Monday, February 24, 2014
LASERS! Everyone is talking about them!
Everyone is talking about LASERS!
It has now become more common than the monthly pampering facial. Why, you ask? Because we are all fighting this uphill battle that is called aging. AND WE WANT RESULTS!
You probably know someone who has done a little lasering. If it was done right, you can't quite tell.
Does this sound familiar? You meet up with the gal you haven't seen in a while and even though y'all are the same age...she looks darn good. Better than the last time you saw her. So you say "OMG so-and-so! Great to see you. WOW! you look amazing! what is your secret?" And Ms. so-and-so just smiles coyly and replies "Oh, me? I haven't done anything. Just eating well, taking vitamins and getting my beauty sleep."
I'll say it. LIAR! She did something! Probably a bunch of little things. I know that is true because I HAVE IT DONE and perform these treatments daily! NO ONE is immune to gravity and aging. I am just the one who talks about it. It takes a village to raise these jowls!
Now, I don't have a flux capacitor to rewind time to where our skin was in 1985 (Who would want that anyway? The bad home perms and the high wasted, acid washed jeans?)YIPES!!
What I DO have... are LASERS. And years of distance from this horrifying, bone chilling pic.!It seems to be a catch all remedy right now. But what is it and which one is right for you?
Here's a basic guide to LASERS and what they do.
There are many different types of lasers which all do something different for your skin.
HOW THEY WORK
LASER is an acronym that stands for
L ight
A mplification by
S timulated
E mission of
R adiation
All lasers are light based therapies that penetrate to varying depths in the skin based on target we wish to treat. Each Laser has a different wavelength that is unique to what you want to correct be it pigmentation, texture (wrinkles, redness, scarring etc.)
If you are considering lasers you need to find a licensed professional who understands your concerns and how to treat them effectively.
With any laser treatment- there is some discomfort involved. Most times you will have a topical numbing cream applied prior to treatment. But even with topical...expect to feel some heat and discomfort. "If it ain't hurtin', it ain't helpin'."
LEVEL 1- LIGHTER LASERS
non-ablative Diode fractional lasers (i.e. Clear + Brilliant)
These are the least invasive types of fractional lasers for pigment and texture. There is usually minimal amount of downtime (24 hours of redness) with this type of laser. It will take a series of treatments to see smoother, fresher skin. This treatment can usually be done in one hour including numbing time. After you complete a series of usually 4 treatments (done 1x/month for optimal results) then maintenance treatments are usually quarterly to maintain results.
You can expect to see smoother and healthier looking skin with a beautiful glow.
Hair Removal Lasers
Alexandrite or Nd:YAG laser
These are used to reduce the amount of hair growth in the treated area. I wrote a blog about this. Refer to that for specifics.
Some redness and sunburn type feeling immediately post treatment. You will require a series of 5-6 treatments done 1x/5-6 weeks for best results. Maintenance treatments will like be needed periodically.
LEVEL 2- MEDUM STRENGTH LASERS
non-ablative fractional lasers (i.e. Fraxel Re:Store Dual)
This type of laser is best for moderately sun damaged skin, acne scars, and moderate textural issues like fine to moderate lines and wrinkles. It works by drilling little holes (thermal zones) in to the skin. It will take a series of 3-4 treatments done 1x/month initially with maintenance as needed. You can expect to look bronzed and puffy for about 3 days. Days 4 and 5 you will see mild flaking and exfoliation.
Expect to see a lightening of sun damage and a smoother texture after your series.
LEVEL 3- ABLATIVE Lasers(The BIG DOGS)
Fractional CO2, Erbium
Ablative lasers use the same technology as the non-ablative versions. However, goes much further into the skin. These lasers are used for those with deeper dynamic wrinkles and pigmentation. Ablative lasers are often used in conjunction with facelift surgeries as most require general anesthesia. These lasers also help remodel collagen and provide more long term results.
But there is always a catch....Though these lasers go deeper and provide better and longer-lasting results..they also have more downtime. You can expect to be red, swollen and oozy for a good 7-10 days (hello, this is an open wound) with some residual redness that can last 8-12 weeks or so post procedure.
Your end result should be tighter, brighter, smoother skin. The collagen remodeling doesn't happen overnight so expect to see improvements for up to 6 months. I typically do not see this procedure done more than once every few years due to the downtime and the fact that I can often maintain the surgical results with lesser aggressive lasers and procedures.
Not everyone is a good candidate for lasers. A lot depends on your skin type, the issues you want address, melasma, medications and UV exposure. You need to discuss these things with a licensed professional to see whether or not LASERS are right for you.
However, if you are a candidate, there's nothing like the right laser to help reverse the hands of time.
Let us know what else you want to hear about!
AFTER ALL, HOW OLD YOU ARE IS YOUR BUSINESS, HOW OLD YOU LOOK IS OURS!
Love and Light(Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation!)
Michelle, Nancy and Laurie
THE SKIN GURUS
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