Cosmetic Lasers and Laser Therapy
Laser treatments and laser therapy are increasingly popular due to their ability to treat a wide range of skin conditions and cosmetic concerns.They are safe and effective non-invasive treatments. Whether you want to achieve a healthy glow or you need a more intense treatment, chances are there’s a specific laser designed to address your specific goals.
What is Laser Treatment Therapy?
Laser treatment therapy is a non-invasive or minimally invasive procedure. It uses high-energy light to treat a wide range of skin conditions. The laser light penetrates the skin at various depths, depending on the specific treatment needed. Laser treatment therapy addresses a variety of cosmetic concerns. Sometimes, it’s even used for medical purposes, such as treating skin cancer. Lasers can effectively treat pre-cancerous skin conditions such as epidermal skin cancers.
The word “laser” is actually an acronym for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” During a laser treatment, a medical professional uses a specialized device that emits a beam of light. The light is absorbed by the skin tissue and is converted into heat energy. This heat energy targets specific skin concerns, such as wrinkles, scars, or unwanted hair.
What is Laser Therapy Used For?
Some common medical uses of lasers include treating skin conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, acne and epidermal skin cancer. Lasers address a wide range of cosmetic concerns and can:
- Reduce fine lines and wrinkles and soften deep frown lines
- Fade “port wine stain”, hemangiomas and “café au lait” birthmarks
- Diminish brown spots
- Reduce acne scars
- Remove and reduce unwanted hair
- Stimulate collagen growth for healthier, smoother skin
- Zap broken blood vessels
- Reduce the symptoms of rosacea
Hair Removal Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic treatment that uses lasers to target hair follicles, destroying them and preventing hair growth. Laser hair removal is a highly effective treatment that can be used on almost any part of the body. For a firsthand account of how laser hair removal made a difference to one of our patients, click here.
Skin Rejuvenation Skin rejuvenation treatments use lasers to stimulate collagen production, resulting in tighter, firmer skin with fewer wrinkles and fine lines. These treatments can also be used to reduce the appearance of sun damage and age spots.
Acne Treatment Laser acne treatment works by targeting the bacteria that cause acne, reducing inflammation and preventing future breakouts. These treatments are often used in conjunction with other acne treatments, such as topical creams and antibiotics, to achieve the best results. Pariser Dermatology is one of the first dermatology practices in the area to offer AviClear, an FDA-approved laser that treats mild to severe acne by targeting the source of the oily substance on your skin. This is a unique laser technology because of the wavelength it uses, which selectively targets the oil glands (sebaceous glands) in the skin.
Scar Treatment Laser therapy can also be used to treat scars caused by acne, surgery, or injury. The laser light helps to break up scar tissue, stimulate collagen production, and promote healing.
Skin Resurfacing Skin resurfacing treatments use lasers to remove the outer layer of skin, revealing smoother, younger-looking skin beneath. These treatments are often used to treat sun damage, wrinkles, and age spots.
Vascular Lesion TreatmentVascular lesions, such as spider veins and broken capillaries, can be effectively treated with laser therapy. The laser light targets the blood vessels in the lesion, causing them to shrink and eventually disappear.
What are the Different Areas I Can Treat with a Cosmetic Laser?
Cosmetic lasers treat a wide range of areas on the body. Some of the most common areas that can be treated with a cosmetic laser include:
The Face Cosmetic lasers address a variety of skin concerns on the face. These issues include brown spots, spider veins, wrinkles, fine lines, sun damage, and acne scarring.
The Neck The skin on the neck is often one of the first areas to show signs of aging. Cosmetic lasers can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the neck.
The Chest The chest area is also prone to sun damage, brown spots and wrinkles. Cosmetic lasers can reduce the appearance of sun damage and age spots on the chest.
Arms and Legs Cosmetic lasers reduce unwanted hair on the arms and legs. As well as to reduce the appearance of spider veins and other vascular lesions.
What Are The Different Types of Cosmetic Lasers?
A variety of laser devices are used to achieve desired cosmetic benefits. Each device varies in its wavelength and how it delivers the laser. Lasers can be enhanced with elements such as gases, precious stones and metals.
Erbium Lasers Erbium lasers are the most aggressive type of cosmetic laser and are used to remove the outer layer of skin. They work by delivering a high-energy beam of light that vaporizes the skin cells, resulting in smoother, tighter skin with fewer wrinkles and lines. Ablative lasers like the Erbium laser are most commonly used to treat moderate to severe wrinkles, sun damage, and scars.
