As I mentioned, everything was red except the very few parts that the laser didn't touch (around my mouth, for instanceor the line from the outer corner of my left eye to my hairline, which was the from the safety glasses). Uneven skin tone. The first thing you will need to know about these treatments is that lasers can penetrate the skin more deeply, which means that more skin cells can be treated at one time. I don't know what I expected but it was a wonderful experience. IPL and BBL are gentle, non-invasive procedures that dont require downtime, and both achieve long-lasting results with maintenance treatments. Keep in mind that with either Halo or Fraxel, you may need multiple treatments for best results. Photons emitted by the device penetrate the skin and reach chromophores - molecules that absorb light. We use numbing cream and inject lidocaine so there's zero sensation, and the downtimeyou look pink and blotchy and treated for about a weekis much less than that with a CO2 laser such as a Fraxel re:pair. You just have Dermal filler is a popular way to reshape the face and restore the volume and plumpness thats lost due to age. Restylane-L vs. Restylane Lyft: What is the Difference? Skin that has been exposed to the damaging effects of sunlight - face, neck, back of the hands, chest, and shoulders - can be helped with BBL and IPL. IPL also has the BBL (skin tight) function and is very successful at tightening the skin as well. Laser smoothes out wrinkles and provides a rejuvenated appearance. A dermatologist who trusts the treatment on their own skin is good enough for me. Preparing appropriately for the procedure makes a difference in your results, Dr. Marcus says. Broadband light devices deliver powerful, solid pulses and use more cut-off filters during a session. Maintaining the results of your treatment is very easy, particularly when you can avoid any factors that may damage the skin or increase skin aging. Think of your skin like a grid; to get the most thorough treatment of a section, you have to go over it multiple times. This process triggers the skin's healing process - layer by layer, older and damaged skin is naturally replaced by fresh and healthy skin cells. We will give you more detailed aftercare instructions after your appointment. Although this treatment uses the power of lasers to resurface the skin, it does not cause any damage to the skin, such as scarring. This fractionated laser improves the complexion and tightens skin. I have see different individuals have different postoperative courses, Halo Laser Procedure- Day 4 and have white pimples popping up all over? Superficial skin concerns such as sun damage, minor acne scars, and pigmentation concerns dont always fade with time. Fraxel Vs. Pixel. Non-Surgical Brow Lift with Botox, Fillers, and Lasers, Dr. Michele Green Reviews, Ratings, Testimonials, Restylane Kysse Dermal Fillers from Galderma Coming Soon, What Are The Best Non-Invasive Wrinkle Treatments, Notice of Non-Discrimination & Accessibility. Both Fraxel and Clear + Brilliant utilize non-ablative fractional laser technology. The Fraxel laser delivers controlled energy to the deeper layers of the skin, creating wounds in a special fractional pattern that leaves areas of skin untreated in between the wounds. The technology was invented 30 years ago by Israeli researcher Dr. Shimon Eckhouse. It can be used to treat tougher skin conditions including acne, spider veins, and rosacea, but is also phenomenal for reducing signs of sun damage including lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Whats the best laser? Its a common question at Palo Alto Laser and Skin Care, especially since we have such a large suite of lasers and energy-based therapies. For Dual, you should plan to take a few days off from your regular skincare routine, and even makeup, while skin heals. Forever Clear BBL is an innovative treatment that depends on the power of light to clear acne and scarring, without assistance from medications and creams. However, for resurfacing treatments with lasers, you can expect results to last for three to five years at a time. But the process may be slow and deeper or lighter pigments may . The main difference in fractional versus non-fractional laser is that Fraxel treats only a fraction of the total surface of the skin, and therefore allows healthy skin to remain, speeding healing and minimizing downtime. The information on RealSelf is intended for educational purposes only. Fraxel Dual is an effective but relatively gentle laser, and multiple treatments are usually needed to achieve results. The target, or chromophore, is any type of pigment in the skin such as a freckle, redness from a blood vessel, bacteria that causes acne, or a hair pigment (as this technology is also effectively used for hair . If you have questions / concerns about the site It was definitely red, but it was the first real glimpse of how effective this treatment can be. Treatments may be performed as often as every 7-10 days, but in most cases they are done 4 weeks apart. *. They use different mechanisms to create tiny injuries in the skin. At roughly half the cost of Fraxel, IPL is most economical (based on cost per treatment) without any downtime following treatment. BBL also uses higher-intensity flashlamps and a more advanced cooling system, making the procedure safer and more comfortable for the patient. 