes only. IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and BBL stands for Broad Band Light. The device can also be used for hair removal. Fraxel is a type of microscopic non-invasive procedure that encourages elastin and collagen growth through skin penetration, similar to microneedling. Forever Young BBL I Finally Tackled the Stubborn Sunspots on My HandsHeres How I Did It, How to Lift Hooded Eyes (If You Want To): 9 Methods, Everything You Need to Know About Fractional Lasers, Fibroblast Skin Tightening Addresses Everything From Texture to Tone, I Tried MicroneedlingHere's What I Wish I Knew About the Benefits, Risks, and Cost, The Best Places to Get Laser Hair Removal, 7 Alternatives to Botox That Give Similar Results, Radiofrequency Microneedling Is a Must-Know Treatment for Skin of Color, 8 Tips for Skin of Color, Straight From Dermatologists, Skin Laundry's New Laser Facial Just Rid Me of My Summer Skin Woes. Fraxel and HALOcan reduce mild to moderate enlarged pores, but for larger pores, micro needling PRP and TCA CROSS is better. That said though, VBeam generally has a shorter recovery period compared to IPL. I am so thankful to find him. BBL laser treatment is a more advanced version of IPL. About three months out from my treatment, the intense glow has faded a bit (though still youthful for sure, especially after a nice layer of moisturizer followed by some Aquaphor slugging). One of the results of this process is an increase in the production of collagen. Laser smoothes out wrinkles and provides a rejuvenated appearance. Restylane-L vs. Restylane Lyft: What is the Difference? How is Radiofrequency Used as an Anti-Aging Treatment? BBL treatment is designed to target broken capillaries, redness, rosacea, and brown spots that have developed on the skin. If youre interested in laser skin resurfacing, not any medical day spa will do. Compared to other laser treatment options, the downtime associated with both IPL and VBeam is relatively low. The fractional laser beams bypass the epidermis, going deeper, where the damage actually occurs. Both of these procedures are intended primarily to give you clearer, smoother skin, and they each have their strengths and weaknesses. or send us an email at plasticgeo@gmail.com. Treatments may be performed as often as every 7-10 days, but in most cases they are done 4 weeks apart. Consult a plastic surgeon for a full skin assessment to see if it is right for you. Non-ablative treatments improve the appearance of skin by causing a dermal injury response without injuring the epidermis. Dr. B explained to me the process, making sure I understood the procedure. Think pigmentation, scars, wrinkles these typically originate at the dermal-epidermal junction. Please avoid hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, or extreme heat and sweating during the first few days after your treatment. Please see a board-certified dermatologist for your treatment, Dr. Evans says. It was definitely red, but it was the first real glimpse of how effective this treatment can be. HIFU machines also do not have the real-time ultrasound visualisation of the skin layers like Ultherapy. It addresses a range of issues such as unwanted hair, blood vessels and brown spots. The BBL results will be quickly visible so while you wait on Halo results you will see results!BBL can also be used afterwards to help keep your skin fresh and clear as well as fight off aging! Though the results are long-lasting, Dr. Evans recommends a series of three to five treatments. Clinical studies confirm that laser can result in up to 40 percent tighter skin. Laser is also superior in terms of precision. To minimize potential side effects, follow pre- and post-treatment guidelines as directed by your physician. You just have Dermal filler is a popular way to reshape the face and restore the volume and plumpness thats lost due to age. Sometimes, only one treatment is powerful enough to resurface the appearance of the skin. According to Dr. Sobel, Fraxel can help improve the appearance of unwanted texture, dark spots, uneven skin tone, fine lines, and acne or other scarring. Although there is some flexibility in the settings, the machines are designed for a different level of resurfacing. IPL is also better for removing hair from lighter skin tones. Although most treatments with lasers are marketed for skin resurfacing, there is actually a lot of overlap between skin resurfacing and skin tightening treatments. Contact Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care by calling the office, or for the fastest response complete the online contact form. Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended. Studies have shown BBL to be anti-aging. Preparing appropriately for the procedure makes a difference in your results, Dr. Marcus says. Another significant difference that cannot be overlooked is the cost! However, the key difference is that while Ultherapy only needs to be done once a year, HIFU treatments typically require multiple sessions a year for similar results. If a patient has active acne, its also best to postpone the procedure until the breakouts have cleared. Swollen After the new Halo Laser Treatment. Removing the surface layers requires downtime for the skin to shed and fully heal, and carries a risk of infection, pigment changes and scarring. I was gripping a stress ball most of the time to try to shift my focus. See web reference under pores for more info. Clear + Brilliant can be used on all skin tones and sessions are just 30 minutes. We are a Phoenix-based full-service medical spa with a passion for enhancing our clients natural beauty from the inside out. During my treatment, I was numbed accordingly and prescribed Prednisone, which I continued to take for three days (under the direction of Dr. Sobel) to prevent facial swelling.