Laser dermatology is a popular and effective way to treat a range of skin problems.
Lasers have changed the way we treat skin problems and continue to evolve and improve. Today, they can help with everything from birthmarks on babies to wrinkles, age spots, scars and unwanted tattoos or hair. As laser technology advances, these treatments have become more sophisticated and widely used.
If you’re considering laser dermatology, you may have questions about how the treatments work, what they can do, and what to expect. To explain, we spoke to Gerald GoldbergMD, dermatologist and laser specialist with Banner – University Medical Center Tucson. He shared information about different laser treatments and how they can improve your skin.
What can laser treatments treat?
Laser treatments can help with a variety of skin problems and are uniquely capable of treating certain conditions. Dermatologists use many different lasers depending on the condition they are treating.
“Dermatologists use the power of highly focused laser energies to produce a specific color (wavelength) of light, or band of light, that targets specific areas of the skin,” said Dr. Goldberg.
Lasers target different layers of the skin:
- Ablative lasers they work by heating and removing the surface of the skin. CO2 and Erbium YAG lasers are examples.
- Fractional lasers create small channels in the skin to stimulate recovery. Fraxel is an example of a known fractional laser.
- Non-ablative infrared lasers heat the surface to promote collagen production without affecting the surface. Common examples are infrared Nd:YAG lasers and IPL (intense pulsed light) devices.
What can laser treatments treat?
Red lesions
Laser treatments can treat conditions such as rosacea, which causes red blood vessels on the face, or redness and flushing of the face from sun damage to the neck. Visible, dilated red blood vessels on the face or legs can be treated using vascular lasers such as pulsed dye, KTP or IPL lasers.
“Vascular lasers can also treat red marks like hemangiomas or wine stains, even in young infants and children,” Dr. Goldberg said. “More complex red marks or conditions such as rhinophyma (WC Fields’ nose) may require a combination of laser treatments and surgery.”
Brown lesions
Lasers can target brown spots such as freckles (age spots) and melasma (the mask of pregnancy). Short-pulse (Q-switched) lasers are effective at breaking up pigment, which the body naturally absorbs, lightening pigmented areas over time.
“The laser, or IPL, targets the pigment in the skin, breaking it up so the body can absorb it naturally,” Dr. Goldberg said.
Wrinkles and skin rejuvenation
Many people look to lasers to improve skin quality, tighten skin and reduce wrinkles. Various laser devices, including CO2, infrared and Erbium :YAG lasers, treat a wide range of skin aging problems, from mild procedures with minimal downtime to more advanced treatments such as laser skin resurfacing for deeper skin resurfacing.
“Laser skin resurfacing can often provide the most dramatic results in a single treatment and take years off your appearance, especially for issues such as smoker’s lip lines or overall improvement in facial skin texture,” said Dr. Goldberg.
Laser skin tightening
For people with mild skin sagging (sagging), fine lines and wrinkles, a series of gentle laser procedures with minimal downtime can provide significant improvement.
“Infrared ‘non-ablative’ lasers like an Nd:YAG gently heat the deeper layers of the skin, boosting collagen production and tightening the skin,” said Dr. Goldberg. “These treatments are associated with very little downtime and are usually performed in series over several months for the best results.”
Tattoo removal
Lasers are a popular method of tattoo removal. Short pulse lasers break down the tattoo ink and the body naturally absorbs it over time.
“Tattoos of almost all colors can be treated with multiple sessions to achieve significant fading or complete removal,” said Dr. Goldberg.
The number of treatments will depend on the size, color density and depth of the tattoo.
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is a widely recognized way of reducing unwanted hair. The laser targets the hair follicles (the roots of the hair), destroying them to slow hair growth. After several treatments, hair shrinks, growth slows, and density decreases, often resulting in permanent hair loss.
Laser hair removal works best on people with dark hair and lighter skin tones. However, most skin types can be treated if the hair has some pigmentation.
Scars
Laser treatment can improve the appearance of scars, whether from surgery, trauma, acne or keloid scars. Fractional ablative lasers create channels in the scar, which remove damaged skin layers and promote scar remodeling and smoothing, while vascular lasers target blood vessels to reduce redness in new scars.
“When treating acne or other scars, the laser focuses on damaged skin, promoting healing and stimulating collagen remodeling to improve skin quality and texture,” said Dr. Goldberg.
What to expect during a laser treatment session
Before the procedure
Laser treatments are usually done in a specialized operating room in a dermatologist’s office. Before your treatment, the doctor will go over the procedure so you know what to expect. Many procedures are simply done with local anesthetic and others may occasionally require a mild sedative before the procedure.
Dr. Goldberg recommends planning ahead for aftercare. “It’s important to buy any supplies you’ll need before the procedure, such as skin creams and sunscreen,” she said.
During the process
Comfort during the procedure is paramount. Dermatology practices often have various tools to help patients feel more comfortable, including local anesthetics, nerve blocks, sedatives, cool air, ice, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
You may feel a warm or tingling sensation, often compared to a rubber band hitting your skin. Depending on the type of laser and the condition being treated, you may see results within a few days or it may take a few sessions for results to appear.
After the procedure
Recovery time depends on the type of laser used. Ablative lasers can cause redness, swelling and peeling for several days, while non-ablative treatments usually involve mild redness and swelling.
Follow your dermatologist’s skin care instructions, which may include moisturizing the skin, avoiding sun exposure, and using gentle skin care products.
Are there any side effects or risks?
As with any procedure, laser treatments have risks. “It’s important to work with an experienced professional,” said Dr. Goldberg.
Improper laser use can lead to scarring, pigment changes or infection. Careful preparation, expert care, and proper monitoring can help minimize these risks.
How much do laser treatments cost?
The cost of laser treatments can vary widely depending on the procedure and the area being treated. Cosmetic laser treatments, such as hair removal or skin resurfacing, typically range from $300 to $500 for small areas. Larger, more comprehensive treatments can cost several thousand dollars.
While most cosmetic treatments are not covered by insurance, treatments for medical conditions, such as painful scars or large facial scars, may be.
Is laser therapy right for you?
Laser treatments can improve many skin conditions, but they are not for everyone. Talk to an experienced dermatologist who can assess your skin and recommend the best option for you. Your skin type, condition, and tolerance for downtime will play a role in choosing the most appropriate laser treatment.
Takeaway
Laser dermatology offers a wide range of safe and effective treatments with minimal downtime. Whether you’re dealing with an unwanted birthmark or hair, facial redness, pigment spots, wrinkles, scars or tattoos, there’s likely a laser treatment that can help.
If you are considering a procedure, talk to a qualified dermatologist or Banner Health specialist to learn more about your options and what to expect during treatment.
