How To Look Younger Without Surgery

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- We know the sun's powerful rays can cause damage to our skin like brown spots, wrinkles and even cancer. Now new technology is using light to do the opposite.

There is a new procedure that uses light therapy to remove sun damage and produce collagen in the skin. The results reportedly have women turning back the clock without going under the knife.

"We know that ultra violet light is a major cause of aging. But now we are beginning to find that we can use other wavelengths of light to reverse the signs of again, which is so exciting," Dr. Jess Prischmann said.

Prischmann, of Prischmann Facial, Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery, uses a procedure called Forever Young BBL to remove brown spots and tighten skin. It's a laser-like machine that delivers powerful wavelengths deep into the skin.

"We are using filtered light to target a color -- browns, reds, that sort of thing. That improves skin clarity," Prischmann said. "Clearer skin looks like younger skin."

Kellie Aponas noticed a difference in her skin after one Forever Young BBL treatment.

"I left here and my skin was very spotted. I was like, 'What have I done?' But it brought up all the brown spots, which was sun damage," she said. "Then a week later, it was gone."

The light therapy also stimulates collagen production.

"It's the scaffolding of the skin. It's what really maintains elasticity, makes our pores look tighter and makes our skin look firmer. After the age of 30 we start losing collagen."

The treatment starts with an application of a gel, which acts as a conductor. Then the light-based technology targets brown spots. It's a bright light followed by a snapping sensation.

Finally, the skin tightening light passes over the skin and feels warm. And there is no recovery time.

While there is little down time and not much pain associated with the procedure, it's a powerful tool. If used in the wrong hands, it can cause some damage.

"It can get too hot, and it can cause burns. It also can some cause striping of the skin," Prischmann said. "Fortunately, we don't see that too often. But as long as you go to a place that you trust and is reputable, those things shouldn't happen, but they can happen."

Proof that the treatment works is out there.

"We now know that there are 10 year studies that show that over the course of 10 years, it stimulates collagen, as opposed to these newer faddish cosmetic surgery procedures like the vampire facelift," Prischmann said. "It's time tested. It's been tested over the course of 10 years. It's not a fad. It's here to stay."

The Forever Young BBL treatment ranges in prices from $350 to $600.

It's not for everybody, though. Prischmann says she can't do it on darker pigmented skin types because the laser can't tell the difference between a brown spot and melanin.