Cosmetic Laser Treatment Specialist
FoxHall Dermatology
Dermatologists located in Washington, DC
Cosmetic Laser Treatment Q & A
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Therapy: Everything You Need to Know
What is IPL?
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy is a non-invasive, advanced skin treatment that utilizes broad-spectrum light to address a wide variety of skin concerns. This popular cosmetic procedure is highly effective for reducing pigmentation, sun damage, redness, and fine lines, resulting in smoother, more youthful skin.
Common Uses of IPL Treatment:
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Hyperpigmentation: Reduce sun spots and age spots
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Rosacea Treatment: Minimize redness and facial flushing
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Skin Texture Improvement: Smooth rough or uneven skin
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Anti-Aging Treatment: Minimize fine lines and wrinkles
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Acne & Acne Scarring: Treat acne and acne scars effectively
IPL Procedure and Recovery:
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Procedure: IPL sessions typically last 20-30 minutes. A cooling gel is applied to the skin, and the IPL device emits pulses of light that are gently moved across the treatment area.
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Recovery: Post-treatment redness and mild swelling are common but usually resolve within a few hours to a couple of days. Post-treatment sun protection is crucial to prevent further damage.
IPL Results and Longevity:
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Results: Patients typically notice skin tone and texture improvement within a few weeks. Optimal results are usually achieved after a series of treatments.
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Longevity: With proper maintenance, IPL results can last for several months. Ongoing treatments may be necessary to sustain the skin rejuvenation benefits.
IPL Safety and Side Effects:
IPL is a safe and effective option for most skin types. However, common side effects include mild redness, swelling, and temporary darkening of pigmented areas. Rare side effects include blistering or changes in skin pigmentation.
Fraxel Laser: A Revolutionary Skin Treatment for Aging and Scarring
What is Fraxel Laser?
Fraxel Laser is a non-invasive, fractional laser treatment designed to rejuvenate the skin by stimulating collagen production. This cutting-edge technology targets microscopic sections of the skin at a time, improving skin texture and tone. It’s widely used for treating signs of aging, acne scars, and pigmentation issues.
Common Uses of Fraxel Laser Treatment:
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Anti-Aging Treatment: Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
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Skin Texture Enhancement: Improve skin texture and tone
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Scar Treatment: Treat acne and surgical scars
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Pigmentation Issues: Reduce sun damage, age spots, and melasma
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Melasma Treatment: Effectively treat discoloration from melasma
Fraxel Laser Procedure and Recovery:
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Procedure: Fraxel sessions usually last 30-60 minutes. A topical anesthetic is applied to minimize discomfort, and the Fraxel device delivers controlled laser pulses to the skin.
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Recovery: Mild redness, swelling, and a sunburn-like sensation are common for a few days after treatment. Peeling or flaking of the skin typically occurs as new skin cells regenerate. Downtime can range from a few days to a week, depending on the treatment depth.
Fraxel Laser Results and Longevity:
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Results: Visible improvements can be seen within weeks, with continued progress over several months. A series of treatments is often recommended for optimal results.
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Longevity: Fraxel results can last several years, with maintenance treatments recommended for sustained benefits.
Fraxel Laser Safety and Side Effects:
Fraxel laser is safe for most skin types, with minimal risks when performed by a trained professional. Common side effects include redness, swelling, and temporary changes in pigmentation. Although rare, infection or scarring can occur.
Laser Hair Removal: A Long-Lasting Solution for Unwanted Hair
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses concentrated light energy to target and damage hair follicles. This treatment results in the long-term reduction or permanent elimination of unwanted hair on various areas of the body, including the face, legs, arms, underarms, and bikini line.
Common Uses of Laser Hair Removal:
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Facial Hair Removal: Treat unwanted hair on the face, chin, and upper lip
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Body Hair Removal: Eliminate unwanted hair from legs, arms, bikini line, and underarms
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Permanent Hair Reduction: Achieve long-term hair reduction in various areas
Laser Hair Removal Procedure and Recovery:
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Procedure: Laser hair removal typically takes a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area. The area is cleaned, and a cooling gel may be applied. Pulses of light are delivered to the hair follicles to target and disable them.
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Recovery: Mild redness and swelling are common after the procedure, but these symptoms generally resolve within hours to a day. Patients should avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen on the treated areas to protect the skin.
Laser Hair Removal Results and Longevity:
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Results: Multiple treatments (usually 6-8) are necessary for optimal results, as hair grows in different cycles. Many patients see significant hair reduction after several sessions.
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Longevity: Most patients experience permanent hair reduction. However, maintenance treatments may be necessary for new hair growth that occurs over time.
Laser Hair Removal Safety and Side Effects:
Laser hair removal is considered safe for most skin types. Common side effects include mild redness, swelling, and temporary discomfort. Rare side effects include blistering, changes in skin pigmentation, or scarring.
Services
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PDO Threadsmore info
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Moles and Skin Cancermore info
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Patch Testing for Contact Dermatitismore info
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Cosmetic Laser Treatmentmore info
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Dermal Fillersmore info
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Expert Diagnosismore info
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Anti-Aging Products & Proceduresmore info
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Hand Rejuvenationmore info
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General Dermatologymore info
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Dysport Botox and Xeominmore info
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PRP\PRFmore info