Laser Procedures
We could fill a book trying to explain lasers and their individual uses, but to help you get some basic information we’ll be brief. We’ll happily give you all the knowledge we have when you come in to our main line office for your consultation.
Unfortunately there is no laser (yet) that treats “everything.” The everything being a laser treatment that can tighten skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, take away sun damage and some red spots. True, some lasers can do more than others, but sometimes you need multiple treatments to have the results you desire. At Bryn Mawr Dermatology we promise to help guide you and get the right laser for the job!
Laser Hair Removal is very popular. You can remove unwanted hair from any surface of your body provided the hairs are dark brown or black. They don’t make a laser yet that will target red, white, blonde or grey hairs. The treatment is relatively quick. You will want to come in every 4–6 weeks for a treatment until the hair is gone. The honest truth is that Laser Hair Removal is not painless. At Bryn Mawr Dermatology we pride ourselves on being honest with our patients about their potential experience. When the laser hits the skin there is a stinging sensation which varies depending on the area and individual pain tolerance. We can apply a topical numbing cream to help this sensation but it will not be eliminated completely. That said, most people find the results to be so worth it that they continue treatments to completion. It is best to shave the area within 24 hours of your appointment and to avoid sun exposure, waxing and epilating 6 weeks prior to treatment and between treatments. Laser Hair Removal is not permanent and you may want a touch up session 1–2 times per year.
Pixel Laser Resurfacing is our anti–aging gem. This treatment stimulates collagen building better than any creams or peels out there. The result of laser resurfacing is skin that becomes noticeably smoother, firmer and healthier. It can help reduce sun damage as well. We recommend a package of 3 treatments to start as that seems to be the perfect number to rejuvenate skin for most people. Some people may want or need more. There is no limit to how many session you may do. Oftentimes patients will have the procedure done 1–2 times per year to maintain results. The recovery time is generally 2–3 days where you may look pink or peeling but skin will not hurt. Discomfort is mild and tolerable.
IPL, sometimes known as photo–rejuvenation, is a great way to reduce redness in the skin. Depending on the severity of your condition, many sessions may be required. It is a quick procedure and has very little associated downtime. You will likely be more red after treatment for an hour or two. Rosacea is a condition and must be managed. Several treatments per year are best to achieve optimal results.
YAG Laser is the same laser used in Tattoo Removal. This laser targets dark pigment as in ink or dark spots on the skin. This is safe to use on any part of the body including the face and hands where many unwanted dark spots or sunspots appear. The treated spot will become like a scab for up to 7 days and then it will peel off. Occasionally a second treatment is required for optimal results with sunspots, but multiple treatments are usually required with tattoo removal.
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