What Is Laser Facial?
A laser — light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation — is a single-wavelength source of high-energy light that, when acutely focused, can be used to transmit light onto a designated treatment area. Utilizing the latest innovations in laser technology, cosmetic procedures, such as facial laser resurfacing, offer extreme precision for maximum results. Cosmetic laser resurfacing is a non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatment used to refine the skin’s tone and texture; reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles and sagging skin; treat skin irregularities, such as acne, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation; and remediate the symptoms of chronic skin conditions, such as rosacea, both with ablative and nonablative lasers.
Laser skin resurfacing and laser facials are typically performed on an outpatient basis and they may take up to two hours to perform, depending on the type of treatment. Treatment with cosmetic lasers may cause discomfort — our dermatologists may numb the skin with local anesthetics prior to treatment in order to help minimize any pain or discomfort during treatment.
Ablative Vs. Nonablative Lasers
Ablative and nonablative lasers are the two primary lasers used during laser facial treatments. Ablative lasers vaporize top layers of damaged skin, while nonablative lasers stimulate deeper layers of the skin without removing or otherwise damaging the top skin layer. A more aggressive form of laser treatment, ablative lasers typically burn the skin and are ideal for reducing the appearance of mild-to-moderate wrinkles, facial scarring, and skin discoloration. Nonablative lasers are a resurfacing device that stimulates collagen within the skin and are ideal for improving skin texture and tone as well as reducing the appearance of skin irregularities.
Benefits & Types Of Laser & Light Treatments
Laser and light treatments are highly-targeted treatments that help generate new skin cells by triggering a healing response. These treatments can effectively blend and fade skin pigmentation to reduce the appearance of rosacea, sun spots, age spots, sun damage, and other skin issues, as well as smooth out uneven skin textures, and reduce scarring or unwanted hair growth.
The laser treatments we offer include the HALO® Hybrid Fractional Laser and the Nordlys™ Frax 1550, and our light treatments include BroadBand Light (BBL™) and Nordlys ™ IPL. HALO® Hybrid Fractional Laser and BroadBand Light (BBL™) treatments are available at the Warren location, and Nordlys™ Frax 1550 and IPL are available at the Boardman location. Laser and light treatments work by converting light energy into heat, promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells and resulting in rejuvenated, younger-looking skin.
Due to the targeted approach of these therapies, treatments are fast and result in minimal discomfort, there is little to no downtime, and patients experience noticeably smoother, firmer, healthier skin as soon as two weeks following treatment.
Contact our dermatology clinic for more information about our available treatments, including laser hair removal or to schedule skin care procedures.
Fractional Laser
Fractional laser resurfacing reveals new lawyers of glowing, healthy skin and removes hyperpigmentation, fine lines, acne scars, and uneven skin texture.
BroadBand Light (BBL™)
BBL™ treatments address a variety of skin conditions, primarily on the face, neck, hands, and chest. BroadBand Light treatments are ideal for treating rosacea, acne, sun spots, brown spots, fine lines, wrinkles, spider veins, and visible blood vessels, and for improving skin tone and texture. This treatment is available at our Warren practice.
HALO® Hybrid Fractional Laser
Using different wavelengths, the HALO® fractional laser applies highly-targeted treatment to the top layer of the skin and the deeper tissues underneath. Fractional laser therapy is ideal for treating skin pigmentation and texture issues, and visible blemishes on the face, neck/neckline, arms, hands, or legs. This treatment is available at our Warren practice.
Nordlys™ Frax 1550™
Through fractional, non-ablative skin resurfacing, the Nordlys™ Frax 1550 ™ helps break up soft tissues for rejuvenated, healthier-looking skin. This treatment also uniquely provides SoftCool ™ technology, which allows greater comfort during and after treatment. The Frax 1550 is ideal for treating stretch marks, acne scars, surgical scars, skin texture issues, and fine lines and wrinkles. This treatment is available at our Boardman practice.