Q-Switch Clear Lift Lasers Non-ablative lasers like the q-switch clear lift laser are less aggressive than ablative lasers and work by heating the skin tissue beneath the surface without damaging the outer layer of skin. This type of laser is often used to stimulate collagen production, resulting in tighter, firmer skin. Non-ablative lasers are typically used to treat fine lines, wrinkles, and minor skin imperfections. They are also effective in treating acne scars and reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
Fractional Lasers Fractional lasers are a newer type of cosmetic laser that combine the benefits of both ablative and non-ablative lasers. They work by delivering multiple microscopic beams of light to the skin, creating tiny, controlled injuries that stimulate the body’s natural healing process. Fractional lasers are commonly used to treat wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars and skin discoloration.
Pulsed-Dye Lasers Pulsed-dye lasers emit a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by blood vessels. This type of laser is commonly used to treat reddish-colored vascular lesions, such as spider veins and broken capillaries.
Nd:YAG Lasers Nd:YAG lasers emit a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by pigment in the skin. This type of laser can remove pigmentation, unwanted hair, and also stimulate collagen resulting in skin rejuvenation.
What is the Process of Getting a Cosmetic Laser Treatment?
The process of getting a cosmetic laser treatment varies depending on the specific treatment and the individual’s needs. In general, the process involves a few basic steps.
Step 1: Consultation The first step in getting a cosmetic laser treatment is to schedule a consultation with a qualified medical professional. During the consultation, your skin type is assessed and your concerns are addressed. Together, you and your provider will determine the best plan to achieve your goals.
Step 2: Preparation Depending on the type of treatment, the individual may need to prepare in advance by avoiding certain medications. Also, sometimes you need to avoid sun exposure, or apply numbing cream to the treatment area.
Step 3: Treatment During treatment, the patient will lie down. This is done while the medical professional uses the cosmetic laser to treat the targeted area. The treatment may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area and the specific laser used.
Step 4: Aftercare After treatment, the patient will need to follow specific aftercare instructions. Things such as avoiding sun exposure, applying a cooling gel to the treatment area, or taking pain medication if necessary.
Are There Any Risks Associated with Laser Treatments?
While laser treatments are generally considered safe, there are some risks and potential side effects to be aware of. These may include:
- Skin irritation, redness, and swelling
- Temporary changes in skin color
- Pain or discomfort during the treatment
- Scarring or infection in rare cases
It’s important to choose a qualified and experienced medical professional when considering laser therapy. They can assess your individual needs and recommend the best course of treatment to achieve your desired results while minimizing any potential risks.
What is the Recovery Process and How Permanent are the Results?
The recovery process after a cosmetic laser treatment depends on the specific treatment. This varies from person to person and depends on your skin type as well.
Healing Time The amount of time it takes to heal after a cosmetic laser treatment depends on the specific treatment and the individual. Some treatments need little to no downtime, while others may need several days or weeks to heal fully.
Follow-up Visits Depending on the specific treatment, you may need to schedule follow-up visits with your medical professional to check the healing process and ensure that the treatment was successful.
The Results The results of a cosmetic laser treatment are typically long-lasting, but they may not be permanent. You might need additional treatments to support your results.
Can Laser Treatment Help with My Scars?
Laser therapy can be an effective treatment option for reducing the appearance of scars caused by acne, surgery, or injury. Laser treatment works by using high-energy light to break down scar tissue and stimulate collagen production in the skin. The new collagen helps to fill in the scar, making it less noticeable and improving the overall appearance of the skin.
There are several types of lasers that are used for scar treatment. These include fractional lasers, CO2 lasers, and pulsed-dye lasers. The specific laser used will depend on the severity of the scar. Fractional lasers are a popular option used for scar treatment. They work by delivering multiple microscopic beams of light to the skin, creating tiny, controlled injuries that stimulate the body’s natural healing process.
This process encourages the formation of new collagen, which helps to reduce the appearance of scars and improve the overall texture of the skin. CO2 lasers are another type of laser used for scar treatment. These lasers work by removing the top layers of skin, including scar tissue, to reveal smoother, healthier skin beneath. This type of laser is typically used for more severe scars.
Pulsed-dye lasers are often used to treat scars that are red or purple in color. The laser light is absorbed by the blood vessels in the scar, causing them to shrink and eventually disappear. This can help to reduce the redness or discoloration associated with some types of scars.
