The Laser Era
When history looks back at this decade, it will likely be called the Laser Era. Over the past decade technology advances have made lasers a serious solution for wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, unsightly veins, unwanted hair and so much more. Lasers make it possible to treat many of the visible signs of aging on the skin’s surface, as well as some that develop beneath. Advancements have been so numerous and have arrived so quickly that it is difficult for consumers, and even some doctors, to keep pace.
“One laser cannot do it all”, says Spa 35’s Education Director, Devery Danforth. “And with so many advances in the industry-before considering a cosmetic laser treatment, it is important to understand the experience, training and background of the facility and laser technician performing the procedures. Consumers should look for groups who specialize in and have a clear expertise in skin and cosmetic lasers. A good cosmetic laser center will offer a variety of lasers and hopefully have a background in both surgical and non-surgical solutions to meet your individual goals. Reputable organizations will spend the time to understand your concerns and goals before recommending treatment options.”
Defining cosmetic lasers
Every laser emits light-a source of heat, as a means of treating various skin conditions. The color and power of the light source differentiates one laser from another. Recent technology advances have created exciting options for treating common cosmetic concerns, but understanding which laser procedure is right for your individual concerns can be a tricky endeavor. Before beginning a laser treatment series, be certain that you:
- Understand the basics of what a specific laser can do for a specific skin condition. Despite the marketing hype, most cosmetic lasers are only able to effectively treat one or two concerns. Understand what realistic expectations should be.
- Know whether the laser is ablative or not. Ablative and non-ablative lasers have very different results, side effects, risks & downtime.
- Define your goals.
- Know the possible side effects, downtime and risks involved.
- Know and accept your obligations as a client/patient before, during and after your course of laser treatments.
- Choose and organization who is trained and specializes in the use of more than one cosmetic laser. Ask the laser operator about their specific training in lasers, the number of lasers they work with and how many times they perform laser treatments in a week. It doesn’t make sense to risk being treated by someone who works with only one type of laser on an infrequent or part time basis.
- Choose and organization who works with a doctor who specializes in and has been medically trained in plastic surgery, dermatology or cosmetic surgery.
Ablative lasers
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Ablative lasers use the power of heat and light in a targeted beam to remove and resurface the skin, either superficially or through the deeper layers. Ablative lasers are the gold standard for laser skin resurfacing. Ablative lasers provide a “surface-repair” for fine lines and textural irregularities.
Cons: Ablative lasers require downtime for the skin to crust over, shed the scab and fully heal. Typically downtime can range from 3-5 days depending upon the depth of the laser treatment being performed.
Common types: Er:YAG 2940 & C02
Non-ablative lasers
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Most commonly referred to as IPL/BBL (Intense Pulsed Light/Broad Based Light) are the most common type of non-ablative lasers used. These types of lasers pass varying colors and strengths of light through the skin without removing it, and often without injury to the skin’s surface. The light source is targeted deep into the dermis to treat sun damage, age and liver spots, acne, facial veins, diffuse redness and spider veins. This type of laser is also used in laser hair removal. Non-ablative lasers have also shed light on rejuvenation by improving skin tone and clarity.
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Cons: Results may require multiple treatments and may not be suitable for all skin concerns.
Common types: IPL/BBL, Blue Light, Alexandrite 755, Nd:YAG 1064
6 Questions to ask before any cosmetic laser treatment
- What type of laser treatment do you recommend to address my individual concern?
- Will I need more than one treatment, what will be involved in my recovery and how long will it take to achieve my individual goals?
- What type of complexion diagnostic tools or software is available to better understand my skin’s current condition?
- What is the background and training the facility and individuals providing cosmetic laser treatments?
- Does the facility work with a dermatologist, plastic or cosmetic surgeon?
- What are realistic expectations?
Learn more about common skin concerns treated with cosmetic lasers.