Dermatological Lasers

As years pass us by, our skin is struck not only by age itself, but also by a combination of sunlight (UV radiation), collagen breakdown, inflammatory processes, and oxidation.

It is certain that drinking plenty of water, using sunscreen, having a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking will improve the health and look of your skin (this will also improve the health of your entire body). Anyhow, there will always be those little soft spots, marks, wrinkles and other imperfections.

We are lucky enough to live in a time when there are many options to look younger, prettier and fresher. And yes, one of those options is the use of lasers.

Lasers are very precise and are capable of targeting skin cells. With this technology we are capable of changing skin texture, reducing and even erasing fine lines and wrinkles. We can also correct spots and marks on the skin, even its tone, erase acne scars, reduce damage done by the sun and much more.

Some laser treatments are especially good for particular purposes like removing hair (and preventing it from growing back), and removing no-longer-wanted tattoos.

Laser treatments are proven to be effective not only on resurfacing the skin, but also to stimulate collagen production, improve the condition of people living with eczema and vitiligo, and even treating skin cancer, and other precancerous skin lesions.

Cosmetic Laser Equipment

A laser is a device that emits light at a particular wavelength by stimulating atoms and molecules. Cosmetic lasers use this technology to target skin lesions, scars, discoloration, and hair. 

There are several different machines and devices used to perform different cosmetic laser therapies. This kind of equipment can be very expensive; their prices and effectiveness can differ based on how powerful they are, and what part of the body they treat.

Cosmetic Laser Types

Depending on the way they work, and the purposes they are used for; lasers can be classified as ablative, and non-ablative.

Ablative Lasers

An ablative laser will focus on the outermost layers of the skin. Its goal is to create microscopical wounds on the surface of the skin. This process will remove the outer layer of the epidermis and stimulate the growth of collagen fibers underneath. Once the outer layer heals and grows back, the skin will look smoother and prettier. An average ablative laser skin resurfacing can cost about $2500.

Non Ablative Lasers

A non-ablative laser will safely pass through the outermost layers of the skin, and penetrate the tissue that lies beneath. These lasers are used to improve the appearance of wrinkles, scars, marks and spots. The heat generated by this laser will also promote the production of collagen, helping to achieve a younger look. An average non-ablative laser skin resurfacing can cost about $1500.

The Different Types of Cosmetic Laser

As we dive into the world of aesthetic lasers, we find a variety of them used for safely rejuvenating and improving the appearance of skin; but can also help with hair and tattoo removal.

IPL Hair Removal Lasers

IPL means ‘Intense Pulsed Light’, and these sorts of lasers can be used to improve the texture and color of the skin. But IPL technology can also be used to gently remove hair, and make an area grow less hair gradually.

Intense pulsed light can remove almost 70% of hair permanently in about six sessions. The risk of damaging your skin with IPL treatment is very little. Some side effects would include redness, itching, peeling and swelling; but they are very mild.

Diode Hair Removal Lasers

Diode lasers are another form of hair removal treatment. They work on all skin and hair types, and involve little to no side effects or discomfort. 

These lasers use energy that interacts with melanin around hair follicles. This way the surrounding tissues are not affected. Depending on the skin type and area that is treated, it would take around ten sessions to completely and permanently remove hair.

Carbon Peeling Lasers

A carbon laser peeling is a resurfacing treatment that is minimally invasive; fantastic for improving the appearance of the skin. This is a superficial resurfacing treatment; it lasts about half an hour, the results are pretty good and the recovery time is zero.

A high carbon lotion will be applied onto the face, it will work as an exfoliating treatment. A few minutes later, the lotion dries and captures dirt, dead cells, bacteria, and other impurities. Lasers are used then to warm and break the carbon along with the impurities within it. This procedure not only removes contaminants from the skin, it also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin.

Fractional Co2 Lasers

These lasers work very well on treating acne scars, wrinkles and other skin imperfections. The carbon dioxide laser performs a non-invasive procedure to remove damaged skin layers. 

This particular laser is well known for being able to treat a wide variety of skin conditions such as age spots, fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, uneven skin tones, and more.

Using ultra pulse (short pulsed light energy) a professional is able to remove layers of damaged skin. This procedure also promotes the production of collagen.

ND Yag Lasers

ND: YAG is a very special crystal made out of Yttrium, Aluminum, and Oxygen. This crystal is used as a laser medium to perform a diversity of tasks in different areas.

In ophthalmology, these lasers can treat cataracts and glaucoma. In oncology they can remove skin cancer cells. In podiatry, they can treat a variety of fungus and other infections.

In cosmetology, ND: YAG lasers can also treat vascular defects on the skin, remove unwanted hair, treat specific skin conditions, and stimulate collagen production.

Tattoo Removal Lasers

Some crystal powered lasers like ND: YAG, alexandrite or ruby; are commonly used for tattoo removal.

A tattoo can be fully removed using laser treatment, but it would take several sessions to do so; and it also depends on the kind of tattoo and your particular skin. Tattoo removal lasers are the safer, and most efficient way to remove tattoos.