What to Expect During Scar Treatment with Lasers
During scar treatment with lasers, the medical professional will typically clean the treatment area and apply a numbing cream to minimize any discomfort during the procedure. The laser is then applied to the treatment area, delivering controlled bursts of light that target the scar tissue. After the procedure, the individual may experience some redness, swelling, or discomfort in the treatment area. However, these symptoms typically subside within a few days.
The number of treatments needed will depend on the type and severity of the scar. For mild scars, one to two treatments may be enough to achieve the desired results. More severe scars may require multiple treatments spaced several weeks apart. It’s important to note that while laser therapy can be effective in reducing the appearance of scars, it may not completely eliminate them. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be necessary to achieve the best possible results.
Risks and Side Effects of Scar Treatment with Lasers
Like all medical procedures, there are some risks and potential side effects associated with scar treatment using lasers. These may include:
- Redness, swelling, or discomfort in the treatment area
- Temporary changes in skin color
- Scarring or infection in rare cases
Ultimately, it is difficult to determine if a particular person will suffer from side effects as a result of laser treatment therapy. This can vary depending on the person’s skin type, the scar or how long ago the injury occurred. Please note the skin’s reaction directly after a treatment can be mistaken for negative side effects when, in fact, your skin is simply healing. If you’re wondering if you’ve had a reaction to the treatment, contact your medical provider.
How do I Know if Laser Treatments would be a Good Fit for Me?
The best way to determine if laser treatments would be a good fit for you is to schedule a consultation with a qualified medical professional. They will assess your individual needs and recommend the best course of treatment to achieve your desired results. Laser treatment may not be suitable for everyone. There certainly some factors to consider when making a decision.
Skin type Laser treatment is most effective on individuals with fair to medium skin tones. Individuals with darker skin tones may be more prone to side effects such as hyperpigmentation, so it’s important to choose a medical professional who has experience working with individuals with darker skin tones.
Skin conditions Laser treatments address a variety of skin conditions and concerns, but some may be better suited to other treatment options. For example, if you have severe acne or active skin infections, laser treatment may not be the best option for you.
Medical history Certain medical conditions or medications may make you a poor candidate for laser treatment. It’s important to discuss your medical history with a qualified medical professional before undergoing laser therapy.
Goals and expectations Laser treatments can produce significant improvements in the appearance of the skin, but it’s important to have realistic expectations about what the treatment can achieve. Discuss your goals and expectations with a qualified medical professional to determine if laser therapy is the best option for you.
Choose a Provider Accredited for Laser Treatment
If you’re considering laser treatment, it’s important to choose a qualified and accredited medical professional to ensure that you receive safe and effective treatment. A variety of options exist that offer non-surgical cosmetic procedures, treatments and products. Two of the most popular options are dermatology practices and medical spas or “med spas”.
Training and Certification: The medical professional should have completed specialized training in laser treatment and be certified by a recognized accrediting body, such as the American Board of Laser Surgery. State Licensure: The medical professional should hold a valid license to practice medicine in their state.
Experience: The medical professional should have experience performing laser treatments and be able to provide before-and-after photos and patient testimonials.
Facility Accreditation: The facility where the laser treatment is performed should also be accredited by a recognized accrediting body, such as the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).
Things to Keep in Mind When Reading Laser Treatment Reviews
When considering laser treatment, it’s important to do your research and read reviews from other patients to get an idea of what to expect from the procedure. Here are some things to keep in mind when reading laser treatment reviews
- Look for reviews from reputable sources.
- Consider the number of reviews, only a few reviews may not provide a complete picture of the quality of their work.
- Read both positive and negative reviews to get a complete picture of the medical professional’s work.
- Look for reviews that provide details about the procedure, the results, and the patient’s overall experience.
- Reviews from individuals with similar skin types and concerns may be more relevant than reviews from individuals with different skin types and concerns.
Ultimately, the best way to determine if laser treatment is right for you is to consult with a qualified and experienced medical professional. They will assess your individual needs and recommend the best course of treatment to achieve your desired results.
Success With Cosmetic Laser Treatments
Cosmetic lasers and laser therapy are a safe and effective way to treat a wide range of skin conditions and cosmetic concerns. Whether you’re looking to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fade brown spots or remove unwanted hair, laser therapy offers a safe and effective solution.
With the various types of cosmetic lasers available, it’s important to choose the right type of treatment for your specific needs. By consulting with a qualified medical professional and discussing your goals and concerns, you will achieve the best possible results from your laser therapy treatment. If you’re ready to book your first consultation with a professional, accredited provider, check out our locations here and call us at 757-313-5813 or Request an Appointment Online.
