Laser treatments for skin can reduce sun damage, wrinkles, pore size and skin blemishes as well as scars. Furthermore, it helps decrease hair growth in treated areas.
Laser pulses often feel similar to warm pinpricks or rubber band snaps against the skin, though numbing gel may be applied prior to treatment for additional comfort.
Acne
Acne is one of the most commonly encountered skin conditions and can be difficult to treat if it leaves scars or marks behind. Laser treatment for acne scars may help alleviate their appearance while improving your texture and appearance, so choosing a practitioner with extensive experience treating different skin types is vital to having effective results and understanding aftercare instructions for their own care plan.
There are various laser treatments for acne available today, from light therapies and removal to removal and discoloration removal. Each technique can help minimize blackheads, whiteheads and cystic pimples as well as any discoloration left after they have disappeared.
Light therapies use UV light to kill bacteria and germs on your skin, stimulating it to produce new cells to replace damaged ones and repair itself. You should strive to avoid sun exposure while receiving these treatments; adding moisturizer can keep skin hydrated.
Lasers can help treat both atrophic and ice pick acne scarring by heating the deeper layers of skin. This causes scar tissue to break down faster, speeding healing for surrounding tissues. Furthermore, it promotes new collagen formation for smoother and evener tone skin.
Ablative lasers such as CO2 and erbium:YAG lasers use intense light beams to penetrate your skin and destroy its outermost layer while heating its deeper layers, which may result in redness and scabbing, but may provide relief for people suffering from severe acne scarring.
Laser treatments can help decrease the amount of sebum you produce, but they’re no magic bullet for acne. If your case of acne is more severe, your dermatologist may also suggest additional therapies – from prescription medication or topical cream prescription to changing up skincare routine or increasing water consumption to help control it all. They might even recommend an acne cleanser or mask so you can support treatment and get better results faster.
Wrinkles
Wrinkles are an unavoidable part of aging as skin elasticity declines with time, leading to decreased collagen production and diminishing natural elasticity. Laser treatments may be used to both reduce wrinkles and rejuvenate the skin – according to dermatologists, laser treatment is an excellent alternative or addition to anti-ageing injectables as it uses laser light pulses to stimulate collagen production and thus minimize fine lines and wrinkles while simultaneously improving tone and texture.
At laser resurfacing sessions, a topical anesthetic may be applied to reduce discomfort and protect against infection. Before the laser treatment starts, skin should be cleansed to remove dirt or oils, followed by starting on low settings before gradually increasing intensity until complete treatment. People may feel slight burning or itching sensations depending on their treatment and skin type during this procedure.
After laser resurfacing, your skin may start to dry and peel as part of its healing process. It is vital to protect this treated skin from sunlight as it could be susceptible to sunburn or developing new scars; thus, people should wear broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protection for maximum safety.
Before seeking laser treatments, it is crucial to select a dermatologist with experience treating various skin types and colors. Furthermore, be open about any medical conditions you are treating as well as medications taken (including over the counter supplements and vitamins) since this could affect how quickly you heal after receiving laser therapy treatments.
As side effects of laser resurfacing may include hyperpigmentation – darkening of skin tone- and hypopigmentation (lightening) may occur. To protect from sun damage it is crucial to use daily broad spectrum (UVB and UVA rays) sunscreen post treatment, in addition to taking an antiviral medication before your procedure if prone to cold sore outbreaks; taking this beforehand can prevent their reactivation following laser treatment.
Make an appointment with your dermatologist to explore which laser treatment option best fits you, bringing along any medications or supplements you are currently taking, along with any previous cosmetic procedures you’ve had. He/she will conduct a physical exam of the area being treated before discussing what realistic results might be possible and achievable.
Scars
Scars can be difficult to treat using traditional techniques, but laser treatment for skin can reduce their appearance significantly. Furthermore, it may help improve texture of scarred skin to make scarring look less noticeable. The type of laser used will depend on what kind of scar it’s treating so it is essential that you find a physician experienced treating that type of scar.
Laser treatments can interfere with tanning or sunburns, so patients should avoid such activities before having this procedure performed. If one should occur anyway, skin-lightening cream can often help mitigate its effect. Smoking or taking blood-thinning drugs prior to the procedure could increase bleeding during and after it.
Laser scar removal treatments require multiple sessions for optimal results, since scars often run deep beneath the surface of the skin. A doctor may choose a different laser for each session in order to target its color and texture and assist healing processes.
Melasma scars may be effectively treated using a pulsed dye laser that targets blood vessels responsible for their bluish appearance, taking several weeks before visible results become evident. Other scars, including atrophic and keloidal ones, can be treated using fractional carbon dioxide laser technology that removes scar tissue while encouraging the formation of healthy new tissues.
Keep in mind that every patient’s skin is unique; even if a friend of yours has had laser treatment, you are unlikely to achieve similar results. Patience is key with laser treatments; gradually improve over a few months as your appearance improves with each session – in fact laser therapy should be seen as preventive measure to stop scars worsening with time.
Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a prevalent problem that affect people of all ages, often appearing red initially but eventually turning white as scar tissue heals. Laser therapy has proven itself effective at diminishing these unsightly lines.
Stretch mark treatments are offered at our La Jolla Cosmetic Laser Clinic to residents from San Diego, Encinitas and nearby California areas. The non-ablative fractional laser known as eMatrix offers effective stretch mark treatments by stimulating collagen growth which in turn diminishes their appearance.
Targeting pigmentation, laser treatments are an effective and safe way to improve the look of light stretch marks. Results typically take six treatments but they’re an efficient and safe way to lessen stretch mark visibility. Note, however, that laser treatments do not prevent return of stretch marks so those seeking their removal should maintain healthy weight through lifestyle choices like eating well.
Stretch marks can be treated with various options, including topical creams and dermabrasion. Laser therapy is generally considered the best method for light or medium-colored stretch marks; however, pregnant women or anyone suffering from active acne should not use laser therapy treatments as these may damage fetuses during gestation. If considering laser stretch mark removal as an option for you, consult Dr. Green in advance so she can assist in helping determine what course of treatment would work best in your individual circumstances.
Before commencing with laser stretch mark treatments, your skin will be cleansed thoroughly to ensure maximum comfort during treatment. Once prepared for this process, the dermatologist will apply topical anesthetic in order to keep you relaxed throughout. Next comes laser use which typically causes minimal or no pain for most patients during this treatment process.
Dependent upon the type of laser treatment chosen, side effects could include redness or blistering at the site of treatment. It is also essential that sun exposure be limited after receiving laser therapy – thus it may be wise to wear protective gear such as a sunhat or use sunscreen on that area which was treated.
