10+ Types of Laser Treatments for Skin & Their Main Benefits
Aesthetics Daily – In recent years, the rapid advancement of laser technology has made it widely used to treat various skin conditions and problems. ‘Laser’ itself is an acronym for ‘light amplification by the stimuated emission of radiation’. Some of the properties contained in lasers include monochromatic, coherent, and collimated.
Light is generated in the optical cavity which contains media which can be gas, liquid, and solid. Each medium produces a specific wavelength which may be in the visible or infrared spectrum.
Laser Treatments Performed by Dermatologists
1. Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. This procedure sheds a very concentrated light onto the hair follicles. Pigments in the follicles absorb light that damages hair and inhibits its growth.
The laser can selectively remove dark and coarse hair while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. Areas of the body where the laser can be used include the legs, back, face, armpits, bikini line, chin, and other areas. The price of laser hair removal treatment depends on the size of the area being treated and the time it takes for the treatment.
2. Laser Tatoo Removal
Laser removes tattoos by breaking down the pigment color with a high intensity beam of light. Black tattoo pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths, making it the easiest color to treat. Other colors can only be processed with a laser that is selected based on the pigment color.
The amount of treatment you need will depend on the age, color, and size of the tattoo. The color of your skin and the depth of pigment in the tattoo will also affect the removal technique. Prior to treatment, it is best if you schedule a consultation with a professional practitioner. They will evaluate the tattoo and provide a detailed explanation of the process.
3. Laser Thread Vein Removal
Thread veins, spider veins, and broken veins are a very common problem for many people. These veins look like small, flat red blood vessels or thicker purplish veins on the surface of the legs or face.
Depending on your skin type, some redness and swelling may be seen, but it will usually subside about 48 hours after treatment. The lesions may appear darker about 5 – 7 days later. This fast and effective treatment usually takes about 3 – 6 sessions every 4 – 6 weeks.
4. Strawberry Lipo Laser
The FDA-approved strawberry lipo laser is a cool, low-grade, red laser designed to reduce fat. This helps remove inches in the targeted area. The biggest benefit of strawberry lipo laser is that it reduces body fat while making the skin smoother and firmer.
Strawberry lipo laser which is also useful for reducing cellulite which works to destroy fat cells from within. The laser penetrates your skin, targeting fat cells but conserving blood vessels. The energy from the laser breaks down fat, releasing it through your urine.
5. Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus
Laser devices emit energy waves that generate heat. When used to treat onychomycosis, the laser is directed so that the heat will penetrate the toenail into the nail bed where the fungus is.
In response to heat, infected tissue gasifies and decomposes, destroying the fungus and surrounding skin and nails. The heat from the laser also has a sterilizing effect that helps prevent new mold growth.
6. Laser Treatment for Acne Scars
This treatment aims to minimize the appearance of old acne scars. Most people with acne have scar tissue. In addition to focusing light on the top layer to destroy scar tissue, this laser treatment promotes the growth of new skin cells. Although this laser treatment does not completely remove acne scars, it can reduce their appearance.
In order to provide long-lasting results and maximum improvement for the patient, the dermatologist schedules a series of laser treatments. This is often necessary when using non-ablative laser types. It can take months to see the results of the laser treatment for acne scars. Maybe you see a little improvement at first.
7. Laser Stretchmark Removal
One of the main benefits of laser stretchmark removal is the lack of surgery. By stimulating the collagen growth in the skin, this procedure that has minimum downtime reduce the appearance of wrinkles and make the skin look better.
You will see tangible results after a series of treatment sessions. Laser light which is effective at stimulating collagen and elastin will cause noticeable changes in the appearance of the skin, gradually making the stretch marks less noticeable.
8. Laser Birthmark Reduction
Depending on the type of birthmark, the procedure takes 15 minutes to 3 hours. Laser treatments for birthmarks are all clinically tested, performed by licensed practitioners. With a cure time of less than a week, this treatment can be repeated every one to three months.
Patients may not notice significant changes until several weeks after treatment. In the treated area, the patient may feel a slight stinging sensation similar to a mild sunburn.
9. Laser Anti-Wrinkle Treatment
Laser treatment to remove wrinkles using a Q switch laser with four different wavelengths. These lasers stimulate collagen production and repair damaged or affected areas of the skin. This process is used to help promote anti-aging by improving skin texture, minimizing the appearance of fine lines, and reducing pore size.
Depending on the need to reduce wrinkles, as well as the size and number of spots and age, treatment usually ranges from 15 to 45 minutes. For longer lasting results, treatments need to be done every 4 weeks, at least 4 treatments.
10. Laser Skin Resurfacing
This treatment is designed to stimulate natural collagen production in the skin of the face, chest, neck and hands leading to steady rejuvenation for several months and lasting for several years. Additionally, fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing can be used in combination with other treatments.
Other benefits of fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing include: minimizing sun damage, acne scars and fine lines. This minimal-downtime treatment also improves skin texture, evens out skin tone, and stimulates collagen for firmer, youthful skin.
11. Laser Wart Removal
Laser wart removal is more effective and convenient than other removal methods such as freezing, acid application and cutting. Certified doctors use lasers for removal. The laser works by cutting off the blood supply to the wart.
The warts will dry out and peel off after treatment. Most warts will go away permanently after one treatment. However, you may need more than one treatment depending on the condition of the wart and the area being treated.
12. Laser Treatment for Skin Whitening
Dermatologists use a short, concentrated laser beam to remove dark and damaged skin tissue. Lasers are used to remove the top layer of skin and remove the lower layer on the upper side of the epidermis.
In laser treatment, heat is used to underlie the dermis and help create new skin tissue. The skin’s immune system eventually removes residual pigment. As a result, the skin looks healthier and brighter than before.
