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Cosmetic Laser Treatment Specialist

FoxHall Dermatology

Dermatologists located in Washington, DC

Cosmetic Laser Treatment Q & A

What is IPL? Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive skin treatment that uses broad-spectrum light to treat various skin conditions and improve skin appearance. IPL is effective for reducing pigmentation, sun damage, redness, and fine lines.

How Does IPL Work? IPL emits multiple wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin to target pigmentation, blood vessels, and collagen. The light energy is absorbed by the targeted cells, causing them to break down and be naturally eliminated by the body.

Common Uses of IPL:

  • Reducing hyperpigmentation and sunspots
  • Treating rosacea and facial redness
  • Improving skin texture and tone
  • Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
  • Treating acne and acne scars

Procedure and Recovery:

  • Procedure: IPL treatments are typically quick, taking about 20-30 minutes. A cooling gel is applied to the skin, and the IPL device is moved over the treatment area, delivering pulses of light.
  • Recovery: Patients may experience mild redness and swelling, which usually resolves within a few hours to a couple of days. Sun protection is essential post-treatment to protect the skin.

Results and Longevity:

  • Results: Improvements in skin tone and texture can be seen within a few weeks, with optimal results achieved after multiple sessions.
  • Longevity: Results can last several months, with maintenance treatments recommended to sustain the benefits.

Safety and Side Effects:

  • IPL is generally safe for most skin types. Common side effects include redness, swelling, and temporary darkening of pigmented areas. Rarely, blistering or changes in skin pigmentation can occur.

Consultation: It is important to consult with a board certified dermatologist to determine if IPL is suitable for your skin type and condition.


Fraxel Laser: Patient Information

What is Fraxel Laser? Fraxel laser is a non-invasive fractional laser treatment that targets a fraction of skin at a time with microscopic laser columns to stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate the skin. It is used to treat a variety of skin concerns, including aging signs, scars, and pigmentation.

How Does Fraxel Laser Work? Fraxel laser creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin, triggering the body's natural healing process and stimulating collagen and elastin production. This helps to improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance.

Common Uses of Fraxel Laser:

  • Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
  • Improving skin texture and tone
  • Treating acne and surgical scars
  • Reducing pigmentation and sun damage
  • Treating melasma

Procedure and Recovery:

  • Procedure: Fraxel treatments take about 30-60 minutes. A topical anesthetic is applied to minimize discomfort, and the Fraxel device is used to deliver precise laser energy to the skin.
  • Recovery: Patients may experience redness, swelling, and a sunburn-like sensation for a few days. Peeling and flaking of the skin are common as the skin renews. Downtime varies from a few days to a week.

Results and Longevity:

  • Results: Noticeable improvements can be seen within a few weeks, with continued improvement over several months. Multiple sessions may be needed for optimal results.
  • Longevity: Results can last several years, with maintenance treatments recommended to sustain benefits.

Safety and Side Effects:

  • Fraxel laser is generally safe for most skin types. Common side effects include redness, swelling, and temporary changes in skin pigmentation. Rarely, infection or scarring can occur.

Consultation: A thorough consultation with a board certified dermatologist is essential to determine if Fraxel laser is appropriate for your skin type and concerns.


Laser Hair Removal: Patient Information

What is Laser Hair Removal? Laser hair removal is a non-invasive procedure that uses concentrated light energy to target and destroy hair follicles, resulting in the reduction or elimination of unwanted hair.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work? The laser emits a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicles. This light energy converts to heat, damaging the follicles and inhibiting future hair growth.

Common Uses of Laser Hair Removal:

  • Removing unwanted hair from the face, legs, arms, underarms, bikini line, and other body areas

Procedure and Recovery:

  • Procedure: The treatment area is cleaned, and a cooling gel may be applied. The laser device is then moved over the skin, delivering pulses of light to the hair follicles. Sessions typically last from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area.
  • Recovery: Patients may experience mild redness and swelling, which usually subsides within a few hours to a day. Sun protection is essential post-treatment to protect the treated skin.

Results and Longevity:

  • Results: Multiple sessions are usually required (typically 6-8) to achieve optimal results, as hair grows in cycles. Significant hair reduction can be seen after a few sessions.
  • Longevity: Results are long-lasting, with many patients experiencing permanent hair reduction. Maintenance treatments may be needed to target any new hair growth.

Safety and Side Effects:

  • Laser hair removal is generally safe for most skin types. Common side effects include redness, swelling, and temporary discomfort. Rarely, blistering, changes in skin pigmentation, or scarring can occur.

Consultation: It is important to have a thorough consultation with a board certified dermatologist to determine if laser hair removal is suitable for your skin type and hair color.