
How To Get Radiant Skin With Today’s Advanced Laser Treatments
Edited by Kathy Aronson, RN, BSN
Laser treatments are one of the most effective and transformative skin technologies ever. They are a modern scientific success story. The laser swords in the first “Star Wars” movie looked scary and dangerous. Fast forward to today, when lasers now play a starring role in many medical and aesthetic procedures.
Simply put, lasers revolutionized dermatology. Of course, they also revolutionized treatment for cancerous tumors, kidney stones, gall stones, periodontal disease, and countless other medical conditions. But our focus here is the strides lasers made in dermatology.
The Laser Backstory
Lasers’ initial migration into dermatology was intense and powerful. Lasers could literally blast off the top layer of skin to reveal a brand-new layer underneath. Today, there are still many cases in which that level of laser treatment may be the best course. But thanks to scientific advances, especially nanotechnology, today’s lasers offer a much more comprehensive range of treatment options with a precision Luke Skywalker could only dream of.
It was the 1964 Nobel Prize awarded for research in quantum electronics that kickstarted the development of lasers. Dermatology Hall of Famer (yes, that’s a thing) Dr. Leon Goldman, who is considered the father of laser surgery, immediately saw the potential and by 1966 performed the first dermatology laser procedure. Imagine trying to tame immensely powerful light and energy into a tool to treat skin without harming muscle tissue or internal organs. It was a technological miracle.
A great leap forward occurred in the 1990s with the development of the Fractional CO2 laser, which enabled skin resurfacing with more controlled accuracy, leading to improvements in skin texture and appearance.
Today’s lasers can target a tiny area on the skin and quickly zap it without damaging the surrounding skin. Thanks to minimally invasive lasers, scars, age spots, and precancerous growths can disappear almost like magic, sometimes with just a single office visit and no downtime. Whether a small troublesome spot or a full face resurfacing, there’s never been a better time to try laser treatments.
The Current Top Laser Applications For Visibly Better Skin
The level of laser technology now provides results beyond what may be achieved with topical products and without plastic surgery. Lasers can provide patients with an accessible middle path to excellent results.
Some popular applications include:
- Skin Rejuvenation and Resurfacing Lasers can reduce wrinkles, sagging, fine lines, and eliminate age spots by stimulating collagen production, resulting in smoother, younger-looking skin. These treatments can range from minimal short laser pulses without heat to a full laser peel which completely removes the skin’s outer layer.
- Scar/Blemish Treatment Scars from acne, injuries or surgery and resistant growths such as warts, milia and seborrheic ketosis can be visibly improved with laser therapy, which helps break down blemished tissue and promote the formation of healthier skin.
- Hair Removal Laser hair removal is a popular aesthetic treatment that targets hair follicles where they are not wanted. The pulsing waves of laser light damage hair follicles and inhibit hair growth leading to long-term hair reduction with minimal discomfort.
- Vascular Treatment Lasers can effectively treat vascular conditions like spider veins, varicose veins, and rosacea by targeting and collapsing the blood vessels responsible for the discoloration and swelling.
Enhanced Safety And Comfort With Today’s Lasers
Modern lasers incorporate advanced cooling technologies and adjustable settings to enhance patient comfort and safety. These innovations help to minimize pain and protect the skin during treatment. Additionally, improved precision reduces the likelihood of side effects, such as hyperpigmentation or scarring.
Which Laser Is Best For You?
Selecting the right laser treatment depends on your individual skin type and concerns. At CSI, our experts are skilled in assessing your individual needs and recommending the best laser for your needs. We use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that you receive the highest standard of care and achieve optimal results.
Meet 3 Of Our Go-To Lasers
Because science never sleeps, lasers are an ever-evolving technology with ever-better precision capabilities. This year’s lasers are better than last year’s. Next year’s will be even better. California Skin Institute, one of the largest dermatology companies in the U.S., offers some of the most state-of-the-art lasers.
At present, CSI offers over 20 different laser treatment options varying in intensity and intended purpose. Here are several just to give you an idea:
IPL Don’t let the name Intense Pulsed Light laser scare you. It’s simply photorejuvenation, the harnessing of light energy to beautify your face, neck, chest, and hands with minimal risk and no downtime.
Clear + Brilliant This gentle yet powerful non-invasive laser treatment is designed to refresh skin through thousands of tiny rays of energy. By removing dead skin cells and stimulating collagen production, it replaces damaged skin with new, healthier tissue, resulting in a fresh, glowing complexion.
Fraxel Acne scars, hyperpigmentation, lines and wrinkles are no match for our family of Fraxel lasers. The Fraxel was designed to provide impressive skin resurfacing outcomes. Although powerful, it’s a safe and effective tool in the hands of our trained practitioners.
Consultation and Personalized Care
Before undergoing any CSI laser treatment, you will receive a thorough consultation. During this process, we evaluate your skin condition, discuss your goals, and outline a customized treatment plan. Our skilled team is dedicated to providing personalized care and ensuring you understand the procedure, expected outcomes, and aftercare. Schedule your CSI consultation now at one of our many locations.