Treating skin problems caused by sun exposure with more light may seem paradoxical — but in the hands of a trusted practitioner like Dr. David Magilke and our team, it is actually very safe and effective. Our light-based, in-office procedures can help you recapture a smooth, even skin tone and texture without surgery.
Read on as Dr. Magilke explains how we rejuvenate sun-damaged skin using advanced light-based treatment solutions.
Resurfacing Laser Peel
A resurfacing laser peel uses light energy to ablate, or remove, the upper layers of damaged skin cells in order to reveal newer, more youthful cells. The laser generates a heat response in the deeper layers of the skin to trigger the production of fresh collagen for smoother, more even-looking skin.
A resurfacing laser peel is a great way to noticeably improve pigment changes due to sun damage, as well as other skin concerns such as skin laxity, wrinkles and oversized pores. Medical lasers are very advanced and our team is able to personalize the treatment to your exact needs.
The treatment itself is a comfortable experience, and takes place in our office. Your skin will be completely numbed prior to the start of treatment, and it usually takes approximately 20 minutes to treat the entire face.
Afterward, a barrier cream is applied to the skin to protect it as the outer layer heals. You will be asked to reapply the cream in the days following your treatment. Although recovery varies by patient, expect downtime to last between 10 and 14 days.
Intense Pulsed Light
Intense pulsed light, or IPL, is another type of light-based therapy that Dr. Magilke and our team use to treat visible areas of sun damage, including sun spots, skin redness and tiny veins. Laser resurfacing emits a single wavelength of light focused in a direct beam, whereas IPL treatment emits a range of wavelengths in short pulses or bursts. The light is absorbed by the pigmented sun spot or lesion and injures the tissue. After treatment, the injured tissue is naturally eliminated from the body. Like laser peels, IPL treatments stimulate the production of new collagen for improved skin tone and texture.
Similar to a resurfacing laser peel, IPL takes place in our office and is a relatively quick treatment. Depending on your specific needs, our team may recommend a series of IPL treatments, spaced several weeks apart.
If you are bothered by visible areas of sun-damaged skin, Dr. Magilke and our team can help. Please call (503) 297-6511 or send us an email to request more information about our treatment options.
