No Travel + No Tan = An Excellent Time for Laser Treatments!
- Posted on: Jan 22 2021
There is ALWAYS a silver lining. We are all living under some restrictions for now, but for those who want to improve rosacea, brown pigment, unwanted hair, or facial texture, NOW is the perfect time to do laser treatments. Below you will find Dr. Pascoe’s answers to some frequently asked questions about laser treatment.
WHAT DOES LASER TREAT?
Most commonly, either laser or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology is used in the winter to treat rosacea, facial and leg veins, pigment, and unwanted hair.
WHY ARE LASER TREATMENTS DONE IN THE WINTER?
Laser and IPL do not differentiate between your tan and your brown spots caused by sun damage. As a result, if you have a tan, that color will also be removed. You will be left with a white spot, which is not desirable. At Viva Medical Aesthetics, we insist on using a Zinc containing sunblock for at least one month before laser treatments to prevent this complication.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT TYPE OF LASER TREATMENT I NEED?
A thorough skin assessment by a physician is recommended before treatment to diagnose your skin type and particular issue. Melasma, a condition that causes deep pigment areas, needs to be identified accurately as treatments with IPL will actually make this type of pigmentation worse. There are other options for treating melasma, including treatment with a true laser combined with lightening creams, glycolic peels, retin, and vitamin C.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED AND HOW OFTEN?
To treat pigment and rosacea, usually, 3 treatments done every 4 weeks are necessary to begin, and then most people will do a maintenance treatment yearly. Most people achieve satisfactory results with 5 treatments spaced every 4 – 6 weeks for laser hair reduction; however, some need less and some more.
WHAT DOES A TREATMENT FEEL LIKE?
Most people say treatments are very manageable and feel like a hot rubber band being released.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER A TREATMENT?
With facial treatments for browns and reds, there may be some swelling for 2 – 4 days. This is managed with ice and the use of a non-drowsy antihistamine. Swelling does not always occur but should be planned for. The brown pigment will turn darker and gradually flake off in 7 – 10 days.
IS LASER TREATMENT MY BEST OPTION?
This depends on your type of skin and what you are hoping to achieve. A medical aesthetic physician’s consultation is the best way to have your options discussed and a treatment plan laid out specifically for you.
So, here’s to a great 2021! We are fortunate to be still open at Viva Medical Aesthetics, as this is the PERFECT year for LASER TREATMENTS.
Read more about LASER and IPL on our website.
Tagged with: brown, laser, melasma, pigment, red, tan
Posted in: Laser Therapy