Customized Medicine & Aesthetics Archives - medAge Aesthetics & Wellness

CO2 Laser vs. IPL: Which One Is Right for Your Sun Damage?

Med Age on September 2, 2026

Patient sunspots with IPL treatment before and after

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Long, Lead Provider · Medical oversight by Dr. Laura Ellis, Medical Director · Updated September 2026

Both CO2 laser and IPL get recommended for “sun damage” — which is confusing, because they’re almost opposites in how they work and what they feel like. The good news: once you know what kind of sun damage bothers you most, the right choice is usually obvious. Here’s how to tell them apart.

The short answer: If your main concern is color — brown spots, redness, uneven tone — IPL is usually the answer, with little to no downtime. If it’s texture — fine lines, rough surface, deeper damage — CO2 resurfacing is the stronger tool, at the cost of real recovery time. Many people eventually benefit from both.

They target different problems

Sun damage shows up in two distinct ways, and each treatment is built for one of them. IPL (intense pulsed light) targets pigment and redness — it sends light into the skin that’s absorbed by brown spots and broken vessels, breaking them down without disturbing the surface. CO2 laser targets texture and structure — it resurfaces the skin and rebuilds collagen to smooth lines, roughness, and deeper damage.

Put simply: IPL changes the skin’s color; CO2 changes its surface.

Side by side

Factor	IPL Photofacial	CO2 Laser
Best for	Brown spots, redness, uneven tone	Texture, fine lines, deeper sun damage
How it works	Light targets pigment & vessels	Resurfaces & rebuilds collagen
Downtime	Little to none	About 5–7 days
Sessions	Usually a series of ~3	Often one, with maintenance
Skin tone	Best on lighter, untanned skin	Best for lighter tones (I–III)
The feeling	Quick “rubber-band snap”	A clinical procedure with recovery

How to choose

Ask yourself what you’d fix first if you could only fix one thing. If you catch yourself covering spots and redness with makeup, start with IPL. If it’s the texture — lines, roughness, crepey skin, or scarring — that bothers you, CO2 is built for that. And if both bother you, there’s a sensible order: many patients do IPL first to clear the color, then CO2 later for texture, rather than trying to do everything at once.

Fall & Winter Specials · Through December 31

Both treatments leave skin sun-sensitive, so cooler months are the right time for either one. All laser treatments are discounted now — 10% off single sessions, 15% off a series of three.

See the laser specials →

Still not sure? That’s normal.

Most people have a mix of color and texture concerns, and the “right” first step depends on what’s bothering you most and what your skin can safely tolerate. A consultation sorts it out in a few minutes — and we’ll tell you honestly if one treatment alone will get you most of the way there.

Individual results vary. Neither treatment suits every skin type, and recently tanned skin changes what’s safe. A consultation is required to confirm the right approach for you.

Color, texture, or both? Let’s figure out which treatment earns your first appointment.

Compare your options at medAge →

Collagen Banking: The Honest Version of the Trend

Med Age on July 1, 2026

Medically reviewed by Sarah Long, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC — Clinical Lead, medAge • Updated June 2026

“Collagen banking” is everywhere right now — the idea that treating your skin in your 20s, 30s, and 40s lets you build up a reserve of collagen to draw on as you age. There’s a real, sensible idea underneath it. There’s also a fair amount of marketing gloss. Here’s the honest version.

The short answer: Collagen banking is a preventative mindset — supporting your skin’s collagen production before significant loss shows up, so you age from a stronger starting point. The biological rationale is sound, but it isn’t a literal savings account, and it’s not a substitute for the basics. Think of it as one sensible layer, not a magic strategy.

What “collagen banking” actually means

Despite the name, you’re not depositing collagen to withdraw later. What the term really describes is being proactive: gently encouraging your skin to keep producing collagen during the years when it does so most readily, rather than waiting until deep lines and laxity have already set in.

The premise behind it is real. Commonly cited estimates suggest we begin losing roughly 1% of our collagen each year starting in our mid-20s. Since collagen is what keeps skin firm and smooth, the logic goes: support production early, and you’re working from a stronger baseline down the road.

What’s genuinely supported — and what’s still marketing

The real partCollagen does decline with age. Your fibroblasts — the cells that make collagen — respond to stimulation, and both biostimulatory injectables like calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) and energy treatments like Ultherapy are shown to prompt new collagen. Starting from a healthier baseline is a reasonable, intuitive goal.

