Which Laser Treatment is Right for You?
- Posted on: Oct 22 2018
Even when you use effective skin care products that are targeted to your skin type and you combine that with effective in-office facials, you might still have some skin concerns that need a little extra help. The field of laser technology has advanced significantly over the last 10 years and there are now a number of laser treatments to treat most skin issues. The question I am often asked is, “Which laser treatment is best for my skin condition?”. Here are my choices for effective results for a variety of concerns:
To Treat Redness
1. Cutera Excel V Laser
Redness is caused by a variety of factors including genetics, sun damage, hormones and rosacea. Many people with red cheeks and veins on their nose, cheeks, and chin actually have rosacea. Physicians sometimes treat redness with prescription creams, but the most effective treatment is laser therapy. Specific laser wavelengths are delivered to the capillaries and small blood vessels in the skin to coagulate and close them down.
2. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Photofacial
For generalized redness, sometimes IPL treatments can also be effective. An IPL treatment feels like a small rubber band being snapped on your skin. Expect some swelling for 1 – 4 days post treatment. A series of treatments is usually needed (3 – 5) for best results especially with extensive rosacea. After the initial series, most people like to have a maintenance treatment every 6 to 12 months. Home maintenance is very important. Daily sunblock and the use of antioxidants such as Vitamin C topically is important for best results.
To Treat Hyperpigmentation / Brown Spots
1. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Photofacial
For general sun damage and hyper pigmentation, a series of IPL Photofacials (3 – 5) will fade brown spots. IPL will also boost collagen production for a brighter and more even toned skin.
2. Cutera Excel V Laser
With its targeted wavelength, Cutera Excel V laser can be used to selectively remove brown spots. Again you may experience swelling for 1- 4 days post treatment. These treatments should be followed by effective targeted skin care on a daily basis. Sunblock is essential and the use of a high grade retinol serum at night is very helpful. There are various skin brightening serums that are plant based and very natural that are also effective when used daily.
To Treat Excess Hair
1. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light )
Highly concentrated pulses of light are delivered to target the pigment in actively growing hair follicles. The laser heats the follicles until they are destroyed. Since only a percentage of hair follicles are active at any one time, a series of treatments is needed. Most people achieve desired results with a series of 5, but some people do require more. The treatment works best on those with light skin and dark hair. Occasionally, some clients have a medical condition that is causing excess hair growth. This needs to be diagnosed with blood work and then can be dealt with effectively.
For Overall Skin Smoothness & Plumping
1. Laser Genesis
This is one of my favourite treatments! There is no downtime and it is a very pleasant procedure that achieves results. A 1064 laser is used to deliver heat to the dermis. The heat stimulates fibroblasts to make more collagen and tighten the collagen we already have. As with other treatments, best results are achieved with a series of 5 spaced a month apart. This treatment can be combined with a Hydrafacial. We call that combined treatment a HYDRAGENESIS. It will have your skin feeling smoother and silkier than when you were a babe in arms!
To Treat Acne Scarring, Large Pore Size, & Uneven Texture
1. Sublative Fractional Resurfacing
Fractional resurfacing uses radio frequency to selectively heat the dermis and produce powerful collagen building and remolding of the dermis. This is different from a CO2 laser. CO2 laser completely ablates the epidermis to give great results but there is 3 – 4 weeks of downtime. With fractional resurfacing treatments, there is a 4 day social downtime (redness). For my lifestyle, I prefer the fractional resurfacing because I can have a treatment done and continue on with my work and life which is difficult to do with ablative resurfacing. Again, a series of treatments is needed. We usually suggest 3 and then re-evaluate in 6 months. For some people, their condition may require another 3 treatments. I can always tell when a client comes into the office after a series of sublative treatments; my usual comment is “WOW, your skin looks amazing!”.
What Else Do You Need To Know Before A Treatment?
1. Tanned Skin
IPL treatments for hair removal, photofacials, and Cutera Laser cannot be done on tanned skin. We are now entering into Laser Season, but it is important that you have no tan and you continue to use good sunblock containing either Zinc or Titanium dioxide (or both).
2. Downtime
With IPL and Cutera Excel V, you may experience some swelling for 1 – 4 days. With Sublative resurfacing, there will be 1 – 4 days of redness and swelling. Laser Genesis has no downtime at all and can be done on a lunchtime break from work.
3. Will The Results Last?
The original series of treatments, as outlined above, is for corrective measures. We are all subject to ongoing sun damage and rosacea is a genetic condition that needs ongoing management. With correct effective home care, your corrective results should last, but you may require a 6 – 12 monthly maintenance treatment to address ongoing sun damage and signs of ageing.
Correct Diagnosis Of Your Skin Concern Is Very Important
Not all brown spots are just sun damage. Brown facial pigment may be melasma which will be made worse with IPL Photofacials. Be sure to obtain a correct diagnosis from a physician before proceeding with any type of deeper corrective treatment.
With Effective Skin Care Products & Laser Treatments, Your Skin Will Look Fantastic!
Call for a consultation to have your skin concern diagnosed and find out which corrective treatment is right for you.
Dr. Pascoe
Viva Medical Aesthetics
250-746-6512
Posted in: Laser Therapy
