Did years of fun in the sun leave your skin with dreadful sun damage? Maybe you have unwanted hair that you would love to be gone forever! Broken capillaries? Rosacea? Fine lines and wrinkles? Lasers are the current wave of popular cosmetic procedures that could help reverse, slow down, and even prevent these concerns! Reset the clock and look more youthful with the appropriate LASER TREATMENT!
DR. SOOD compiled a list of his favorite laser and light therapy treatments, available at his med spa, to explain how they can help and what to expect from a treatment.
WHAT IS IPL?
IPL is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure performed at our med spa that uses high-intensity pulses of light (not laser light) to diminish the appearance of imperfections such as sun damage, small vascular lesions, rosacea redness in scars, and age spots. IPL requires little to no downtime and you can continue your normal lifestyle immediately. Full results from treatment come two weeks post procedure but in most cases, a series is required to have optimal results. Discomfort associated with IPL is minimal and often described as a “rubber-band snap” sensation to the skin during treatment. Immediately afterwards, there may be a mild stinging sensation in the area that usually resolves after an hour or two. Results vary depending on your habits (sun exposure, skin care, use of sunblock, etc.). It is possible for hyperpigmentation problems to be permanently eradicated with IPL!
WHAT IS CO2 FRACTIONAL LASER?
The CO2 Fractional resurfacing laser is carbon dioxide laser which precisely removes deep outer layers of damaged skin and stimulates the regeneration of new, healthy skin. The CO2 laser treats fine to moderately deep wrinkles, photo damage, scarring, skin tone, texture, crepiness, and laxity. The treatment may cause some discomfort but we ensure our patients’ comfort throughout the procedure by use of numbing cream. The CO2 can treat specialized areas, such as the eyes and around the mouth. However, the most popular areas to treat are the full face and neck. Your skin will scab and peel 2-7 days after treatment. Plan for 5-7 days for healing before you feel comfortable going out in public. You can expect the treated area to be pink for 3-4 weeks. During this time, you will see improvements of skin texture and tone. For med spa patients, full results can be seen 3-6 months after the initial treatment, once the skin has completely healed and given enough time for cell turnover. Improvements from a CO2 laser treatment can be seen for many years after treatment. Results can be prolonged with diligent use of sunscreen, avoided sun exposure, and with good skincare maintenance. Most patients only need one CO2 treatment to see results or multiple treatments for deeper wrinkles or scarring.
WHAT IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL?
Laser hair removal works by destroying the root of the hair follicle. During treatment, flashes of light energy are distributed over the skin and absorbed by the melanin in the hair follicle which then heats up and is destroyed. Each pulse of energy takes a matter of seconds and treats multiple hairs at once, making this procedure very quick and easy. Treatment times vary depending on the size of the area being treated. A common immediate discomfort in the area can occur but usually resides by the time the patient leaves the office. It is important to note that hair grows in cycles, and that hair removal is only effective during the active growth stage. Each hair in your body can be at a different stage in the growth cycle at any given time so multiple treatments are necessary to target each growth phase. Most med spa patients need at least 4 to 8 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart to see long-lasting results. Touch-ups may be required over time. Patients should see results after the first treatment, however, results will become more noticeable and impressive with each additional treatment until all follicles are destroyed. There is no down-time associated with the procedure and patients can resume their normal activities right away. Laser hair removal is a great way to save time, money, and worry!
WHAT IS LASER VEIN REMOVAL?
Laser vein removal is a quick and effective way to rid yourself of unsightly broken blood vessels of the face and body. At Sood Center, we have a laser which fades away spider veins, and red capillary veins by targeting and destroying hemoglobin under the skin. It is effective, quick, and relatively painless. Med spa patients can expect a significant reduction in small veins immediately. Large varicose veins are usually treated with surgical procedures and then followed with lasers. After a treatment patients can expect to feel like they have a sunburn. We recommend topical lubricants to help with the healing process. It is also important to stay out of the sun or at least minimize your sun exposure by applying sunscreen and shading areas that have recently been treated with a laser. Excessive sun after a laser treatment can present risks such as poor healing, hyperpigmentation, and possibly scarring.
Are you curious to know if laser treatments are right for you? Be sure to choose a trained physician for evaluation and treatment.
To learn more and make an appointment with Dr. Sood in our med spa, contact our office.