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. At Vibrant Skin Bar, one IPL photo facial costs $350. Although these treatments are more aggressive than light-based treatments, the depth of the energy penetration also means that these treatments are considered more effective for certain skin conditions. I took a shower right before dinner and noticed a big difference in the scabbed layer. If you are looking to reduce wrinkles or minimize scars, lasers are the best bet for all skin types. She is certified in neurotoxin cosmetic injection, dermal fillers, Plasma Pen skin tightening, chemical peels, and laser therapy. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. It causes moderate to significant discomfort and requires down time of a week or more, as well as 2-3 days of wound care.*. The Halo laser is quite unique, as it actually combines two different laser wavelengths at the same time - it's like having a light ablative laser treatment (that actually exfoliates and removes the most superficial layers of the skin) and a non-ablative laser (that heats up deeper the deeper layers of the skin to promote new collagen growth) at the same time. Gentle skincare is a must! We are not liable for any HIPAA violations. The BroadBand Light system is a more advanced device, and it can deliver more dramatic results with fewer sessions. 1. The big red (once brown) spot was starting to lighten up a bit, and the fresh areas had faded from red to pink. A MicroLaserPeel costs several times more than a BBL Photo Rejuvenation treatment My noseand oddly the high point of my cheek just under my eyesstill has some speckles, and that brown spot on my cheek, while much better than it's been in over a decade, is starting to piece itself back together. Another thing you can do to maintain your results is use the proper skincare products and routine. That way, the lasers stimulate collagen production to rejuvenate the skin's appearance. The nurse ran a laser wand over my face for about 15 minutes, performing two to three passes over each zone (forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin). 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. Although both technologies use light and its effects for cosmetic enhancements and to treat various skin conditions, they do so in totally different ways. As a decades-long beauty editor, I've long-considered Fraxel as a way to treat my hyperpigmentation from too many summers at the Jersey Shore (regardless of how much sunscreen I applied)plus, two pregnancies that cranked up my hyperpigmentation. While BBL treatment targets more superficial issues, Halo laser treatments can target deeper layers on the face, neck, and chest to improve overall skin texture. With advanced cooling features, increased safety, more customizable options, and the ability to rejuvenate the skin on a molecular level, BBL is the gold standard in skin rejuvenation using light. BBL treatments address a variety of skin concerns on the face, chest, hands, and neck, including: What it treats: BBL treats freckles, age spots, small blood vessels, and uneven skin texture. Fraxel can be used to treat brow lines, crows feet, and is effective in minimizing surgical and acne scars. There is minimaldowntime for the Fraxel, a patient can expect 48 hours of redness after the procedure and minimal swelling that will subside within 1 2 days. For example, the treatment is non-invasive and will not have a long downtime, which makes it a much better alternative to invasive surgery. The skin is first treated with a Blue BBL light to mitigate the bacteria that causes acne, getting deep down in the pores. I would look into HALO (hybrid fractional laser). However, there are differences between the two. If you have lighter skin, IPL is your best option for most purposes. Also depends on theseverity,Multiple treatment might be required for achieveoptimal results. HIFU machines also do not have the real-time ultrasound visualisation of the skin layers like Ultherapy. As this is a fractional laser, it only works by doing several treatments to receive the full benefit, she says. Doctor is so knowledgeable and so thorough. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The 560nm wavelength is utilized to treat facial redness. Fraxel is a brand of laser that performs fractional skin resurfacing, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Marcus. 301.798.9699 5471 C2 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 200, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 Its been over a year since Ive been coming for all my appointments and everyone is always so pleasant and helpful. 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. Clear + Brilliant (Fraxel Refresh) Soothing serums and sunscreen may be applied afterwards, and you will go home looking flushed, and should avoid being in the sun, Dr. Marcus says. The Main Difference. 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. Many people need several sessions of Fractional laser, anywhere from three to six, before they. The results of Fractora are visible within two weeks of treatment and last approximately two years. Fraxel and HALO can reduce mild to moderate enlarged pores, but for larger pores, micro needling PRP and TCA CROSS is better. Thermage can be used on the abdomen, the back of the arms, hands, above the knees and more. Once your top skin layers come off, new skin cells form, leaving you with tighter, smooth skin. IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light and BBL stands for Broad Band Light. You might need more sessions, but IPL has a proven track record for removing skin discoloration and hyper-pigmentation. 