People will always value and strive for beauty; we want to look our best and maintain a healthy and youthful glow. It is important to understand that aesthetic procedures are not about trying to achieve eternal youth but more about enhancing the harmony of your features and improving the quality of your skin. With the right treatment plan, lasers can assist in providing you with younger looking and feeling skin. Try to think of these treatments as a way to age gracefully, not to try to avoid the passage of time or the changes that come with it.  Laser Skin Treatments offer solutions that improve the signs of aging and will give you a refreshed, natural look.

 What is a Laser Treatment?

The term laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (amplification of light by stimulated emission of radiation). Specifically, it is a beam of light that is sent to target things such as:

• The water in the cells.

• The melanin: a pigment that protects the skin against the sun’s rays.

• The hemoglobin one of the main blood molecules.

The energy of the laser modifies the structure of the target when heating it, coagulating it or destroying it. The body responds by regenerating itself. Some cells are renewed and then they produce more collagen and fibroblasts; molecules that provide firmness and elasticity to the skin.

Why use Laser Treatments?

Lasers are useful for anyone who wishes to mitigate the effects of time. They treat concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, mild acne scarring and skin flaccidity. It is common to treat areas on the face, neck, chest and even the back of the hands. But understand that there is specific age when you should begin using laser treatments to address your concerns. The condition of our skin is ever-changing and will be different throughout our lives. So it is best for you to evaluate what your needs are with a skin care professional before starting any treatment plan or procedure.

 Some lasers are particularly beneficial if aging is the main concern and especially for people who are noticing the damaging effects from the sun.

Through the regenerative process that the laser initiates, the skin will have more homogeneity and firmness. It also reduces small imperfections such as rosacea and/or sun damage.

Laser Skin Treatments address concerns that occur over time and the consequences from habits such as over-exposure to the sun and other detrimental lifestyle choices. There are no “cures” for these conditions, however, the use of lasers will help to improve the skin by:

• Closing the pores.

• Reducing and even removing some spots.

• Improving the texture of the skin.

• Diminishing expression lines, superficial and deep wrinkles.

• Giving luminosity to the tone of the skin.

• Fighting cutaneous flaccidity.

 Are all Lasers the same?

The answer is simply no, they are not. Let’s go over some of the most common types of lasers used in skin rejuvenation.

 Conventional Laser:

Also known as a resurfacing laser, it treats the entire area of concern in a single session. It works by burning the epidermis superficially and heating the dermis. This increases the production of collagen, the molecule responsible for the firmness of the skin.

 Fractional laser:

Fractional laser, as the name suggests, divides its action; it does not affect the entire area to be treated but leaves intervals between its objectives. In this manner, it limits the risk of complications and allows faster healing.

 Fractional lasers are divided into two categories:

• Non-ablative lasers: These lasers do not affect the superficial layer of the epidermis. Rather, they act in depth by heating the tissue and causing a stimulation of collagen production.

• Ablative lasers: Combine the elimination of the surface of the epidermis and the heating of the dermis.

Pulsed light laser:

These lasers stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, the two molecules that ensure the firmness and elasticity of the skin. They allow skin remodeling and the reduction of age spots.

 Most laser treatments don’t require mandatory preparation before sessions. However, some dermatologists recommend sun protection during the two weeks before treatment to give rest to the cells that produce melanin and prevent hyper-pigmentation after the treatment.

 Before the LaserTreatment:

The sessions last from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the area(s) to be treated. Local or general anesthesia is sometimes necessary, depending on the type of laser. Some laser treatments can be uncomfortable but tolerable.

After the Laser Treatment:

The recovery after a conventional CO2 laser treatment is especially difficult, so people are using them less and less. They not only require general anesthesia, but also often cause a work stoppage of a few days. The scabbing of the entire face lasts at least two weeks and the redness may persist for 2 to 3 months. Sun exposure is prohibited for almost 6 months!

For fractional CO2 lasers, insulation is recommended for 5 to 7 days. The dermatologist or cosmetic doctor will recommend the application of a healing cream that possesses these qualities:

• A product with a rich texture at the beginning which will help safely remove the crusts that may appear at times (depending on the type of laser chosen).

• A lighter product for after the disappearance of the scabs and during the time the redness persists.

For other fractional lasers and pulsed light, it is not necessary to insulate because there will only be mild redness. That redness can be reduced by the application of a healing cream with a light texture. Use what is recommended by the dermatologist or aesthetic provider.

Finally, in the case of the treatment of rosacea and other imperfections, the aesthetic provider can also recommend a soothing, healing cream that should be applied for 2-3 days post treatment. It will help relieve the skin and reduce inflammation and redness.

 Remember that it is essential to follow the advice of your practitioner or aesthetic provider before, during and after receiving a laser treatment. Our team will provide you with all of the information you need to feel confident about getting the most out of your treatments. We will provide information about all of our different procedures, determine which is best for your unique circumstances and desired outcome, in a comfortable setting.