Permanent Makeup Removal Lasers

Lasers are proven tools to efficiently remove tattoos from the skin. And now they have another application by being able to remove old fashioned unwanted permanent makeup. Even when permanent makeup is not actually permanent, and it fades out with time; sometimes, permanent makeup leaves behind some unattractive shadows we want to erase.

Erbium Lasers

Just like the previously mentioned carbon peeling laser, the erbium laser is an ablative laser designed for resurfacing the skin working on moderate lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and more. 

As erbium laser treatment is quite deep, only one session is enough to yield great results. Recovery time can go from two to four days after the procedure based on the depth of the treatment. About a week after the procedure, you will notice a new layer of skin with better texture and tone, and a clear improvement on wrinkles, lines, and other marks.

Cosmetic Laser Treatments

There is a very good deal of cosmetic laser treatments that offer very good results with little to no side effects after a session. With laser technology improving, there’s no blemish, mark, or imperfection that has no solution or specific treatment to reduce its appearance.

CO2 Fractional Laser Resurfacing

As we mentioned before, the CO2 fractional laser offers great treatments for a wide variety of skin conditions. The CO2 fractional laser resurfacing is another application for this laser. In only one treatment you can get fantastic results by removing layers of skin. Is like having multiple procedures all-in-one.

Treat fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, unwanted freckles, uneven tones, scars, and more; in a single treatment.

Laser Skin Tightening

Lasers can not only remove layers of skin, or break pigments. They can also tighten the skin. A minimally invasive procedure can heathen an area to boost certain processes making the skin firm and elastic.

This procedure is very safe and requires no anesthesia. A little bit of swelling and redness might be present with no further side effects. After a laser skin tightening session, a person can go back to their normal activities right away.

This treatment yields results in only one session, but it is best appreciated after the third to sixth session. Each session can range from $500 to $1000. It works pretty well on the neck, stomach, face and jawline. Results can last up to three years.

Erbium Laser Resurfacing

Being such a good resurfacing treatment, the erbium laser is also considered an ideal alternative to deal with pigmentation problems. Acne scars and sun damage are easily treated with this method.

Works well on hands, neck, face and chest. A session might involve a little swelling and bruising, but the recovery time is also shorter than other alternatives like carbon dioxide laser resurfacing.

Leg Vein Removal

Leg vein removal treatment with the use of endovenous lasers is a less painful option than surgery. Lasers can destroy large varicose veins without damaging other tissues. The recovery time is very short, you will be fine to go about one hour after the procedure is done. You might notice some bruises that will fade away in a week or two.

Laser therapy for leg vein removal is a time proven, and very safe treatment.

Cosmetic Mole Removal

Another application for lasers is cosmetic mole removal. Even when most moles are nothing to worry about, there is always the option to remove them for aesthetic reasons.

Laser, compared to surgery, is a less invasive way to remove a mole, with a quickier healing process, and minimal chance of infection. Most patients will only need one session to have a mole fully removed with laser therapy.

Under Eyes Laser

The appearance of the skin around the eyes can be highly improved using lasers. Wrinkles, lines and dark circles treated with lasers achieve a more youthful look with almost no discomfort, and no recovery time. 

The results usually last about six to nine months after treatment. This procedure is completely safe. Erbium and CO2 lasers are often used in these areas to enhance skin tightness and activate natural healing processes.

Laser Hand Rejuvenation

Laser hand treatment is one of the best options (if not the very best) to tighten the skin of the hand, and improve its elasticity; resulting in a more young looking appearance.

As many other lasers, this one will heathen up collagen and elastin under the skin, boosting their production to lift and tighten the area. A fantastic treatment to fight age related and sun damage.

Diode Laser Hair Removal

Diode lasers are commonly used for hair removal treatments. This one has proven to be completely safe and effective in reducing and removing hair. 

Hair will begin to fall off between five to fifteen days after the treatment is applied; then the hair will continue to fall for weeks.

IPL Laser Hair Removal

Intense Pulsed Light technology is another great option for hair removal. By using a multi-spectrum of light, IPL can penetrate deeper into the skin and be absorbed by melanin in hair follicles.

This technology is being replaced by more advanced and efficient hair removal laser techniques. Anyhow, IPL remains a great hair removal treatment these days.

Laser Blepharoplasty

Laser blepharoplasty is a cosmetic minimally invasive surgery performed on the eyelids using a laser. This procedure reduces the chances of scarring, and greatly improves recovery time. The laser cuts tissue cauterizing blood vessels like an incision made with a scalpel is unable to.

A blepharoplasty laser can treat bags under the eyes, sagging eyelids, and change the entire look of the skin around the eyes. A great anti-aging treatment that will definitely show fantastic results.

Laser Facelift

This rejuvenating treatment can greatly improve the appearance of the face and neck. It is a safe, less painful procedure than incisions; with no bruising or scarring.

