What is PDL?
Before we dive in, let’s quickly classify the two main types of lasers: ablative and non-ablative. “A fractionated ablative laser vaporizes small columns of skin from the outside in, so all layers of the skin are affected,” Dr. Herrmann said. “Nonablative lasers and energy-based devices target deeper structures and protect the surface of the skin.” Laser ablation is the more “intense” of the two (think: Fraxel) and requires much more downtime to heal, as well as specific ointments.
The PDL is a non-ablative laser.
So how does PDL work? “The laser light targets hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells,” said Dr. Herrmann. “It heats it up, and that heat collaterally damages the walls of the blood vessels that surround it, causing them to collapse and disappear. Because we have so many extra vessels in the skin, removing a few has no negative health consequences.”
Does the PDL hurt?
I have a fairly high pain tolerance and have had my skin treated with many non-surgical procedures (removal lasers, fillers, botox and the like) and for me this laser is not painful. When you go for PDL, it probably won’t need to be numb – each zapping of the laser feels like a little snap of a rubber band.
The most annoying part of the process, in my opinion, is the cold blast of air that the machine shoots out to offset the heat from the laser. I wouldn’t say the whole thing is particularly painful — it just kind of catches you by surprise every time it fires. Plus, it only takes five minutes, depending on the number of boats you have to take care of.
What you can expect for downtime
Full disclosure: the photos above are from the second round of PDL shooting. The first time I had the treatment, Dr. Herrmann used a lower setting on the laser, which unfortunately didn’t do the trick. So the second time, she used a higher setting, which left me a little red right after and gave me some little red bruises that faded in about a week. This is normal, according to Dr. Herrmann.
“The vessels may also turn a darker purple and fade in a few weeks,” he said. “If the redness is persistent, we sometimes deliberately use higher energy to create small bruises, which is usually more effective in reducing the redness.” He also noted that you should be careful to only get laser treatment from a qualified MD or laser specialist, as it can cause skin burns or scarring if not performed correctly.
Dr. Herrmann also said, “Sometimes one treatment effectively clears the capillaries, but often a series is needed to combat the more widespread redness, especially in the case of rosacea. Redness can also return slowly over time, so it can to recommend future treatments.”
What is the aftercare of PDL treatments?
Since PDL targets the deeper layers of the skin instead of the surface, you can almost go back to your regular skin care routine. That said, go easy! Stick to moisturizer instead of active ingredients for about a week or until any redness subsides. Dr. Herrmann reminds us that sunscreen should always be used after laser treatments and can be applied immediately after treatment.
Is there anyone who should not take PDL?
Like many laser treatments, people with darker skin tones may not be good candidates. “Very dark skin is more likely to burn, so we usually avoid treatments in these cases,” Dr. Herrmann said. Be sure to talk to your dermatologist about your options if you have more tanned skin.
