When people think of lasers, the first thing that might come to mind is something used to play with their cat or “sharks with laser beams attached to their heads,” maybe even the destruction of an entire planet in a popular science fiction movie. But, did you know they have a place in cosmetics as well? That’s right. Aesthetic lasers can be used to treat several different conditions and help improve your overall appearance and confidence. But, first, let’s look at what an aesthetic laser is.
What is an aesthetic laser?
Aesthetic lasers are federally regulated medical devices that can be operated by a certified medical professional or a trained technician.
While lasers have been around since 1958, using them for cosmetic purposes started to take off in the 1990s as a hair and wrinkle removal option. There were some drawbacks. Thanks to the power of science, they have been improved. Now, they are a safe and effective option for many conditions.
What do aesthetic lasers treat?
Here are a few things you may want to consider an aesthetic laser treatment to help in your skin goals.
- Sunspots
- Uneven pigmentation
- Red and Brown Spots
- Spider and Varicose veins
- Fine lines & wrinkles
- Skin laxity
- Hair removal
Who is the ideal candidate for aesthetic laser treatments
When it comes to the ideal candidate for aesthetic laser treatments, it’s better to look at who is NOT a good candidate instead.
Here are the top four reasons why someone might not be a good candidate for an aesthetic laser treatment:
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- Darker pigmentation of the skin
- Active acne
- Deep wrinkles
- Excessive sagging skin
Types of laser resurfacing
There are three types of aesthetic lasers that we use here at Skincredible:
Each one has its best uses and benefits. So let’s break them down.
Intense Pulsed Light (ILP)
IPL uses light to target a specific color in your face. Heating up the skin causes your body to get rid of the unwanted cells, thus getting rid of what you’re being treated for. An IPL device emits multiple wavelengths of pulsating lights, so you can treat more than one type of problem at once.
Fraxel®
Fraxel® rejuvenates the skin by penetrating deeply into the skin, reviving its natural elasticity, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, and restoring skin tone. It’s safe to be used on any skin type, including darker skin tones.
CO2
CO2 lasers use short bursts of high-energy infrared light to heat up the top layer of the epidermis (the outermost part of the dermis), which causes the collagen fibers to contract and tighten.
During the procedure, the epidermis is vaporized, and the dermal (innermost part of the dermis) layers heat up, stimulating the growth and production of new fibers. As the area heals and new, firmer, smooth skin replaces the old layers, the result is a tighter, healthier-looking complexion.
What to expect from a laser treatment?
Each treatment has its own quirks regarding what to expect before, during, and after. What most people want to know is, “What will my downtime be?” and “what should I expect during recovery?”
After IPL, you may feel like you have a sunburn for anywhere between four to six hours. Your skin may also be bruised for a day or so afterward. Some brown spots may get darker, but they usually peel off within a few weeks.
Following a Fraxel® treatment, some patients may have swelling, peeling, or redness for up to seven days.
Of all the treatments, CO2 resurfacing requires the most significant downtime and could take up to two weeks for your face to fully recover from the procedure. During recovery, you may experience redness, crusting, drying of your face, and peeling and flaking.
Are you ready?
Our trained clinicians are available to assist you in achieving your skincare goals, and if upon consultation, it’s decided aesthetic lasers are not for you, have no fear. We will get you on the right path with the proper treatment for your skin.
