Laser dermatology is a popular and effective way to treat a range of skin concerns.
Lasers have changed how we treat skin issues and they continue to evolve and improve. Today, they can help with everything from birthmarks in infants to wrinkles, age spots, scars and unwanted tattoos or hair. As laser technology advances, these treatments have become more refined and widely used.
If you're considering laser dermatology, you might have questions about how the treatments work, what they can do and what to expect. To help explain, we spoke with Gerald Goldberg, MD, a dermatologist and laser specialist with Banner – University Medical Center Tucson. He shared insights into different laser treatments and how they can improve your skin.
What laser treatments can treat
Laser treatments can help with a variety of skin issues and are uniquely capable of treating certain conditions. Dermatologists use many different lasers depending on the condition they are treating.
“Dermatologists use the power of highly focused laser energies to produce one specific color (wavelength) of light or band of light, which targets specific areas of the skin,” Dr. Goldberg said.
Lasers target different layers of the skin:
- Ablative lasers work by heating and removing the skin’s surface. CO2 and Erbium YAG lasers are examples.
- Fractional lasers create small channels in the skin to stimulate repair. Fraxel is an example of a well-known fractional laser.
- Non-ablative infrared lasers heat the subsurface to promote collagen production without affecting the surface. Common examples are Nd:YAG infrared lasers and IPL (intense pulsed light) devices.
What laser treatments can treat
Red lesions
Laser treatments can treat conditions like rosacea, which causes red facial vessels or facial redness and redness from sun damage on the neck. Visible, enlarged red blood vessels on the face or legs can be treated using vascular lasers like pulsed dye, KTP lasers or an IPL.
“Vascular lasers can also treat red birthmarks like hemangiomas or port wine stains, even in young infants and children,” Dr. Goldberg said. “More complicated red birthmarks or conditions like rhinophyma (WC Fields’ nose) may require a combination of laser treatments and surgery.”
Brown lesions
Lasers can target brown spots, such as lentigines (age spots) and melasma (the mask of pregnancy). Short-pulsed (Q-switched) lasers are effective for breaking up pigment, which the body absorbs naturally, lightening pigmented areas over time.
“The laser or IPL targets the pigment in the skin, breaking it up so the body can naturally absorb it,” Dr. Goldberg said.
Wrinkles and skin rejuvenation
Many people seek lasers to improve skin quality, tighten skin and reduce wrinkles. Various laser devices, including CO2, infrared and Erbium :YAG lasers, address a wide range of skin aging concerns, from mild procedures with minimal downtime to more advanced treatments such as laser skin resurfacing for deeper skin remodeling.
“Laser skin resurfacing can often deliver the most dramatic results in a single treatment and take years off your appearance, especially for issues like smoker's lip lines or overall facial skin textural improvement,” Dr. Goldberg said.
Laser skin tightening
For those with mild skin sagging (laxity), fine lines and wrinkles, a series of gentle laser procedures with minimal downtime can provide significant improvement.
“Infrared "non-ablative" lasers such as an Nd:YAG gently heat the deeper layers of the skin, enhancing collagen production and tightening the skin,” Dr. Goldberg said. “These treatments are associated with very little downtime and are usually performed in a series over several months for the best results.”
Tattoo removal
Lasers are a popular method for tattoo removal. Short-pulsed lasers break up the tattoo ink, and the body naturally absorbs it over time.
“Tattoos of almost all colors can be treated with multiple sessions to achieve significant fading or complete removal,” Dr. Goldberg said.
The number of treatments will depend on the tattoo's size, color density and depth.
Laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is a widely recognized way to reduce unwanted hair. The laser targets hair follicles (the roots of the hair), damaging them to slow hair growth. After several treatments, hair shrinks, growth slows and density decreases, often resulting in permanent hair reduction.
Laser hair removal works best on people with dark hair and lighter skin tones. However, most skin types can be treated if the hair has some pigmentation.
Scars
Laser therapy can improve the appearance of scars, whether from surgery, trauma, acne or keloid scars. Fractional ablative lasers create channels in the scar, which remove damaged layers of skin and promote scar remodeling and smoothing, while vascular lasers target blood vessels to reduce redness in new scars.
“When treating acne or other scars, the laser focuses on the damaged skin, promoting healing and stimulating collagen remodeling to improve the skin’s quality and texture,” Dr. Goldberg said.
What to expect during a laser treatment session
Before the procedure
Laser treatments are typically done in a specialized procedure room in a dermatologist’s office. Before your treatment, the doctor will review the procedure, so you know what to expect. Many procedures are done simply with a topical anesthetic, and others may occasionally require a light sedative medication before the procedure.
Dr. Goldberg recommends planning ahead for aftercare. “It’s important to purchase any materials you’ll need in advance of the procedure, such as skin creams and sunscreens,” he said.
During the procedure
Comfort during the procedure is of paramount concern. Dermatology practices often have various tools to help patients feel more comfortable, including topical anesthetics, nerve blocks, sedative medications, cool air, ice and nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
You might feel a warm or tingling sensation, often compared to a rubber band snapping against your skin. Depending on the type of laser and the condition being treated, you might see results within a few days, or it may take a few sessions for results to appear.
After the procedure
Recovery time depends on the type of laser used. Ablative lasers can cause redness, swelling and peeling for several days, while non-ablative treatments typically involve mild redness and swelling.
Follow your dermatologist’s care instructions, which may include moisturizing the skin, avoiding sun exposure and using gentle skincare products.
Are there side effects or risks?
As with any procedure, laser treatments have risks. “It’s important to work with an experienced professional,” Dr. Goldberg said.
Improper laser use can lead to scarring, pigment changes or infection. Careful preparation, expert care and proper follow-up can help minimize these risks.
How much do laser treatments cost?
The cost of laser treatments can vary widely depending on the procedure and the area being treated. Cosmetic laser treatments, such as hair removal or skin resurfacing, typically range from $300 to $500 for small areas. Larger, more comprehensive treatments can cost several thousand dollars.
While most cosmetic treatments aren’t covered by insurance, treatments for medical conditions, like painful scars or large facial birthmarks, may be covered.
Is laser treatment right for you?
Laser treatments can improve many skin conditions but are not for everyone. Speak with an experienced dermatologist who can evaluate your skin and recommend the best option for you. Your skin type, condition and tolerance for downtime will all play a role in selecting the most appropriate laser treatment.
Takeaway
Laser dermatology offers a wide range of safe and effective treatments with minimal downtime. Whether you’re dealing with an unwanted birthmark or hair, facial redness, pigment spots, wrinkles, scars or tattoos, there’s likely a laser treatment that can help.
If you're considering a procedure, speak with a qualified dermatologist or a Banner Health specialist to learn more about your options and what to expect during treatment.
