Can IPL for sun damage cause sagging or fat loss? (photos)

Question

Hi i had IPL for some sun damage. They recommended 3 sessions . Since then i have noticed my face is sagging more and I have puffiness around my lower eyes . I have read that it can cause fat loss ? Could this be the cause? Is there anything i can be doing to restore my face?

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.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. 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

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Robust HA volumizing fillers for the upper cheeks can restore the more ideal, feminine oval, heart-shaped appearance to the face. They would also likely soften the prominent smile folds seen in the photos and even likely improve somewhat the under-eye regions. Robust HA contouring fillers can straighten and define the jawline and diminish the jowl formation there. And still other HA fillers and skinboosters can help to diminish the horizontal cords and laxity in the neck region. Finally, Botox can be helpful for softening the prominent "eleven lines" between the eyebrows and for restoring the desirable upward and outward feminine flare to the tail of the eyebrows. Keep in mind that the hard science to support all the expensive "bells and whistles" light and energy-based treatments lags woefully behind the heavy marketing and social media hype to promote their use. You would be wise to consult an experienced, board certified cosmetic dermatologist. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Can IPL for sun damage cause sagging or fat loss? (photos)

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Can IPL for sun damage cause sagging or fat loss? (photos)

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Everything you need to know about IPL

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