156 E 79th St #1B New York, NY 10075, 2023 Dr. Michele Green, M.D. The non-ablative wavelength targets deeper sun damage and . Ive been to many dermatologists in Newport Beach and Beverly Hills and he ranks right up there amongst the best ! Emerging from the shower revealed an incredibly fresh layer of skin on much of my cheeks. Marie assisted Dr. B, and she was so sweet to me through the procedure. Treatments with lasers are more effective, produce longer-lasting results, and have more versatile for the face and body. BBL. Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended. RebeccaMarcus, MD, is a board-certifieddermatologist with a special interest in skincare. The lasers themselves behave similarly. Age spots. They're essentially the same thing, but Fraxel uses a CO2 laser, and Pro-Fractional uses an Erbium laser. To prepare for Fraxel, your provider may have you use a cream with hydroquinone or other brightening agents to [reduce] hyperpigmentation before you even start the laser, Dr. Evans says. please call us at (818) 981-3333 In general, though, post-care after Fraxel Repair will involve staying home for several days to minimize risk of infection, a few days of vinegar soaks, frequent application of a thin layer of Aquaphor or Vaseline to protect skin while its top layer regenerates, and strict avoidance of the sun for four to six weeks post-procedure. Please see a board-certified dermatologist for your treatment, Dr. Evans says. 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. While we do connect people with vetted, board-certified doctors, we dont provide medical consultations, diagnosis, or advice. The biggest difference between the two technologies is in their performance. Hyperpigmentation in darker skin types can be seen., The most common side effects of Fraxel are pain, swelling, and redness, but they resolve quickly. Fraxel, on the other hand, only offers non-ablative treatment - in my experience, treatments are more painful and the results are less dramatic. You can save by purchasing four sessions at $1,200. The IPL can destroy the hair follicles and prevents hair from re-growing in the treated area. Howard Sobel, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with over four decades of experience. If youre experiencing a medical issue, please contact a healthcare professional or dial 911 immediately. I was definitely almost in the clearthe spots, which once took up 90% of my face had faded to take up just about 10%. Fraxel lasers can also remove some tattoos while IPL is contraindicated for tattoo removal. IPL and BBL devices emit polychromatic light, which is light composed of multiple wavelengths. Fraxel is a "fractional" skin resurfacing treatment, which means it only targets part of the skin at a time. 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. BBL is most commonly recommended for those with skin that is showing signs of UV damage, pollution, and dermatological conditionsincluding stubborn melasma. Once it reaches its target (such as a brown spot), it is turned into heat. At most, patients typically experience minor swelling and redness for up to six hours on the day of treatment. To date, they have designed three broadband light devices for photoaging, acne, and hair removal. Both Fraxel and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) are used for treatments dealing with moderate to severe sun damage. Both of these procedures are intended primarily to give you clearer, smoother skin, and they each have their strengths and weaknesses. You may not see your optimal results for one to two weeks or more, depending on the treatment used. LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES, Dr. Lara Devgan Scientific Beauty Hyaluronic Serum, Sobel Skin RX Bio Hyaluronic Moisturizing Cream. Forever Young BBL They both use fractional laser technology to resurface the skin. Recently I had a wonderful experience with my first visit to Franklin Skin and Laser. Another significant difference that cannot be overlooked is the cost! I'd seen the photos of scaly recoveries, but what did the day-by-day progression really look like, and would the results even be worth the downtime? Fraxel works by treating only a fraction of the skin, and therefore leaves the healthy skin in-between treated areas intact, which speeds healing and minimizes downtime, Dr. Marcus explains. A gentle cleanser should be used twice a day, and vitamin C serum may be applied. On the other hand, Fraxel laser treatment usually leaves the skin red and swollen for up to 10 days. However, patients with more apparent signs of photoaging will see better results after a BBL treatment. In my opinion, it offers the best balance between lowdowntime and visible results of any laser device available. BBL and IPL have a significant difference, but also some basic similarities: Both use non-invasive light waves to rejuvenate skin. For more information on these and other rejuvenating skin treatments contact us to book an appointment. It also improves skin firmness. How long to wait between 1st and 2nd Halo treatment? At this point, grid lines were now obvious on my forehead, and much darker on the nose and cheeks (particularly that stubborn spot on my right side). Swelling and bruising may occur. In fact, while the removal of dead skin cells from the skin surface is part of the reason why this treatment is so effective, the other part is because of the way the energy works with your body to reverse the effects of the natural