Three to six sessions are often recommended but you will be able to see results right after the first. If you take care of your skin by wearing sunscreen and applying moisturizers, the results can last about three years.

Laser Peels

Laser peel is resurfacing the skin layer by layer. New layers of skin will heal back, tighter and fresher. This treatment helps even skin tone, and reduce scars and wrinkles. The laser’s action also promotes the growth of collagen fibers that help maintain the young looking appearance. 

This procedure might target the area around the eyes, mouth, forehead or a specific wrinkle individually; or it can cover the entire face. A full face treatment can take about two hours. Contrality to most laser treatments, this one might need about a day or two of recovery time, and applying lotions or ointments to ease some swelling and prevent scabbing. A week after the procedure, the skin will peel off easily, and the new, prettier skin will begin to show up. It is important to notice this new skin will be very sensitive for a couple of weeks; it is highly recommended to wear sunscreen during this time to avoid sun damage.

FAQ

Even when laser technology has been around for quite some time, there are many questions that most people ask when trying to learn more about the topic. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about cosmetic laser technology and its procedures.

Does Laser Treatment Work For Toenail Fungus?

Yes it does. There are laser treatments especially effective to treat and remove toenail fungus. The lasers can target fungus with high precision without damaging other tissues. If done at an early stage, laser treatment can reduce discomfort, prevent the spreading of the fungus, and ultimately avoid toenail loss.

Does Laser Treatment Hurt?

Not really. Depending on the specific laser treatment you have, how deep it goes, and what area of the body is being treated; you might experience some tingling, swelling, redness, tenderness or itching. It would also depend on your kind skin and hair that might interact differently with the light of the lasers. But generally speaking, lasers are almost always the pain-free option.

Is Laser Treatment For Varicose Veins Safe?

Yes it is. The endovenous laser treatment for varicose veins is very safe. The heat produced by the laser dissolves the veins’ walls, and they get absorbed by the body naturally; it requires no incisions, and the procedure is not painful at all. At most, some patients will experience a little discomfort that goes away quickly.

Does Laser Treatment Work For Acne Scars?

Yes. Lasers can be used to remove layers of skin from the scarring so new and healthier skin will grow in its place. A professional will examine the patient’s acne scars and determine which sort of laser treatment to use. Very often, the ablative resurfacing laser is used to deal with acne scars. A fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) laser therapy is used to deal with the most challenging cases.

In only three to five sessions, acne scars should be completely and permanently removed using this treatment.

Can Laser Treatment Remove Scars?

Laser treatment can certainly reduce the appearance, and even completely remove scars, depending on the severity of the case. Acne scars are easier to treat, but laser treatment can also reduce scars made by other injuries, like burning.

After one session there could be some itching and redness in the treated area, it would take up to ten days for it to heal. In the most difficult cases, it can take several weeks before showing results.

Which Laser Treatment Is Best For The Face?

It really depends on what you need. Some factors like age, skin color, and hair type, might determine which laser treatment is best for your face, but there are still a handful of good options to consider. 

Fractional CO2 laser treatments are highly requested for their efficacy at improving the overall health of the skin, and fix uneven spots, wrinkles, fine lines, and even deep acne scars. Some lasers are particularly good to deal with broken blood vessels in the face. Other laser treatments are just for hair removal. Perhaps you only need to target a small area or you definitely want a full laser peeling. 

You should talk with your doctor and decide which treatment, or combination of them is the best for your particular needs.

Can Laser Treatment Remove Stretch Marks?

Not completely, but it can definitely help. Some ablative lasers like CO2, Erbium, or ND: YAG, are often used for stretch marks removal. Stretch marks can only be completely removed if they are treated right after the lesion has occurred; otherwise, stretch marks are more difficult to treat. 

Most laser treatments work very well on resurfacing the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin in the body), but stretch marks represent a change in the dermis structure; and resurfacing treatments just can't be fully erased.

Anyhow, there are laser treatments to greatly reduce the appearance of stretch marks. Three to six sessions can show very good results.

What Is A Laser Treatment’s Price in the US?

Depending on the treatment you’d like to have, and where in the US you are, the price can drastically vary. IPL and vein removal laser are about $300 per session. Hair removal treatments also vary depending on the area of the body, a session can range from $150 to $600.

A full laser rejuvenation procedure can get up to $2500. That’s why it is important to ask an expert what treatments you should consider doing.

Are Cosmetic Procedures Covered By Insurance?

Cosmetic procedures are hardly ever covered by insurance companies. Oftentimes reconstructive procedures might get covered, specially when an injury or scarring was caused by an accident.

How Much Does A Cosmetic Laser Machine Cost?

Depending on the technology, a cosmetic laser machine can range from $1200 to as much as $48000 for the most advanced ones.

What Is The Main Benefit Of Cosmetic Laser Therapy?

Cosmetic Laser treatments are completely safe and highly effective non-invasive procedures. Without the need of a surgery, and incisions, the risks and complications for a treatment are drastically lowered.