FACIALS & PEELS

Fraxel Facials vs. IPL Facials

At our Birmingham, MI MedSpa we offer the latest technologies in clinical facials and skin treatments that reduce and reverse the appearance of aging – and offer younger, smoother skin. Two of our most popular and effective medical facials are Fraxel Laser Facials and Intense Pulsed Light / IPL Facials.

In this article we explain the general similarities and differences between Fraxel and IPL. Of course, when you come in for a consultation we will carefully evaluate your skin type, damage and appearance goals to help you choose the best type of clinical facial for your individual needs!

Both Fraxel Laser Facials and Intense Pulsed Light / IPL Facials are non-invasive, effective, high-tech skin treatments. And both type of “facial” treatments are extremely safe and can be used on the arms, hands, legs, chest or back – as well as the face or neck. However the way in which they operate is a bit different.

Fraxel Facial Technology

The Fraxel device is a laser that targets the water in the skin that acts as a “chromophore” – absorbing the heat from the Fraxel laser. As the water in the skin cells absorb the laser’s heat, the cell is destroyed.

Fraxel technology also has multiple settings. One targets more superficial photo-damage such as age spots, while other settings target the skin’s deeper layers, where fine wrinkling or scarring occurs.

Intense Pulsed Light / IPL Facials

Intense pulsed light (IPL) is not actually a laser. Unlike a laser which emits one specific wavelength, IPL can emit a broad spectrum of different wavelengths. These light-bursts send energy into the skin, where it selectively targets and is absorbed by certain cells, destroying them. This technique be used to kill the “bad” skin cells – to treat age spots, redness or flushing, and even hair removal.

IPL also stimulates the production of new skin cells and collagen, resulting in younger, “plumper”, healthier looking skin.

Which is Better Fraxel Laser Facial vs. IPL Facial?

Dr. Ali will help you choose which one is best for you, based on your particular skin issues. During your consultation, you and Dr. Ali will have a discussion about your goals and an appropriate treatment plan can be agreed upon.

While there is minimal downtime with either procedure, with a Fraxel facial, a patient can expect redness, minimal swelling, and subtle peeling for 5 to 7 days. With IPL, there is a more amount minimal redness and swelling and healing is usually complete within 3 days – but sometimes up to 5 days.

For patients with darker skin tones, care must be taken to prevent hyperpigmentation when using any facial treatment. In most cases Fraxel is superior for darker skin tones, while IPL may be a better choice for fair skin color. Either should only be applied by, or under the supervision of, a physician in a Medical Office or MedSpa, where care can be taken to offer the best treatments for your skin type and aesthetic goals.

Birmingham’s Best Facial Spa

Birmingham medical aesthetician Our Aestheticians offers the absolute best technologies in anti-aging facials and peels. Schedule a consultation to see which type of facial or peel is best for your skin type and beauty goals. Then relax in our Birmingham MedSpa, while Our Aestheticians makes you look and feel younger and even more beautiful!

Schedule a Facial at our Birmingham MedSpa: 248.335.7200