Whether you’re looking for a specific skincare goal or are curious about how you can enhance your complexion without undergoing surgery, you’ve likely heard of laser treatments of various kinds. Cosmetic lasers are used to treat or improve the appearance of the skin, hair, and other cosmetic areas of the body. You can find these lasers in various forms and styles, including those that target specific skin conditions or tones, such as treatment for rosacea and melasma (dark patches) on the face. Here are some of the key differences and definitions of the many types of laser treatments that are available at Dr. Golosow’s clinic in Ft. Meyers, FL.

How Do Lasers Work?

Lasers designed for cosmetic work typically involve an intense beam of light dialed into a specific wavelength that penetrates the skin to achieve different results. Treatments are customized based on wavelength, intensity, and skin type to best achieve a patient’s goals.

Various lasers can target multiple skin conditions depending on how they’re set up, including acne and rosacea, thin or loose skin, acne scars, non-scarring keloids, and stretch marks. Areas of skin that one might treat with a laser include the face, neck, arms and shoulders, chest and abdomen, bikini line, or buttocks.

Ablative vs. Non-Ablative Lasers

Ablative lasers may be used to treat many types of acne scars and improve the appearance of uneven skin tones. These lasers may work by removing highly precise layers of existing skin, resulting in a smoother, more even complexion.

In contrast, non-ablative lasers do not reduce, remove, or destroy existing skin to improve the appearance of the face; instead, they target the underlying collagen, fat, and blood vessels that cause various symptoms and conditions, such as pigmentation (red marks or discoloration).

Lasers are relatively new technologies in the cosmetic industry, and they can vary significantly in cost and performance depending on their size, manufacturer, etc. The largest cosmetic laser manufacturers are Sciton, Cynosure, and Cutera.

Skin Laser Procedures

1. Skin Tightening

This procedure aims to tighten loose skin by promoting collagen production deep in the layers of skin. It may be helpful for patients who have loose skin from weight loss or those with predisposed laxities, such as those who are aging and losing collagen through the natural decrease in collagen production over time.

2. Skin Rejuvenation

This type of treatment repairs damage to the dermis caused by skin aging, wrinkles, or scars. Cosmetic laser specialists use various devices and complementary procedures to help smooth wrinkled skin and improve complexion.

3. Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is becoming increasingly popular due to its increased effectiveness and comfort with newer laser technology. It uses specific wavelengths to target hair follicles to fade hair or thin hair over time to make it less noticeable and not necessary to shave or wax. Lasers can remove unwanted hair in specific body parts, including pubic hair, eyebrows, and underarms.

4. Acne

Active acne breakouts and acne scarring as the result of prior acne infections can be treated with various laser technology. Certain wavelengths are absorbed by the acne-causing bacteria, killing it and reducing the appearance of inflammation nearly immediately. Ablative lasers are often used to help the skin trigger its own regenerative process to minimize the appearance of scarring.

What Can a Cosmetic Laser Do for Me?

Cosmetic laser treatments may improve the look of uneven skin tones and scarring, remove hair in unwanted areas, improve the appearance of minor discoloration or increase collagen production for skin that is otherwise healthy but not producing enough. No matter what your goal, it’s possible that a non-surgical laser skincare treatment session can help you achieve it.

Skin Rejuvenation in Ft. Meyers, FL

Call or visit our website today to learn more about the cosmetic lasers that board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lorraine Golosow offers. Whether you have a specific concern in mind or just want your skin to have a more youthful radiance, our treatments, with or without lasers, can help you achieve a healthy-looking glow in no time. Call or contact us online to start a conversation about what you want from your skin rejuvenation treatment.