The overstated partNo one can promise you’re “banking” decades of youth. The best timing to start, and the long-term payoff of treating very early, are still an evolving area of clinical study — not settled science. Results vary, and more treatment isn’t automatically better.

How collagen banking actually gets done

If the goal is to support collagen production, there’s more than one way to do it — and the tools work through genuinely different mechanisms, which is the kind of detail worth understanding:

Biostimulator injectables — like calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) — place a material into the skin that acts as a scaffold, prompting your fibroblasts to build new collagen around it over time.

Ultherapy takes an energy-based route with no injection at all. It uses microfocused ultrasound to gently heat precise points deep in the skin, creating tiny areas that switch on your body’s natural repair response. Histology studies show this prompts new collagen and — notably — new elastin, the fiber responsible for skin’s springiness, which not every treatment stimulates. Ultherapy is FDA-cleared for lifting and tightening the brow, neck, under-chin, and décolletage.

Because these approaches work differently, they’re sometimes used together — but neither one replaces the foundation below.

The foundation nobody should skip

Here’s the part the trend pieces tend to gloss over: the single most effective, best-proven collagen-protection strategy isn’t an injectable at all. It’s daily sun protection and a solid skincare routine. The American Academy of Dermatology points to daily sun protection as a cornerstone of preventing premature aging, and ingredients like retinoids and vitamin C have real evidence behind them.

If your skin is holding up well, a great SPF and a consistent home regimen may be the smartest “banking” plan for now. Biostimulators are a layer you can add on top of those habits — never a replacement for them.

So should you start?

Maybe — but it should be a personalized decision, not a reaction to a trend or a fear of aging. A thoughtful approach is conservative: the right foundation first, then a measured discussion about whether a biostimulator makes sense for your skin, your age, and your goals. There’s no prize for starting earliest, and the best plan is the one built specifically for you.

A fair note on the science: “Collagen banking” is a consumer term, not an official clinical claim from any manufacturer — the real, supported science underneath it is that these treatments stimulate collagen (and, with Ultherapy, elastin). Using biostimulators or Ultherapy purely preventatively in younger skin extends that mechanism beyond their specific FDA-cleared uses (which center on lifting, tightening, and correction). The rationale is reasonable, but long-term preventative outcomes are still being studied. This is a personalized clinical decision, not a guaranteed result — and it’s one we’re happy to talk through honestly.

The takeaway

Collagen banking isn’t a gimmick, but it isn’t a miracle either. Treat it as what it is: a sensible, preventative mindset that starts with sunscreen and skincare, and may include a well-chosen biostimulator when the timing is right for you. We’d rather give you that honest framing than sell you a trend.

Frequently asked questions

At what age should I start collagen banking?

There’s no single “right” age. Many people begin thinking about it in their late 20s to 40s, but the honest answer is that it depends on your skin, habits, and goals. The foundation — sun protection and skincare — is worth starting at any age; injectables are a personalized decision.

Does collagen banking really work?

The rationale is sound: collagen declines with age, and biostimulators can prompt new collagen production. But no treatment “stores” youth for later, and long-term preventative outcomes are still being studied. It’s best viewed as proactive maintenance, not a guarantee.

Is preventative Botox the same as collagen banking?

Not quite. Preventative neurotoxin aims to soften expression lines before they set in, while collagen banking focuses on supporting the skin’s structural collagen. They’re different tools that can be part of the same overall preventative plan.

Does Ultherapy help with collagen banking?

Ultherapy stimulates new collagen and elastin using microfocused ultrasound — a legitimate, well-studied mechanism — so it fits the collagen-banking idea of supporting your skin’s own production. It’s FDA-cleared for lifting and tightening; its use as a purely preventative tool is a personalized decision, and results build gradually over months.

Want an honest, no-pressure conversation about whether preventative treatment makes sense for you? That’s exactly what a consultation is for.

Explore biostimulators at medAge →

The “Naked” Neurotoxin: What’s Actually in Your Wrinkle Treatment

Med Age on May 18, 2026

Medically reviewed by Sarah Long, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC — Clinical Lead, medAge • Updated May 2026

Most people think of neurotoxin as a single thing — “Botox.” But there are several brands on the U.S. market, and they aren’t identical. The real differences aren’t in the active ingredient; they’re in what’s packaged alongside it. Here’s what’s actually in the vial.

None of this requires a science degree to follow, and knowing it helps you understand why we made the choice we did.