aging process. I look 10 years younger and love it. IPL (intense pulsed light) treatment is slightly different than most lasers, in fact IPL is not a laser, but utilizes intense pulsed light. PA Kristina Cadwell graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. When the treatment was done, my face was burning far worse than a sunburn on my most careless days in the sun. Clear + Brilliant is much less invasive with minimal downtime. Non-ablative treatments improve the appearance of skin by causing a dermal injury response without injuring the epidermis. Thank you for your question. With either Fraxel Dual or Fraxel Repair, I cant stress enough how important it is to follow your doctors instructions, as they know your specific skin type and history, and can best guide you to maximize results and minimize the risk of side effects., Fraxel is a fantastic treatment for the right candidate, Dr. Marcus says. What are the differences between Fraxel and Clear + Brilliant? Thermage FLX. In addition, IPL has both hair reduction wavelengths and skin tightening capabilities. Two of the latest procedures are Fraxel and intense pulsed light (IPL). Women who are pregnant and people who have active skin conditions, such as eczema, are not good candidates for this treatment. IPL and BBL are versatile photo facial treatments used in medicine and the cosmetics industry. The mechanics of this treatment are performed with a device that emits laser energy to the skin, which then softens skin cells and stimulates the bodys natural regenerative properties. The fundamental difference between the two lasers is the intensity of the treatment. In our practice we have treated good number ofdarker skin typepatients with similar conditions. All rights reserved | PRIVACY POLICY | ACCESSIBILITY | SITEMAP | PAYMENT DISCLAIMER, Strategic Digital Marketing and Design by Firm Media. It also allows physicians to safelytreat darker skin type patients. So, its not like a Botox treatment where the results are expected to last three to four months and then quickly fade, but rather I think of it more like turning back the clock a little.. Thermage. Targeted Wavelengths. The procedure itself takes about 20 minutes. Avoiding unprotected sun exposure will also prevent dark spots, broken vessels, and other types of sun damage. Unlike lasers, IPL does not work on darker skin tones, and can even make hyper-pigmentation worse. If you want to look younger without any need for downtime, Fraxel might be for you. Dr. Sobel came in to assess and recommend the Fraxel power levelI told him I wanted as much power as I could safely get, so he suggested a Level 8 (out of 10). Both treat skin on any area of the body. We offer complimentary consultations on all treatments, including lasers, so you can gauge for yourself the expertise of the professional who will be administering your treatment. You can unsubscribe any time obviously. But nothing could be further from the truth. With both treatments the skin usually returns back to normal after a week. If you want a brighter complexion and to tackle skin concerns, BBL can be used on the face, neck, hands, chest, and arms. 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. The main difference in fractional versus non-fractional laser is that Fraxel treats only a fraction of the total surface of the skin, and therefore allows healthy skin to remain, speeding healing and minimizing downtime. 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. Give it a Google and you'll quickly find that this do-it-all fractional laser can drastically improve the appearance of everything from fine lines to sunspots in just one treatment. When it comes to my personal before/after photos, I truly have to apologize. The first IPL device received FDA approval in 1995 and was designed to treat spider veins. PicoWay uses ultra-short, picosecond pulses of energy to target tattoo ink or natural pigmentation below the surface of the skin. Many people are concerned about getting lip filler for fear that they may look unnatural or end up with lips that are too big. 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. The Intelligent Optical Tracking technology makes sure there is always optimized contact with the skin for a uniform outcome. Do not submit any personal or private information unless you are authorized and have voluntarily consented to do so. Bottom Line on Halo Laser: Results. This eliminates darker unwanted skin cells (such as brown spots) while encouraging collagen production. Dr. Marcus advises that its particularly important to stay out of the sun for the recommended period of time, as freshly treated skin is more susceptible to hyperpigmentation. It isnt painful, but it can be more uncomfortable than a microneedling treatment session. Think pigmentation, scars, wrinkles these typically originate at the dermal-epidermal junction. Theyre both lasers. Having completed residency training at Columbia University in New York, she now practicesdermatology in Dallas, Texas. Getting matched with the right laser is just part of the equation. Types of laser resurfacing A microlaser peel removes a thin layer of skin (the epidermis). Most of the brown scabs had faded, though my nose plus the perimeter of my face and hairline was still spotty. The price of Fraxel can widely vary depending on your geographic location and the area being treated. Amazing! The lasers energy will need to penetrate at this level to treat moderate to serious conditions such as acne scars and wrinkles.