People sometimes wonder why we offer such a wide range of laser skin rejuvenation treatments at our Houston med spa. Most other practices have a limited number of options, but the one-size-fits-all approach often means patients are settling for a treatment that won’t produce the best results for their specific needs.
To use a cliché, trying to fit a round peg into a square hole is rarely successful.
At Ovation Med Spa, we’re always on the lookout for the most effective treatment devices that have been clinically proven to be safe and effective. We understand that each patient who chooses our med spa is unique and has specific skin types and cosmetic goals. That’s true even if they have the same concerns as many other patients, such as treating skin damaged by sun exposure.
Lasers vs. IPL: What’s the Difference?
If you’ve been researching treatments for sun-damaged skin, you’ve likely seen laser skin resurfacing and IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments both referred to as laser skin treatments. They are similar, and both share the primary goal of improving the skin’s tone and texture. Both deliver light energy to the skin and can effectively treat a number of conditions besides sun damage. They do this by creating micro-injuries below the skin’s surface that trigger the body’s healing process. This stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin, producing smoother, tighter skin.
But the technology used by lasers and IPL treatments differs. One analogy often used to describe the difference is to think of lasers as snipers that strike their targets with precision, while IPL takes a carpet-bombing approach to skin rejuvenation. A laser targets the skin with a single, precise wavelength of light, while IPL devices scatter a range of wavelengths across the skin.
Which Is Best for Treating Sun Damage?
The UV (ultraviolet) light from the sun damages the skin in multiple ways. Some patients have a specific concern, while others may want different issues treated during a single appointment. The right approach for you depends on your skin type and color and your specific concerns. Sun damage can include one or more of these issues:
- Wrinkles
- Age spots
- Loose skin
- Spider veins
- Blotchy or ruddy complexion
Our med spa has treatment options for all of these conditions, and our specialists can recommend which is best for you after a consultation.
The options for treating damage related to extended sun exposure include:
Forever Young BBL™ IPL
Forever Young BBL is an advanced, stronger form of IPL that is extremely effective for reversing a lifetime of sun damage. A BBL (broadband light) photo facial can treat the skin on the face, neck, chest, and hands with light energy that targets the lower layers of skin without harming the skin’s surface. It is best for patients with lighter skin tones.
PicoFractional Laser
The PicoFractional laser shatters pigment into tiny particles using high-energy nanosecond pulses deep beneath the skin. Surrounding tissue is left undamaged as the laser’s heat stimulates the production of new collagen.
eMatrix
Unlike laser and light-based treatments, eMatrix uses a technology called fractionated bi-polar radiofrequency to penetrate the skin’s surface. The skin’s top layer remains intact while stimulating new collagen production in the lower layer of skin. This FDA-cleared technique is called sublative rejuvenation. Because the top layer of the skin isn’t damaged, eMatrix treatments are safe for patients of all skin types and tones.
Learn About Your Options
Ovation Med Spa is one of the nation’s leading medical spas because of its range of options for skin rejuvenation and other aesthetic concerns. You can learn more about treating sun damage, wrinkles, loose skin, and other skin conditions by [consultation]requesting a consultation[/consultation] using the online form or by calling us at [phone] to schedule an appointment.