Premature aging at 31, IPL laser not effective. Specifically, what can I do to slow down and reverse this rapid aging? (photo)

Question

I am 31 and recently had IPL laser twice for big pores, redness, and pregnancy melasma. In the past before having children, IPL worked great and I had great skin. Now, it seems to have made things worse. Where should I go from here? Now it seems my pores are so big, and big acne scars appearing as well as new fine lines on my upper lip (I'm not a smoker) and cheeks. I'm afraid to do another IPL laser.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Adam Scheiner, MD · Answer

Dear Austin Patient,Aging skin is due a multiple factors. One is intrinsic aging due to genetics but the bigger cause is sun exposure in the past. By protecting your skin daily with sun protection, you can slow down the appearance of aged skin.To reverse aged skin, certain skin care products containing Retin-A and Hydroquinones can be helpful.IPL or BBL is a 2nd line of treatment but the most dramatic improvement would occur by stimulating the skin to renew itsself. I use lasers to resurface the skin and although there is downtime for recovery, it can result in a large improvement in acne scars and wrinkles in the face ( including the upper lip).I'll include a link below for you.I hope this was helpful.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There are a few great options for improvement.  I find that a combination of lasers or RF help skin tone, sculptra for collagen building, and microneedling/prp and skin care help with skin rejuvenation. Fillers, microneedling/prp, subcision and lasers can help acne scarring, while fillers and/or botox can be used for fine lines and wrinkles. Kybella, Ultherapy and/or ThermiRF treatments (Venus Legacy) would be non-invasive options that would do well in combination for skin tightening.  See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Simon Ourian, MD · Answer

Based off your concerns, the Coolaser&trade; is your best option. It assists with various concerns from wrinkles/acne scars/melasma etc. A combination of Coolaser&trade; and Blue Light therapy might be suggested for you, to tackle down the melasma; combined they give the ultimate result. For the large acne scars, a combination of the Coolaser&trade; and dermal fillers would work for you. You'll find that the recommended treatments will leave your skin fully rejuvenated.

Grant Stevens, MD · Answer

Hi there, We would likely recommend some great skin care (including Retinol, hydroquinone, Vitamin C and lytera) to be used for 1 month, then doing 2 Halo treatments, approx 1 month apart. This help with melasma, pores, texture, anti-aging, brightening etc. Best, Dr. Grant Stevens

Premature aging at 31, IPL laser not effective. Specifically, what can I do to slow down and reverse this rapid aging? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Coolaser™, Bluelight, and Dermal Fillers

Answer: Coolaser™, Bluelight, and Dermal Fillers

Answer: Laser to Stimulate Collagen

Answer: Laser to Stimulate Collagen

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Rejuvenation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Premature aging at 31, IPL laser not effective. Specifically, what can I do to slow down and reverse this rapid aging? (photo)

Answers (9)

Answer: Coolaser™, Bluelight, and Dermal Fillers

Answer: Coolaser™, Bluelight, and Dermal Fillers

Answer: Laser to Stimulate Collagen

Answer: Laser to Stimulate Collagen

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Rejuvenation

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.