Laser procedures have become an extremely popular procedure in the medical aesthetic world. Why? Because this non-invasive procedure can help target a wide range of cosmetic and medical issues from stretch marks and spider veins to a lax vagina and unwanted hair. There are a variety of laser types and procedures, what you choose should be based on your skin type and the area or condition you’re looking to heal.
What are Laser Procedures?
Laser resurfacing is a proven procedure that helps reduce an abundance of cosmetic issues including wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, stretch marks and blemishes. In addition, laser procedures can help tighten and balance skin tone. The results of these treatments vary depending on your specific skin type.
Not All Lasers Are the Same
The type of laser treatments available vary and are selected based on treatment option and skin type.
- CO2 Lasers: these are considered ablative lasers, a surgical term that means “removal of the tissue.” A CO2 laser treats an array of common skin concerns, including wrinkles and scars.
- Fractional Lasers can be both ablative or non-ablative and are able to treat a wide range of issues. As the name implies, these treat a fraction of the skin with thousands of beams which reduces downtime.
- IPL (intense pulsed light), although not technically a laser, IPL acts in a similar fashion. IPL is used to treat skin concerns such as sun damage, acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.
Other Uses for Laser Treatments
Lasers can treat a vast number of other issues including vaginal laxity, Bartholin’s gland cysts, unwanted hair, spider veins, stress urinary incontinence and more.
How Safe Are Laser Treatments?
LASER stands for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation” and uses a special beam of light instead of instruments for a variety of procedures. Laser procedures in medicine date back to 1963 when it was first used during cardiovascular surgery. More than 55 years later, the technique and scope has improved drastically and lasers are now used for a whole host of medical and cosmetic procedures.
Laser skin resurfacing treatments are safe as long as they’re completed by a board-certified surgeon or dermatologist. Although rare, there are some complications that can arise including infections, abnormal healing and in very rare instances, scarring.
Are There Any Side Effects?
One major reason why laser procedures have grown so much in popularity is because the treatments are safe and quick. Laser procedures involve little to no downtime with very few side effects. Swelling, stinging and itchy skin are some of the normal reactions you’ll deal with after a laser treatment. Some doctors prescribe steroids to help manage the swelling around the eyes. Elevating your head while sleeping can also help reduce swelling. After 24 to 48 hours the swelling should begin to subside.
Once the skin has healed, oil-free make-up is allowed. The redness usually fades in two to three months.
When Should I Get Laser Treatment?
Since laser-treated skin is reactive to sun following some procedures, many cosmetic surgeons recommend planning ahead and undergoing treatment during cooler, less sunny months. In sunny California, the best time to undergo laser treatment is when the daytime hours are shorter or when you plan on spending more time indoors.
Regardless of the season, make sure to wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen every day as UV rays can still penetrate during overcast days. Following this advice will prevent irritation, keep your skin looking its best post-procedure, and prevent future damage and premature aging.
Is It Painful?
Most patients report some pain associated with laser procedures, saying it feels like a rubber band snapping against the skin. The pain varies depending on the type of laser procedure, how deep it is, the area being treated and the patient’s pain tolerance.
How Can You Benefit From Laser Procedures?
Has life left some scars on your body? Whether it’s from pregnancy, aging, extreme weight loss or gain, or too much time in the sun, you might be unhappy with the appearance of your skin. Fun in the sun and life in general can lead to stretch marks, acne scars, age spots, wrinkles or hyperpigmentation, redness and more.
Laser procedures are a great option to help treat these issues. The noninvasive procedures can also help treat other conditions including vaginal laxity, skin laxity and stress urinary incontinence. You no longer have to “go under the knife” to attain more youthful skin.
Why Choose Dr. Ghozland for Laser Procedures?
Dr. Ghozland is a board-certified OB/GYN with more than 15 years of experience, making him an ideal physician for your laser procedure(s). He takes pride in providing the most up-to-date and revolutionary treatments which are also safe and effective. He is certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Academy of Cosmetic Gynecologists, is committed to women’s health and devoted to helping women feel and look better. He not only has years of experience performing these surgeries and treatments but he is a pioneer in many of these sectors. He is compassionate, treats every patient as an individual, and ensures that they feel comfortable. He answers every question before proceeding with any treatment.
