Lasers

What is a Laser procedure?

A laser procedure, also known as laser therapy or laser treatment, involves the use of a laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) to target and treat various medical or cosmetic conditions. Lasers emit intense beams of light that can be precisely focused on specific areas of the body, allowing for highly controlled and effective treatment.

How do you prepare for a Laser procedure?

• Follow Pre-Treatment Instructions: Your healthcare provider will provide specific pre-treatment instructions tailored to the type of laser procedure you’ll be undergoing. Follow these instructions carefully, as they may include guidelines such as avoiding sun exposure, discontinuing certain skincare products, or taking medications to prevent complications or optimize results.
• Sun Protection: Protect your skin from sun exposure in the weeks leading up to your laser treatment. Sunburned or tanned skin can increase the risk of complications such as hyperpigmentation or burns during laser therapy. Wear sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, protective clothing, and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
• Avoid Certain Medications and Products: Some medications and skincare products can increase the risk of adverse reactions or interfere with the effectiveness of laser treatments.
• Shave Treatment Area: If you’re undergoing laser hair removal or a laser treatment targeting hair follicles, shave the treatment area the day before your appointment. This allows the laser to effectively target the hair follicles without interference from surface hair.

Why is a Laser procedure performed?

• Skin Rejuvenation: Laser skin resurfacing treatments can stimulate collagen and improve skin texture, tone, and overall appearance by addressing concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, acne scars, sun damage, and uneven pigmentation.
• Hair Removal: Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that targets and destroys hair follicles to reduce or eliminate unwanted hair growth.
• Treatment of Vascular Lesions: Lasers can effectively target and reduce the appearance of vascular lesions, including spider veins, broken capillaries, rosacea, and port wine stains.
• Pigmented Lesion Removal: Laser treatments can target and lighten pigmented lesions such as age spots, freckles, sun spots, and birthmarks.
• Acne Treatment: Laser therapy can be used to treat acne by targeting the sebaceous glands and reducing oil production, as well as killing acne-causing bacteria. It can also help improve acne scars and inflammation, leading to clearer and smoother skin.
• Scar Revision: Laser procedures, such as fractional laser therapy, can help improve the appearance of scars caused by acne, surgery, injury, or other traumatic events. By promoting collagen remodeling and tissue regeneration, lasers can soften and fade scars, making them less noticeable.

What can you expect during a Laser procedure?

• Treatment Duration: The duration of the laser procedure varies depending on the type of treatment and the size of the area being treated. Some laser treatments can be completed in a matter of minutes, while others may take longer. Your healthcare provider will give you an estimate of how long the procedure will take during your consultation.
• Sensation: During the laser procedure, you may experience sensations such as warmth, tingling, or mild discomfort. The sensation can vary depending on the type of laser used, the intensity of the treatment, and your individual pain tolerance. Your healthcare provider may apply a topical numbing cream or use cooling techniques to help minimize any discomfort.
• Post-Treatment Care: After the procedure, your healthcare provider will provide you with post-treatment care instructions to follow. This may include applying soothing creams or ointments, avoiding sun exposure, wearing sunscreen, and refraining from certain activities or skincare products for a period of time.

What is the followup and recovery like for a Laser procedure?

• Post-Treatment Care: After the procedure, your healthcare provider will provide you with post-treatment care instructions to follow. This may include applying soothing creams or ointments, avoiding sun exposure, wearing sunscreen, and refraining from certain activities or skincare products for a period of time.
• Recovery Time: The recovery time following a laser procedure can vary depending on the type and intensity of the treatment. Some treatments may have minimal downtime, while others may require several days or weeks for the skin to heal completely. Your healthcare provider will advise you on what to expect during the recovery period and how to care for your skin during this time.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Depending on the treatment plan and your individual response to the laser procedure, you may need to schedule follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. These appointments allow your provider to assess your progress, monitor your results, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

What are the potential costs for a Laser procedure?

The cost of the laser epends on the areas being treated and the type of laser. Spot treatment can begin as low as $350 and full face treatments can be as low as $650. Certain lasers have increased cost due to equipment used, duration of practitioners time, and overall cost of products for the laser such as tips.

What are the potential risks for a Laser procedure?

• Pain or Discomfort: During the procedure, you may experience sensations of heat, tingling, or mild discomfort, depending on the type and intensity of the laser treatment.
• Redness and Swelling: It’s common to experience temporary redness and swelling in the treated area following a laser procedure. This is a natural response of the skin to the laser energy and typically resolves within a few hours to a few days, depending on the intensity of the treatment.
• Bruising or Bleeding: Some laser procedures, particularly those targeting vascular lesions or pigmented lesions, may cause minor bruising or pinpoint bleeding in the treated area. This is usually temporary and resolves on its own within a few days.
• Changes in Pigmentation: Laser treatments can sometimes cause temporary changes in skin pigmentation, such as hyperpigmentation (darkening) or hypopigmentation (lightening) of the skin. These changes are usually temporary but may be more pronounced in individuals with darker skin tones.
• Scarring: While rare, laser procedures carry a small risk of scarring, particularly with ablative or aggressive treatments. Following proper pre-treatment and post-treatment care instructions can help minimize this risk.
• Infection: There is a small risk of infection following a laser procedure, particularly if proper post-treatment care is not followed. Signs of infection may include increased redness, swelling, pain, or drainage from the treated area.
• Skin Texture Changes: In some cases, laser treatments may cause changes in skin texture, such as roughness or unevenness. These changes are usually temporary and improve as the skin heals.

Are there related procedures to a Laser procedure?

• Icon Max G IPL
• Icon 1540 Fractional Laser
• Genesis
• Excel V+
• Fraxis Duo
• Microneedling RF
• LightSheer Desire Hair Laser