The active ingredient is the same idea across all brands

Every botulinum toxin type A product works using the same core molecule — a purified protein, about 150 kilodaltons in size, that temporarily quiets the signal between nerve and muscle so the muscle relaxes and the overlying wrinkle softens. That core is the part doing the work in every brand, from Botox to Dysport to Xeomin.

So if the working molecule is essentially the same, where do the brands actually differ? In the company each molecule keeps.

The “extras” — and where they come from

In nature, the botulinum molecule travels wrapped in a bundle of accessory proteins called complexing proteins. They exist to protect the toxin in the harsh environment of the digestive tract. That’s a genuinely useful function — if you were swallowing it. But you’re not. It’s being injected into muscle, where those complexing proteins serve no purpose at all.

In fact, once the product is reconstituted for injection, the great majority of those complexing proteins simply detach from the active core and drift off, contributing nothing to your result. Depending on the brand, a vial may also carry other leftovers of the manufacturing process — bacterial remnants, or in some products a lab-added peptide. None of it makes your treatment work better.

Why “extra” isn’t harmless

Here’s the part that matters. Those unnecessary proteins can act as a kind of flag to your immune system. The more foreign protein your body is exposed to over time, and the more often, the greater the chance it starts to recognize and react to it. For most people getting occasional cosmetic treatment, this is not a pressing concern — but for long-term or higher-dose users, a lighter protein load is a sensible thing to want. (We go deep on this in our companion article on why neurotoxin sometimes stops working.)

What makes Xeomin the “naked” toxin

Xeomin is manufactured differently. It goes through an additional purification — a double-filtration step the maker calls Xtract Technology — that removes the complexing proteins, leaving essentially just the active 150-kilodalton neurotoxin. It’s the only botulinum toxin approved in the U.S. that contains no complexing proteins and no virally-derived peptide additives, and it carries the lowest total protein load of the available toxins. That’s the reason it’s often described as the “naked” or “pure” toxin.

Start with the botulinum complex — the active core plus its natural bundle of accessory proteins.

Double-filter to strip away the complexing proteins that do nothing for an injected treatment.

What remains is essentially the pure active neurotoxin, plus two well-established, gentle stabilizers.

The two stabilizers left in the vial are human serum albumin — the most abundant protein in your own blood — and sucrose, a simple sugar. Both have long, well-understood safety records.

Does “purer” mean better results?

Not in the way people assume. In head-to-head studies, Xeomin’s effectiveness and how long it lasts are comparable to the other leading toxins — it is not stronger, and it won’t give you a dramatically different day-one result. Its advantage is subtractive: it’s about what’s left out, which is most relevant as a long-game strategy for people who plan to use neurotoxin for years. Because the products differ, units of one toxin can’t be directly swapped for another — dosing is always tailored by your injector.

Straight talk: Direct head-to-head studies proving that removing these proteins makes one brand less likely to cause resistance than another haven’t been done, so no manufacturer can claim outright superiority — and we won’t either. What we can say is that the composition is simpler, the purity is real and verifiable, and it’s the profile we prefer for our patients over the long run.

Why we chose it

We use Xeomin at medAge because, all else being comparable, we’d rather give you the working molecule and as little of the unnecessary extras as possible. It’s the same philosophy we bring to everything here — do the effective thing, skip what doesn’t earn its place.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between Xeomin and Botox?

Both use the same active neurotoxin. The difference is purity: Xeomin is double-filtered to remove the complexing proteins that ride along in some other products, so it’s often called the “naked” toxin. Effectiveness and duration are comparable in head-to-head studies.

Is Xeomin as effective as Botox?

Yes. In head-to-head studies, Xeomin’s effectiveness and how long it lasts are comparable to the other leading neurotoxins. It isn’t stronger — its distinction is a simpler, purer composition, not a bigger result.

What’s actually in Xeomin?

Essentially the active 150-kilodalton neurotoxin plus two well-established stabilizers: human serum albumin (the most abundant protein in your blood) and sucrose. It contains no complexing proteins and no virally-derived peptide additives.

Curious whether Xeomin is right for you? Our injectors will build a plan around your goals — and your long-term results.

Learn about Xeomin at medAge →

“Why Did My Botox Stop Working?” Tolerance, Resistance, and What You Can Do About It

Med Age on April 17, 2026

Medically reviewed by Sarah Long, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC — Clinical Lead, medAge • Updated April 2026

You used to get four solid months out of your treatment. Lately it feels like it fades early — or barely lands at all. You’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone. “Why did my Botox stop working?” is one of the fastest-growing questions in aesthetics, and there’s real science behind it.

