The end of winter is finally here. Dreams of warm weather and sandy beaches are starting to become a reality. The right time to have your laser procedure is NOW. Lasers and light procedures treat broken blood vessels, sun spots, wrinkles, acne scarring, enlarged pores and more. Let’s talk about the different lasers I have and how they will best serve your needs.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser
Laser resurfacing is considered the gold standard treatment for skin rejuvenation. This laser is designed to resurface the skin to build collagen and elastin in the dermis, tighten the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone and texture and minimize the appearance of acne scarring. It can also be used to minimize the appearance of burn scars as well as post-operative scars. The CO2 laser uses pulsed light energy that is delivered in a scanning pattern to remove thin layers of skin with minimal heat damage. Laser resurfacing to the face typically takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, not including pre- and post-care time. Depending upon the device used and the settings chosen, patients can typically expect a “social downtime” of 7-10 days.
Picosecond Laser
I have the most powerful Picosecond laser device on the market, ideal for treating a broad range of skin pigmentation conditions. A Picosecond laser is commonly used for tattoo removal as well as for melasma and correction of other areas of hyperpigmentation (areas of abnormally darkened skin). With the fractionated settings, the Picosecond laser can also be used to smooth wrinkles, as well as to minimize the appearance of stretch marks, acne scars, and more. The procedure takes about 10-20 minutes per session, depending upon the size of the area being treated. Multiple sessions are necessary for the best overall result. The ultimate number of treatment sessions recommended will be determined at the time of your consultation, as this depends upon your skin type, what we are using the laser to treat, as well as what area of the body is being treated.
Intense Pulsed Light (M22)
IPL is a powerful light-based treatment that breaks up dark pigmentation and cauterizes red vessels, reducing the appearance of brown and red discoloration. This makes IPL a perfect treatment option for removing superficial brown and red spots, such as freckles and broken capillaries, rosacea, acne scarring and hyperpigmentation. It is safe for most skin types and is commonly performed on the face, but can also be used on the neck, chest, back, arms and back of the hands. For the best results, I recommend multiple treatments, spaced approximately 3-6 weeks apart.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment that uses a topical photosensitizing agent (aminolevulinic acid/ALA) which is activated by light from a laser to selectively destroy target cells (enlarged oil glands and precancerous cells). The agent is applied to the target areas. Once adequate time has allowed it to absorb into the skin, it is then activated by specific wavelengths of light. PDT is a great option to treat sun damage, inflammatory acne, rosacea, age spots, actinic keratoses, and early skin cancers ultimately resulting in more rejuvenated skin. Benefits include improvement in skin texture and tone and smaller pore size. Expect minimal redness and peeling for approximately 1 day post-treatment. You must stay indoors away from sunlight for 36 hours following treatment. Pigmented lesions will appear darker at first but eventually peel off.
I am a firm believer in always protecting your skin by wearing sunblock. Please get in the habit of consistently applying sunscreen during the day to defend your skin against harmful UV rays. My office carries SkinMD Daily Tinted Antioxidant Mineral Sunscreen, which is the best protective sunscreen on the market. My patients call me the Queen of Lasers due to my years of training and laser experience. Please call my office today to schedule your appointment to discuss which laser treatment will be the best for you!