Lasers rejuvenate the facial skin through a process called selective photo thermal lysis. The light energy stimulates deeper targets or chromophores in the skin to achieve the benefits of rejuvenation, beautification, or hair removal. There are many different types of lasers, and they are an integral part of a comprehensive skin care program. Some of the benefits of laser treatments for the face and skin are listed below.
- Facial rejuvenation
- Skin tightening
- Hair removal
- Blood vessels
- Rosacea
- Brown spots and age spots
- Weathered skin
- Fine wrinkles
- Enhanced texture and tone
- Healthy skin
The actual process of laser treatments can vary with the specific laser used. My office and aesthetician will help you with the best laser for your needs. The laser is an extremely high tech and precise machine that allows for specific light energy to be safely delivered to the skin. Wavelengths can be adjusted to target red vessels, brown spots, hair, or the water in the skin. Some lasers called IPL lasers cover a broad range of wavelengths to target multiple things at once to give broader benefits. To see an actual patient getting an IPL laser treatment, please link to the educational video now. The patient is ME – Dr. Saunders!
At Rejuvenate Med Spa my nurse, aesthetician, or I will consult with you in detail to determine your specific goals and what laser program will benefit you the most. The consultation is thorough and complete. It will review the treatments, recovery, risks, results, and benefits. As I have emphasized in other educational writings, the best facial rejuvenation comes from a comprehensive skin care program. It is important to understand that the best results will not come just from laser treatments but from a combination of lasers and other skin care treatments. The different treatment modalities work synergistically to give enhanced results over an one single method. In addition, better results come from doing a series of treatments versus a single laser treatment. The series leads to more active stimulation of collagen and elastin formation and better rejuvenation. Laser hair removal also requires a series of laser treatments to get the best results.
How does it work?
By targeting specific anatomic parts of the skin, the laser can selectively deliver light energy to achieve the desired goals. The target is called a chromophore in the physics language of lasers. If the target is a red blood vessel, the laser can deliver precise energy to cause removal of the vein and to not injure the surrounding skin. Brown spots can be selectively targeted as well. Other targets or chromophores can be used to achiever rejuvenation and enhancement of facial tone, texture, and health. The light energy is adjusted by changing the wavelength, frequency, and joules to give the specific results needed to maximize goals.
How is it done, and what is involved?
The treatments are done in the med spa. The entire visit and process will take about an hour. Most people can expect some discomfort that is minimal. I have personally had many laser treatments and found the process relatively easy. There are some laser zaps that can be likened to a rubber band snapping on the skin. The pain goes away quickly after the treatment and fortunately doesn’t linger. Ointments are applied to the skin to help with any discomfort you might have from the treatment.
How is recovery?
The skin can be slightly red or brown after the treatment. You will be given specific and exact instructions to follow at home. It is important to follow these post procedure or after care instructions closely. You will be given healing ointments and creams to help with your recovery. Most patients have completely healed in 3-5 days, although some may take a week.
Are there risks?
All med spa treatments have risks, but the laser risks are overall very low. Complications are very rare, and patients can start with their program having confidence in the low rate of problems. It is also important to review that lasers do not significantly help with jowls, bags, turkey neck, or excess skin. These are best treated with a facelift, neck lift, or eyelid tuck or blepharoplasty. If these facial aging problems are what you desire improved, then it is important to discuss this with us in detail. Cosmetic surgery may be a better choice for you. It is important to have realistic expectations about what lasers and other med spa treatments can do for you.
How are the results?
Laser treatments can give outstanding and excellent results for many people. Many patients will find that they have much softer, healthier, and rejuvenated skin. Significant improvement in weathered skin, age spots, brown spots, and the texture and tone of the skin is common. As I have emphasized above and in other educational writings, the best results come from a comprehensive skin care treatment program. Other modalities or med spa treatments combined with the lasers will give the best results through a synergistic manner. The different treatments lead to more immune cell and inflammatory cell migration to the area. This leads to more collagen stimulation and elastin tissue formation. The following video shows the process of Pixel laser resurfacing.
Laser hair removal or reduction can give excellent results by improving or eliminating hair in unwanted areas. Regular and frequent shaving of the armpits, bikini line, or legs can be a thing of the past and can be vastly changed through laser hair treatments. It is necessary to have a series of treatments to get the best results. Also, it can sometimes be necessary to have touch up laser treatments to the area if there is some regrowth of hair. Overall, success with laser hair is very high with very low risks. Please view this video for additional information on laser hair removal.
Please call the office and come in for a comprehensive consultation. We will review all your questions and desires. You can then begin your journey to younger, healthier, and rejuvenated skin.