The short answer: Botox can seem to stop working for several reasons — naturally strong or fast-metabolizing muscles, a conservative dose, or drifting touch-up timing. In long-term or higher-dose users, the body can also form neutralizing antibodies that blunt the effect. Most cases are fixable once the real cause is identified.

Let’s walk through what’s actually going on, because the answer is more interesting — and more fixable — than “you just need more.”

First, the ordinary explanations

Before we get to the deeper reason, a few common and completely normal causes are worth ruling out. Your muscles may simply be strong — some people metabolize neurotoxin faster. Your dose may have been conservative, which is often intentional for a natural look. Or the timing of your touch-ups may have drifted. These are easy things a good injector can adjust.

But when someone who used to respond well steadily stops responding — needing more units, more often, for less effect — there’s a specific phenomenon worth understanding.

The real one: your immune system may be learning to neutralize the toxin

All botulinum toxin products share the same active ingredient — a 150-kilodalton neurotoxin that temporarily relaxes the muscle. But the products differ in what else is in the vial alongside that active core.

Several formulations carry extra proteins — “complexing proteins,” bacterial remnants, or other excipients — that ride along with the active toxin. Those extra proteins do nothing to improve your result. What they can do, in some people over time, is act as a red flag to the immune system. The body may begin producing neutralizing antibodies against the toxin. Once that happens, your immune system intercepts the product before it can fully work — so your reliable four months quietly becomes six weeks.

Research bears this out: the overall protein load of a toxin is positively correlated with the likelihood of antibody formation, and clinicians increasingly report suspected partial or complete treatment failure in long-term patients. In long-term users of complexing-protein toxins, studies have found that roughly 10–15% develop neutralizing antibodies over about a decade of continuous treatment — with the risk climbing in people treated at high doses, on frequent schedules, or who’ve switched between products.

An important bit of honesty here

Most of this antibody research comes from patients receiving high therapeutic doses — for conditions like neck spasm or migraine — often for many years. At the lower doses used for cosmetic wrinkle treatment, true antibody-driven resistance has historically been uncommon. So this isn’t a reason to panic if your tox occasionally underperforms.

What’s changing the math is how aesthetics is practiced now: masseter (jaw slimming) and platysma (neck) treatments use much larger doses, full-face combinations add up, and many people treat on frequent schedules. As cosmetic doses creep upward, the long-term immunogenicity question becomes more relevant than it used to be — especially for younger patients who plan to use neurotoxin for decades.

Where a “naked” toxin comes in

This is why the purity of the toxin matters — and it’s the reason we use Xeomin at medAge. Xeomin is the only botulinum toxin approved in the U.S. that contains no complexing proteins and no virally-derived peptide excipients. It’s put through an extra double-filtration step that strips away the unnecessary proteins, leaving essentially just the active neurotoxin your muscle actually responds to. It carries the lowest total protein load of the available toxins.

The practical translation: fewer “extras” for your immune system to react to. In long-term and higher-dose studies, patients treated exclusively with Xeomin showed no detectable neutralizing antibodies — and in long-term therapeutic studies, some patients who had stopped responding to other toxins regained a response after switching to a complex-free formulation.

150 kDaThe active neurotoxin — the only part that actually relaxes muscle

0 proteinsXeomin carries no complexing proteins or viral peptide excipients

Lowest loadLeast total protein content of the U.S. toxins — less for the immune system to flag

Does that mean Xeomin is “stronger”?

No — and we want to be honest about that. In head-to-head studies, Xeomin’s effectiveness and how long it lasts are comparable to the other leading toxins; it’s not a more powerful product. Its advantage is what it leaves out. For someone who’s noticed their results fading, and especially for anyone planning to use neurotoxin for many years, a purer formulation is a sensible long-term strategy. Units of one toxin can’t be directly converted to another, so dosing is always tailored by your injector.

Worth knowing: No study has directly proven that removing these proteins makes one toxin less likely to cause resistance than another — the manufacturers can’t claim outright superiority, and neither will we. What we can say is that the biology is well understood, the purity is real, and it’s the approach we’ve chosen for our patients’ long game.

