Laser Treatment

What is a Laser?

A laser is a high powered medical device that delivers a specific wavelength of light. Lasers are used in medicine because of the ability of this specific light to damage only the unwanted portion of skin. Although lasers are not magic, they are superior to previously available treatments. Laser light is only damaging to the lesions being treated. In this way, we can selectively alleviate many skin problems leaving the uninvolved, normal skin unharmed, essentially eliminating the risk of scarring. The use of lasers in medicine was pioneered by a dermatologist in the 1960's and has since proven to be the standard of care for the treatment of many skin problems.

What is expected from laser treatment?

Laser light is administered to the skin, in short, high powered bursts of light called pulses. When a pulse of light reaches the skin, it feels like a "rubber band snap". This sensation is minimal and is tolerated well, usually without need for local anesthetics (except in the case of facial resurfacing for wrinkle treatment). The skin may or may not become discolored for a short period, but can be camouflaged with cover-up if this is cosmetically concerning. The treated area begins to improve over time and the full effects of laser treatment are not usually noted until after 4-8 weeks. Side effects, such as scarring and pigmentary changes are exceptionally rare with laser treatment. In some cases, patients may be asked to avoid sun tanning for a short time after treatment by using sunscreens. The cost of laser treatment is variable depending on which laser is used and the size of the area of skin that is treated.

What can be treated with lasers?

Wrinkles, aged and sun-damaged skin; acne scars, surgical scars and hypertrophic scars; tattoos, stretch marks, unwanted hair, and spider leg veins. Dilated blood vessels, hemangiomas, port wine stains and other blood vessel problems; age spots, freckles, cafe-au-lait birthmarks and pigment lesions. Of course, as technology improves & grows, so does the number and types of problems and people who benefit from laser treatment!

We have multiple lasers that are used for many different applications. Whether it is birthmarks, sunspots, or psoriasis, we use five different lasers in the practice. Please do not hesitate to ask us if you have any further questions on the lasers. Below, you will find a brief summary of what each one is used for.