Diffuse Photodamage (Sun Damage, including on face, neck, or chest)
What can be done to treat diffuse photodamage?
Please see below for our detailed treatment options!
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
- Alexandrite Laser Therapy
- CO2 Laser Resurfacing
- 1540 nm Laser
- Chemical Peeling
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Frequently asked questions:
How does Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment work?
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment utilizes pulses of visible light which are administered into the skin. For this chief concern, the light targets the colors red and brown, resulting in a decrease in these colors visible on the skin.
How long does it take to see results from Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment?
- It can take between 7 and 10 days to see results on the face. For other areas of the body, it takes between 6-8 weeks for results to show. Multiple treatments are often recommended depending on aesthetic goals.
How long do the results last?
- Length of effect depends on the lifestyle of a patient, along with other factors. On average, results can last months to years.
Is there an expected recovery time or post-procedure downtime?
- No; however, a patient should avoid sun exposure after treatment to minimize the risk of dyspigmentation.
Alexandrite Laser Therapy
How does this treatment work?
- The Alexandrite laser emits focused light energy to selectively target certain pigmented areas and causes them to gradually fade away.
How long does it take to see the results?
- It takes between 1-6 months to see results. Multiple treatments are often needed.
How long do the results last?
- Length of effect depends on the lifestyle of a patient, along with other factors. On average, results can last months to years.
Is there an expected recovery time or post-procedure downtime?
- No; however, the treated area may be sensitive for up to a week. The patient should avoid sunlight to minimize the risk of dyspigmentation.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing
How does CO2 laser resurfacing work?
- CO2 laser resurfacing uses beams of focused light to penetrate the skin’s surface and promotes collagen production, allowing for the production of new healthy skin. This results in the removal of the sun damaged and dyspigmented older skin.
How long does it take for CO2 resurfacing to show results?
- After recovery, the improvements from CO2 laser resurfacing are noted immediately. In addition, the patient will continue to have new collagen formation and remodeling for several months to years thereafter.
How long does CO2 laser resurfacing last?
- The results of CO2 laser resurfacing can last between three to five years.
Does CO2 laser resurfacing have an expected recovery period or post-procedure downtime?
- There is an expected recovery time of between 1-3 weeks.
1540 nm Laser
How does this treatment work?
- Without ablating (“burning”) the skin, this laser deposits narrow columns of energy into the skin which facilitate collagen remodeling.
How long does it take to see results?
- The results from 1540 nm laser treatment will appear progressively over time. Depending on the degree of photodamage, multiple treatments may be recommended.
How long do the results last?
- Once improved, the photodamage should remain improved unless further sun exposure and sun damage occurs to the skin.
Is there an expected recovery time or post-procedure downtime?
- No; however, a patient should avoid excessive heat, sun exposure, and other possible irritants after the procedure, in order to minimize the risk of dyspigmentation.
Chemical Peeling
How does this treatment work?
- Chemical peels selectively destroy the top layer of skin and allow for growth of new healthy skin. Post-treatment, the skin appears smoother and less sun damaged in appearance.
How long does it take to see results?
- This depends on the type of peel performed.
How long do the results last?
- Result durations vary depending on the type of chemical peel used.
Is there an expected recovery time or post-procedure downtime?
- Depending on the type of chemical peel performed, a patient can expect no downtime or up to 14 days of post-procedure downtime and recovery time.