If your tox isn’t lasting, come talk to us

The best first step is a conversation with an injector who’ll actually investigate — dose, timing, technique, product, and whether resistance is a realistic factor for you. Sometimes the fix is as simple as adjusting your plan. Sometimes it’s switching to a cleaner formulation. Either way, you deserve a real answer rather than just a bigger bill.

Frequently asked questions

Can you become resistant to Botox?

Yes, though it’s uncommon at typical cosmetic doses. Over time, some people — especially long-term or higher-dose users — develop neutralizing antibodies that intercept the toxin before it fully works, which shows up as shorter, weaker results.

What should I do if my Botox isn’t lasting?

See an injector who will actually investigate — dose, timing, technique, and product. Sometimes the fix is a simple adjustment to your plan. In some cases, switching to a purer, complex-free toxin like Xeomin is a sensible next step.

Is Xeomin better for people whose Botox stopped working?

Xeomin has the lowest total protein load of the U.S. toxins and no complexing proteins, so there’s less for the immune system to react to. No study has proven one brand resists antibodies better than another, but for long-term users it’s a reasonable option to discuss.

Not getting the results you used to? Let’s figure out why — and build a plan that lasts.

Learn about Xeomin at medAge →

Skin Rejuvenation and Hair Restoration with Boost CAS

medAge Staff on December 14, 2023

The desire to maintain youthful skin and lustrous hair transcends time. As we advance in age, our skin may lose its vitality, leading to the appearance of wrinkles, dryness, and uneven skin tone. Meanwhile, our hair may begin to thin, lacking its once radiant shine.

In the world of modern medicine and aesthetics, there exists a beacon of hope for those seeking to rejuvenate their skin and restore their hair’s vitality.

Introducing the medAge Boost CAS—a revolutionary solution offered exclusively by medAge, under the expert guidance of Dr. Laura Ellis.

What is medAge Boost?

medAge Boost CAS is a state-of-the-art cellular activating regenerative serum specially designed to augment the results of energy-based treatments. This innovative serum is an optimal add-on for those opting for treatments such as Laser Skin Resurfacing, RF Microneedling, Microchanneling, and other energy-infused procedures. When used in conjunction, patients can expect a significant enhancement in the overall effectiveness and outcomes of these treatments.

What are the active ingredients in medAge Boost?

The potency of the medAge Boost is derived from its unique blend of active ingredients. Specifically, the serum focuses on rejuvenating the skin’s protein-hydration matrix.

This particular region is highly susceptible to early signs of aging, manifesting as fine lines, wrinkles, dryness, and an uneven skin tone. It’s worth noting that medAge Boost prioritizes safety alongside efficacy. It does not contain whole stem cells, cellular debris, parabens, fragrances, or gluten. Moreover, it is hypoallergenic, ensuring its suitability for all skin types.

The Benefits of medAge Boost

Enhances the results of energy-based treatments
Targets and rejuvenates the skin’s protein-hydration matrix
Proven efficacy
Free from whole stem cells and cellular debris
Hypoallergenic, gluten-free, and devoid of parabens and fragrances

How Can it Benefit Your Skin and Hair?

The application of medAge Boost provides a two-fold benefit. For the skin, it works diligently to reverse signs of aging, granting users a firmer, more youthful complexion. Fine lines and wrinkles become less pronounced, dryness is combated, and overall skin tone becomes more even.

In regards to hair, the serum promotes restoration, encouraging fuller, thicker, and more vibrant locks. The combined effect is a more radiant, youthful appearance that boosts confidence and enhances overall well-being.

Receive medAge Boost CAS from Dr. Laura Ellis Today

For those in Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, the path to skin rejuvenation and hair restoration is closer than one might think. Dr. Laura Ellis, an expert in the realm of Customized Medicine and Aesthetics, is proud to offer medAge Boost CAS at medAge clinic. Under her adept guidance and the clinic’s state-of-the-art facilities, patients can expect top-tier care and outstanding results.

At medAge, the focus is always on providing treatments that resonate with the needs of the modern individual. Dr. Laura Ellis, with her expertise, ensures that each patient receives customized care tailored to their unique requirements. For more information or to schedule a consultation, residents of Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC can reach out to the medAge clinic.

Ask a Question or Book an appointment at medAge™ in Asheville & Greenville. Call 828-684-1212

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Skin Care at MedAge: A Med Spa Revelation

medAge Staff on October 12, 2023

You’ve always known the magic a good skin spa can wield — the soothing aromas, the feeling of being pampered, and the radiant glow your skin exhibits afterward. But did you know that the next level in skin care is waiting for you at a Med Spa? More specifically, at MedAge under the proficient hands of Dr. Laura Ellis.

