Everything you need to know about Laser Treatments

These days, besides botox and fillers, there exists a wide range of skin laser treatments available for those seeking to reduce signs of aging. And the benefits of skin laser treatments don’t just end there – skin laser treatments are well loved for the myriad of skin problems they can ‘fix’.  But how exactly does laser work and are they suitable for everyone?

Who is suitable for laser?

These days there is a laser, light device, ultrasound therapy and infrared therapy that can treat almost anybody. However it’s still important to bear in mind that not all lasers are created equal and that different laser and light devices address different skin concerns.

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What problems can laser treatments correct?

The great thing about laser treatments is that they address just about every complexion and aging concern of the skin, including hyperpigmentation, acne scars, acne rosacea, broken capillaries, collagen production, stretch marks, fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, cellulite, tattoo removal and even excess fat.

What types of lasers are out there and what do they do?

Thanks to our body’s ability to utilize different wavelength or colors of light to re-energize aging cells and to heal various skin conditions, we could harness the benefits from various types of lasers used in skin laser therapy.  The wavelength, peaks of the laser light, pulse durations and how the target skin tissue absorbs the laser will all help to determine the clinical applications of the laser types.

Lasers are typically divided into ablative and non-ablative lasers. Ablative lasers is a superficialluy wounding laser that removes the outer layers and tissue from the skin whereas non-ablative lasers treat the tissue beneath the skin without removal of tissue, ie without any downtime, to stimulate collagen growth and to promote skin tightening.

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How do you choose a laser treatment?

As a layman, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and confused with all the options available. Rather than getting caught up with particular brand names, focus on what your skin goals are.

It’s best to consult with a certified and experienced aesthetic doctor who can provide sound advice on what your skin needs and the type of laser(s) suitable for you, based on your skin type, lifestyle and even budget.

How often should you undergo laser treatments?

This depends largely on the patient’s skin concern and skin type, as each laser and light device requires a different number of sessions and frequency. Ablative/aggressive lasers may require only one treatment in a span of 12 months whereas less aggressive lasers may require 3-5 treatments for the same period.

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Do different lasers have different recovery times?

Yes. Recovery varies, depending on the type of laser treatment used. Due to the way ablative lasers work, these would lend a longer downtime than non-ablative lasers.  Non-ablative lasers could have as little as zero recovery time whereas ablative lasers would generally require a minimum of 5-7 days of downtime.

Are lasers suitable for all skin tones?

As much as we love what lasers can do for our skin, we should be mindful that not all skin colors react to lasers the same way. For tanned or dark skin types, the risks of side effects such as having more blotchiness or brown spots increase, but this does not mean there aren’t lasers that are suitable for you. Do not hesitate to speak with your aesthetic doctor about this. An experience doctor will be able to adjust the settings of the laser treatment to ensure that it’s safe for you.

Post laser maintenance

Lasers generally aren’t the cheapest aesthetic options out there so if you’re going to be paying good money for this, a basic home maintenance is required to help you optimise the results from your laser treatment. This should include avoiding the sun as much as possible within the first week post treatment, regular use of sunscreen, retinoids and vitamin c serum.