Lasers
There are hundreds of FDA-cleared lasers and light therapy technologies to address many skin concerns. Sun damage, acne, rosacea, scarring, fine lines, pigmentation, large pores, and skin texture are just a few of the commonly treated conditions with laser therapy. The key to choosing the right laser therapy is a thorough understanding of laser physics. Many of the laser companies make similar devices utilizing the same technology, making it difficult for consumers to understand what is necessary. With years of experience in both dermatology and plastic surgery, we will partner with you in choosing the appropriate therapy to address your concerns.
Tip: Laser treatment is best done in the wintertime when the skin is the palest and you are least likely to be in the sun.
Results
Results from laser treatments depend on the goal and technology used. Many therapies require multiple treatments to achieve optimal results. For example, if we are treating pigmentation, there are multiple technologies we can use. IPL is one of the common therapies with little downtime but requires multiple treatments. Fraxel or Halo resurfacing are more aggressive, requires about 1 week of downtime, but may only require 1 or 2 treatments. We will discuss your preferences for budget, downtime, and the need for multiple treatments.
Side Effects & Recovery
Most laser therapies require some downtime, allowing the skin to respond and recover from the treatment. This downtime varies with the intensity of the treatment. The most aggressive laser therapies require up to 2 weeks of healing time, while there are several with almost no downtime.
Protecting your skin after treatment is the most important thing to remember. After treatment, your skin is sensitive and vulnerable. It is important to wear hats, sun-protective clothing, and zinc/titanium SPF.
Common concerns addressed with laser or light therapy:
- Acne & Acne Scarring
- Rosacea & Redness
- Skin Texture & Unevenness
- Pigmentation & Melasma
- Large Pores
- Scaring
- Broken Blood Vessels & Telangiectasias
- Sun Damage & Sun Spots
- Freckles & Brown Spots
- Unwanted Hair
- Unwanted Tattoos
- Skin Tightening
- Uneven Skin Tone
A few commonly used technology brands:
- FraxelDual by Solta Medical
- Halo by ScitonResurfacing
- Optima IPL by Lumenis
- BroadBand Light (BBL) by Sciton
- Vbeam Prima by Candela
- PicoSure Tattoo Removal by Cynosure
- Venus Viva by Venus Concept
- Clear & Brilliant by Solta Medical
- ProFractional by Sciton
- LED Light Therapy by Omnilux
- Excell by Cutera
- LightSheer Laser Hair Removal by Lumenis