So, what exactly is a Med Spa?

Also known as a medical spa, it’s the best of both worlds. It combines the relaxing ambiance of a day spa with the medical technology typically found in a dermatologist’s office. At a Med Spa like medAge, you get an inviting and calming atmosphere as well as the latest skin treatments backed by medical science.

A Med Spa such as MedAge is the place where advanced skin treatments meet luxury. While a skin spa offers facials, massages, and body treatments, a Med Spa extends the list to include treatments like laser therapy, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, injectables like Botox and fillers, and more.

These services are performed by highly trained professionals under the supervision of a licensed medical doctor. That’s where Dr. Laura Ellis comes in.

Dr. Laura Ellis is the guiding force behind MedAge.

With a unique blend of passion for aesthetic medicine and a commitment to patient care, she has been leading the team at medAge for over 10 years. She’s a renowned physician in the field of aesthetic medicine, with a specialty in non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Ellis is a pioneer, always staying ahead of the curve with the most innovative treatments. She believes that while beauty starts from the inside, it’s the outside that reflects our inner health and wellness. This philosophy has shaped MedAge’s unique approach, where personalized and minimally invasive treatments are chosen to enhance natural beauty while improving overall health.

So, why should you, as a skin spa enthusiast, consider visiting MedAge for your skincare needs?

Firstly, the advanced procedures available at a Med Spa offer longer-lasting results compared to traditional spa treatments. Take microdermabrasion, for instance. It’s a gentle, non-invasive procedure that uses tiny crystals to exfoliate and remove the superficial layer of dry, dead skin cells. This procedure not only leaves your skin looking fresher and brighter, but it also promotes the growth of new, healthier skin.
Secondly, with Dr. Laura Ellis at the helm, you’re assured that your treatments are performed with the highest degree of skill and safety. She ensures that each patient receives a tailored treatment plan designed to meet their specific skin care needs. This level of customization is simply beyond what a traditional spa can offer.
Thirdly, medAge is not just about beautification; it’s about overall health and wellness. Many treatments, such as IV nutrient therapy or hormone optimization, are geared towards making you feel as good as you look. Here, the aim is not just to treat the skin but to enhance your entire well-being.
Furthermore, at medAge, they understand that a serene and comfortable environment is part of the healing process. As such, their state-of-the-art facility is designed to evoke peace and relaxation from the moment you step in.
Finally, you’ll find that the cost of Med Spa treatments is an investment in your skin’s health and longevity. With regular visits, the need for more drastic and costly procedures down the line can be minimized. The preventative and corrective nature of the treatments offered at MedAge under Dr. Ellis’ care can save you both time and money in the long run.

So, are you ready to take your skin care regimen to the next level? It’s time to move beyond the limitations of a traditional skin spa. At medAge, you’ll experience the luxury of a spa with the advanced, results-oriented treatments of a medical clinic.

Imagine a place where every procedure is designed to rejuvenate, restore, and enhance your natural beauty, all under the professional guidance of Dr. Laura Ellis. That’s the medAge promise. So, why not take that first step and see for yourself the difference that a Med Spa can make in your skincare journey?

Contact medAge today to set up your first appointment. Your skin will thank you.

Ask a Question or Book an appointment at medAge™ in Asheville & Greenville. Call 828-684-1212

IPL for Skin & Sun Spot Treatments

medAge Staff on September 22, 2023

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Long, Lead Provider · Medical oversight by Dr. Laura Ellis, Medical Director · Updated [Month Year]

Sun spots, age spots, and freckled brown patches are the most common way years of sun exposure finally show up — usually on the face, chest, and the backs of the hands. They’re harmless, but they add years to how skin reads. IPL photofacial is one of the most effective, lowest-downtime ways to clear them.

The short answer: IPL (intense pulsed light) uses broadband light to break down the extra pigment in sun spots so your body can clear it — without wounding the surface of your skin. Most people need a short series, see spots darken and flake away within days, and have essentially no downtime. At medAge in Asheville, we use the Lumecca IPL.

What causes sun spots in the first place

Sun spots are concentrated deposits of melanin — your skin’s pigment — laid down over years of UV exposure as a kind of record of sun you’ve accumulated. They tend to appear well after the exposure that caused them, which is why they often seem to show up “out of nowhere” in your 40s and 50s. They’re not dangerous, but they are stubborn: creams fade them slowly at best, and makeup only hides them.

