How Do I Know Which Laser Treatment Is the Right Treatment For Me?

By Sherry Maragh, MD

Maragh Dermatology, Surgery & Vein Institute

. https://maraghdermatology.com/

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How Do I Know Which Laser Treatment Is the Right Treatment For Me?

The word laser pops up in conversations regarding beauty and skin care all the time. It has become synonymous with knowing you are receiving the most cutting-edge treatment available. How do you know which laser treatment you need and if it is safe for you? Your skin color, sensitivity and age are all factors in selecting what laser treatment will give you the results you are looking for. Let's examine seven of the most common conditions that can be effectively treated with laser technology.

Acne Lasers are very often used for treatment of the medical condition of acne. Several treatments are typically necessary depending on the severity of acne and scarring. Treatments can last from 15 to 20 minutes and can result in some redness and peeling of the skin. Laser treatments for acne may sometimes be combined with topical and oral medications. These treatments should be avoided or used with extreme caution in patients undergoing Isotretinoin therapy or using topical retinoids.

Scars The appearance of scars including red, brown and, indented scars in the skin can now be effectively treated. Ablative and Non-ablative Fractional laser resurfacing offer superior results by using heat energy created by the laser to promote new collagen and skin synthesis while eliminating damaged skin.

Stretch marks In the past there was little if anything that could be done to dramatically improve the appearance of stretch marks (or striae). There is now laser technology that will give dramatic improvement in the appearance of stretch marks including color, texture and skin tightening. The number of treatments required depends on the severity of the stretch marks and quality of the skin in the involved area.

Cellulite Unfortunately, cellulite cannot be effectively eliminated with diet or exercise. Laser technology can be effectively used to minimize and eliminate the appearance of cellulite on the thighs, buttocks and other targeted areas. Noninvasive laser technology provides a permanent reduction in the appearance of cellulite over the course of multiple treatment sessions. For permanent reduction of cellulite in one treatment session, there are also minimally invasive approaches as well.

Aging skin Advancements in Fractional laser resurfacing have made skin rejuvenation treatments less painful with less downtime and less risk of scarring and risk of skin irregularities after treatment. In addition, patients with darker skin types can now be safely treated by experienced providers.

Unwanted fat – There is laser technology that can effectively remove or decrease the appearance of unwanted fat. A good diet and regular exercise are required to maintain your newly contoured shape. There are many minimally to non-invasive treatment options to choose from.

Veins – Veins on the face and legs can be eliminated with the use of various lasers. Facial redness can be effectively treated with various lasers. Multiple treatments are required. Leg veins have been treated for decades with lasers offering patients an alternative to sclerotherapy which involves needles and wearing compression stockings after each treatment. Laser leg vein treatments have become less painful with newer technology and post procedure skin discoloration is minimized.

Consult your board certified dermatologist to decide what treatment and which laser will give you the results you are looking for.