Nordlys™ Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
IPLtreatments, also called photo facials, are a non-laser, light-based therapy that removes dark spots, melasma, redness, and sun spots from the skin. These treatments may also improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and other skin irregularities in as few as one to three treatments. This treatment is available at our Boardman practice.
Benefits Of Laser Skin Treatments
Our dermatology clinic offers comprehensive treatment options for laser skin rejuvenation that preferentially target facial collagen, thereby reducing wrinkles, improving skin tone and texture, tightening the skin, and reducing the visibility of facial pores. The high energy laser and light devices can provide remarkable improvements in the skin and the appearance of patients. While the use of laser treatment for facial rejuvenation is quite common, it is not without risk, which is why treatment should only be performed by an experienced clinician with a trusted dermatology clinic. Laser skin resurfacing can be used to treat the following.
- Acne scars
- Age spots
- Crow’s feet
- Drooping eyelids
- Large pores
- Sagging Skin
- Scars
- Sun-damaged skin
- Uneven skin texture
- Wrinkles
Am I A Candidate For Laser Resurfacing?
Patients may be good candidates for laser resurfacing if they have fine lines and/or wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, or forehead; shallow scars from acne; or non-responsible skin after a facelift. Laser facials may not be recommended for patients with acne or those with extremely dark skin tones as well as patients with deep wrinkles and excessive or sagging skin. This treatment is also not intended for treating stretch marks. To determine whether you are a candidate for laser skin treatment, contact our office today.
How Do I Prepare For A Laser Facial?
For the best results following a laser facial, your dermatologist may first recommend that patients undergo a series of treatments to prepare the skin for treatment. Oftentimes, these treatments begin six weeks prior to the scheduled procedure, and they are customized to each patient’s particular skin type in order to minimize complications and to obtain the best results from laser resurfacing. Prior to the procedure, the patient should ensure that their skin is freshly cleansed and without any lotions, oils, creams, or fragrances. If there is excessive hair in the treatment area, we may recommend shaving the area prior to treatment.
Patients should avoid sun exposure to the treatment area for two weeks before treatment — when exposed to the sun, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 35 or higher. Additionally, it’s recommended that patients avoid the use of any topic products which cause photosensitivity, such as hydroxyl acids, salicylic acid, retinol, and benzoyl peroxide, for a week before treatment. Injections of Botox® or dermal fillers and chemical peels should be avoided for at least 14 days before laser skin resurfacing. Safety is our priority. If the skin is not ready for laser, we’ll reschedule and address them next time.
What To Expect During Recovery
Skin that is treated with cosmetic lasers may react in multiple ways, but in the majority of cases, the treatment area feels as though it has been sunburned. Patients may experience some redness and swelling as well as itching or stinging for a few days after the procedure. Approximately a week following the procedure, the skin will become dry and peel — patients are advised to avoid scratching or disturbing the treatment area to avoid scarring. In order to ensure optimal recovery, patients should adhere to the following steps. In some cases, the treated skin may remain red or pink in color for several months after a laser facial and patients may experience advanced sensitivity to light for up to a year. Patients should minimize sun exposure and apply sun-protection liberally.
- Clean the treated areas two to five times per day, as directed by your dermatologist.
- Apply dermatologist-provided protective laser skin care treatments to aid in healing.
- Following healing, use a sunscreen that is formulated specifically for sensitive, rejuvenated skin on the face each day — no exceptions!
- Closely follow recovery instructions provided by the dermatologist.
Laser Facial Treatment Before & After
Once the skin has peeled and the recovery process is complete, the skin will be rejuvenated with immediately noticeable improvements to firmness, skin tone and texture, pore size, and tone. Improvements may continue for up to a year following laser resurfacing. While the effects of laser resurfacing can last for multiple years, the normal aging process and exposure to sun and other environmental factors may cause skin issues to reoccur. Laser resurfacing may require multiple treatments in order to achieve ideal results. Contact Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center for more information or to schedule a laser facial treatment!