How IPL clears them

IPL delivers precisely filtered light into the skin, where it’s absorbed by the melanin in each spot. That light turns to heat, the pigment breaks apart, and over the following days your body carries it away. Because the light passes through the surface rather than removing it, there’s no open wound and little to no downtime — a key difference from resurfacing lasers. In the days after treatment, spots often look darker and coffee-ground-like before they flake off and fade. That’s exactly what’s supposed to happen.

Where it works — it’s not just the face

Sun damage collects wherever the sun reaches, so some of the most rewarding areas to treat are the ones people forget: the chest, the neck, the shoulders, and the backs of the hands. IPL can be tailored to a single stubborn spot or used across a broader area to even out overall tone. For most people, a series of about three sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, gives the most even result.

Why fall and winter are the right time

IPL targets pigment — which means it works best on skin that isn’t tan, and treated skin needs to stay out of the sun afterward. Treating recently sun-exposed skin raises the risk of unwanted pigment changes. That’s why the cooler months, when you’re covered up and out of direct sun, are the ideal window to clear the damage from the summer that just ended.

Fall & Winter Specials · Through December 31

Now is the season for it. IPL photofacials are 10% off for a single session and 15% off a series of three, through December 31 — the right time to clear this summer’s sun damage.

See the IPL specials →

Is IPL right for your spots?

IPL is a specialist at brown and red discoloration, and for the right skin it’s one of the most satisfying treatments we offer. It works best on lighter, untanned skin; for deeper skin tones, we’ll talk through whether IPL or a gentler approach is safer. And if your concern is really texture or lines rather than color, we may point you toward resurfacing instead — see our guide on CO2 laser vs. IPL. Either way, a quick consultation with Dr. Long or Madison Brookshire, RN, gives you a straight answer.

Individual results vary, and IPL isn’t appropriate for every skin type or for recently tanned skin. A consultation is required to confirm it’s safe and right for you.

Ready to clear years of sun spots — with no downtime? Let’s see if IPL is your match.

Explore IPL Photofacial at medAge →

The Benefits of Empower RF For Vaginal Rejuvenation

medAge Staff on September 12, 2023

The quest for beauty and youthful vitality isn’t limited to the face or body; it also encompasses the intimate regions of a woman’s body. Aging, childbirth, and hormonal fluctuations can all contribute to changes in the vaginal area that might affect a woman’s self-confidence and overall well-being.

Thankfully, advances in medical aesthetics have given rise to treatments like Empower RF for vaginal rejuvenation, a groundbreaking approach that has transformed countless lives. At medAge, under the expert guidance of Dr. Laura Ellis, this procedure promises rejuvenation beyond the skin’s surface to help you heal and feel more confident in your skin.

What Does EmpowerRF Treat?

Empower RF vaginal rejuvenation isn’t just about aesthetics. It addresses various concerns like:

Vaginal laxity, a common issue that affects women after childbirth and aging
Pelvic floor weakness that affects blood flow and proper pH balance
Urinary incontinence, which causes frequent urination and problematic bladder control
Diminished sexual sensation or satisfaction

What Results Can Be Expected From EmpowerRF?

Patients opting for Empower RF can anticipate the following:

Improved vaginal tightness and tone through collagen and muscle toning
Enhanced moisture levels reduce dryness
A decrease in urinary leakage or incontinence
Boosted sexual satisfaction and confidence for better intimacy

Embrace Your Inner Beauty With EmpowerRF for Vaginal Rejuvenation

True beauty emanates from a core of confidence and self-assuredness. By addressing intimate concerns, EmpowerRF not only rejuvenates your body physically but also can restore your emotional and psychological well-being. The allure of EmpowerRF is about embracing and celebrating every facet of femininity and feeling empowered in one’s own skin.

Dr. Laura Ellis and the dedicated team at medAge are committed to leading in a new era in customized Medicine and Aesthetics. With clinics located in both Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, they’re poised to redefine beauty and well-being for you. If you’re considering a rejuvenation journey, medAge stands ready to guide you every step of the way.

To explore the transformative EmpowerRF treatment or to schedule a consultation, contact medAge at 828-684-1212 to speak with Dr. Ellis. Reclaim your confidence, radiance, and vitality with medAge.