Cosmetic laser treatment can reduce the appearances of scars and blemishes, tighten your skin naturally, improve the tone of your skin, and more. Andover Dermatology can help rejuvenate your skin for long-lasting results.
What is Cosmetic Laser Treatment?
Cosmetic laser treatment uses wavelengths of light to pinpoint targeted areas on your skin with extremely high accuracy. The type of laser and color of the beam used during a treatment will depend on the individual’s skin type, skin color, and treatment goals. In addition to correcting blemishes and discolorations, cosmetic laser treatment can stimulate your skin’s natural collagen production, resulting in naturally tighter skin.
Cosmetic laser treatment can improve a variety of beauty goals, including:
- Skin resurfacing
- Rejuvenate your face to correct color and tone
- Reduce the appearance of dark spots, sun spots, age spots, and melasma
- Reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Tighten your skin by promoting the natural production of collagen
- Reduce the appearance of vascular lesions (broken blood vessels just below the surface of the skin)
- Facilitate long-lasting hair removal
- Improves the appearance of acne scars
There are two main types of laser used during cosmetic laser treatment: ablative and non-ablative. There are several subtypes of lasers in these categories.
- Ablative Laser: Lasers that remove the topmost layer or layers of skin during treatment. These include CO2, Erbium, and Fractional lasers.
- Non-Ablative Laser: Lasers that do not remove any skin during treatment. These include Erbium, Pulsed-Dye, and Fractional lasers.
The type of laser used will depend on a variety of factors that your dermatologist will discuss with you during your consultation. Some individuals may need multiple cosmetic laser treatments to see their desired results.
Cosmetic laser treatments can be used on their own or as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation program. Your dermatologist will consult with you to determine the best method to help you reach your beauty goals.
How does Cosmetic Laser Treatment Work?
Before you receive a cosmetic laser treatment, your dermatologist will consult with you and review your medical history as well as the results you would like to see from your treatment. Cosmetic laser treatment is not right for everyone. Your dermatologist will also help determine if laser treatment is appropriate for your skin type and situation, and discuss alternate ways to reach your beauty goals if necessary.
If laser treatment is determined to be a safe and effective way to meet your goals, your doctor at Andover Dermatology will recommend a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. Your dermatologist will also explain what to expect from your treatment, answer any questions you may have about the procedure or post-treatment recovery, and make sure you are comfortable and confident about the procedure.
Cosmetic laser treatment is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can continue your normal activities following therapy.
- Ablative cosmetic laser treatments may require local anaesthetics to numb any pain or discomfort during the procedure since this type of laser penetrates the skin more deeply than non-ablative treatments. Ablative cosmetic laser treatments generally require time to recover, meaning that your skin may be red or scabbed for a week or two following treatment.
- Non-ablative cosmetic laser treatments may require local anaesthetics or a topical numbing cream. This type of treatment may cause mild discomfort, or no discomfort at all since this type of laser does not remove any layers of cells. Non-ablative laser treatment generally does not require any recovery time.
After your treatment, you may experience swelling or redness in the area that has been treated. Whether your treatment uses ablative or non-ablative cosmetic laser treatments, the specific details and duration of your recovery time vary from person to person. Some people may not see the results of laser surgery for several weeks following treatment.
Your dermatologist will advise you how to care for your skin at home. It’s important to follow their instructions as best as you can in order to enjoy the best results of treatment, as well as avoid infection.
Cosmetic Laser Treatment at Andover Dermatology
Cosmetic laser treatment can help rejuvenate your skin, remove blemishes, and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Andover Dermatology recommends that you consult with a dermatologist to ensure that cosmetic laser treatment is right for you.
At Andover Dermatology, we consult with you to develop a custom treatment plan tailored to your preferences and goals. We have over 30 years experience providing the best dermatology care in the Andover, MA and Salem, NH areas.
Give us a call to learn more about how we can help you rejuvenate your skin for a natural, youthful tone. We look forward to helping you look and feel your best.