Laser Treatments and Photorejuvenation

Laser Skin Resurfacing

For the patient that desires quicker and more noticeable changes in skin texture, fine lines, sun spots/ pigmentary irregularities, acne scars and collagen production, an erbium or CO2 laser may be used for skin resurfacing. Laser skin resurfacing uses a laser to destroy the outer layers of skin to reveal a new layer of healthier skin. Some lasers may be not be appropriate for darker skin complexions. Often these treatments can be performed in the office with topical and local anesthesia. Typically downtime ranges from 3-7 days depending on the type and depth of treatment. In some cases, multiple treatments, or a touch up may be needed to achieve maximal results.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

Intense Pulse Light, or IPL, treatment involves intense pulses of non-coherent light distributed over a range of wavelengths. IPL is used for the treatment of photo aged skin. IPL removes age spots (sun-induced freckles), most benign brown pigments, such as melasma or the mask of pregnancy, and improves redness caused by broken capillaries. The procedure requires minimal downtime and has a low risk of side effects which makes this treatment ideal for active patients.

Laser Hair Removal

The most permanent treatment for unwanted hair of the face and body is laser hair removal. Diode, alexandrite, or YAG lasers may be used for these treatments. Melanin is the target for the laser and therefore the hair must have pigment in order to be treated. Many different skin types and hair colors can be treated with laser hair removal, but the ideal patient has fair skin and dark hair. The laser will only treat the hair follicles which are in the active growth phase of the hair cycle. Therefore, multiple treatments are needed to treat each of these cycles. Laser hair removal is performed in the office and does not require anesthesia. There may be mild bruising and irritation, but there is no significant down time.

Laser for Rosacea and Vascular Lesions

Lasers that target oxyhemoglobin can be used to treat vascular lesions, such as port wine stains, birthmarks, venous malformations, spider veins, and rosacea. Oxyhemoglobin absorbs light in the 400-500 nm range. Therefore, Pulsed dye and Nd: Yag lasers are the key lasers for treatment of these lesions for the reason that the Pulsed dye laser emits wavelengths of 585 or 595 nm, and the Nd: Yag laser 532 nm. The oxyhemoglobin in the blood of these vascular lesions picks up the laser resulting in the destruction of the vascular lesion. Some lesions and conditions may require multiple treatments for optimal results.