Laser skin treatments have become a common cosmetic dermatology procedure. In general, a laser skin treatment is used to treat red and brown lesions. This can include redness caused by rosacea, spider veins on the face and legs, redness of the neck and chest, vascular lesions, scars, and brown sun spots on the face, neck, chest, and hands.
For rosacea specifically, a treatment plan is likely to include a laser or light therapy if rosacea has caused visible blood vessels and thickening skin. A laser skin treatment can reduce, or get rid of, the blood vessels. To remove thickening skin, dermatologists may use laser resurfacing.
What is the Excel V Laser and How Does it Work?
At Vujevich Dermatology Associates, we use the Excel V laser to perform laser skin treatments. This laser system was developed by leading physicians worldwide and can address more than 20 unique indications on all skin types. The Excel V laser system features the broadest set of capabilities, which allows it to treat the widest range of superficial to deep vascular conditions, benign pigmented lesions, and skin revitalization concerns.
Not all laser skin treatments are the same; however, all lasers work by delivering a specific wavelength of light to target certain structures in the skin. The Excel V laser targets the colors red and brown. This means that the laser energy will be absorbed by the red blood cells inside of blood vessels and the brown pigment cells in sun spots.
Once these targets absorb the laser energy, the vessel wall collapses or the brown pigment cells break apart. Over time, your body will eliminate the remnants of these structures. This targeted treatment allows our expert dermatologists to selectively treat red and brown lesions without damaging the surrounding skin.
What to Expect from a Laser Skin Treatment
Before receiving a laser skin treatment, your dermatologist will perform a cosmetic consultation to discuss the treatment area, your goals, and the expected number of treatments. In general, the smaller, individual lesions may only require one treatment. If you have a larger area of general redness or brown sun spots, we usually recommend an initial series of 3-4 treatments that are spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
A laser skin treatment is quick; the procedure itself typically takes 15 minutes or less. Before your procedure begins, you will have photos taken and the area to be treated will be cleansed. During the treatment, you’ll wear protective eye wear to block the eyes from laser exposure. A cooling gel is then placed on the treatment area and the laser procedure begins.
Your dermatologist will pass the laser along the treatment area, and laser pulses of energy will be delivered. Most people report mild discomfort and compare the sensation to a warm rubber band snapping against the skin. However, the laser tip is cooled to minimize any discomfort.
After the procedure is completed, the area is cleansed and iced, and sunscreen is applied. You may have swelling after your procedure for 3-5 days. Icing the treated area for the remainder of the day can help minimize the swelling. You may also see associated pinkness to the skin or temporary darkening of brown lesions. This will resolve completely and can be covered with makeup. Overall, the treatment is well-tolerated with little downtime.
How Long Does it Take for Skin to Heal After Laser Treatment?
It takes about 10-14 days for your skin to heal following a laser treatment. Why two weeks? Because skin cell turnover and collagen growth take time. However, a two week time period to allow your skin to heal is a short recovery period compared to other cosmetic procedures.
After the first two weeks, you’ll start to see significant results. After about 30 days, areas of hyperpigmentation that have been treated will have faded and your skin’s texture will be smoother. As your body continues to produce more collagen during the months following your treatment, you will continue to see improvement in areas treated for scarring and wrinkles.
You can help your skin during the healing process by keeping your skin hydrated. Using dermatologist-approved moisturizing creams and lotions will not only help your skin heal faster, but will also help alleviate some of the mild discomfort that can follow the procedure. This is especially true the day of your procedure.
What Should You Avoid After a Laser Skin Treatment?
While your skin is healing following a laser treatment, it’s important to avoid exposing it to additional irritants. Additional irritants include products such as retinol or hydroxy acids. It’s also important to avoid direct sunlight or UV rays while your skin heals.
Following a laser treatment, your skin can also become irritated by strenuous activity. If possible, avoid sweating for the first two weeks following your procedure. And refrain from picking or itching your skin. It could make the irritation worse or lead to infection and scarring.
How Can You Maintain Results from Laser Skin Treatment?
Once individual lesions are treated adequately, they typically will not return. However, many patients are prone to develop new red and brown areas over time and may opt for a singular yearly touch-up treatment as needed. This also increases collagen development to maintain results in areas treated for fine lines and wrinkles.
Your daily routine can also affect whether you maintain your laser treatment results. Products such as retinol can help fight against new dark spots and wrinkles (once your skin is healed!). Your dermatologist can suggest other skin care products to maintain results. However, the most important step you can take to maintain your results is protecting your skin from the sun. No matter the season, or if it’s a cloudy day, apply 30 SPF repeatedly throughout the day.
Laser Skin Treatments at Vujevich Dermatology Associates
Laser treatments have become more common, but please remember that it truly matters who does your laser treatment. At Vujevich Dermatology Associates, only our highly trained, board-certified dermatologists perform treatments. We are committed to patient safety and continuing education to provide you with the most advanced techniques for the best results. Contact us today to learn more about laser skin treatments in our office.
Vujevich Dermatology Associates offers medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology from some of the most highly trained physicians and clinicians in the greater Pittsburgh area. You can reach our team at 412-429-2570 or visit our contact page to see all of our locations. You can also follow us on Facebook to see what’s new in the world of dermatology.