As fall and winter approaches, joy is in the air as the weather begins to cool and loved ones gather for the holidays. But did you know that it’s also the best time of year for laser treatment? Amidst the approaching holidays, this time of year is also known as laser treatment season.
Continue reading to learn from two of our expert plastic surgeons at Serene Aesthetic Surgery and Med Spa, Charis Nunez, APRN and Brittany Struble, APRN. They will explain more about laser treatment, including how it works, its success rate, recovery time, and why fall and winter are the best times of year for it.
What is laser therapy and how does it work?
“Laser therapy is a procedure that uses a focused beam of light to target specific tissues in the body,” says Charis. These treatments can be used for a variety of medical and cosmetic purposes. “What a lot of people don’t know is that LASER is an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation,” says Brittany. The laser light is converted into heat, which damages or removes targeted tissue, such as pigment, blood vessels, hair follicles, or skin.
Laser therapy can be used for a number of reasons, including:
- Reduction of acne scars
- Hair removal
- Removal of vascular damage
- Wrinkle treatment
“Here at Serene Aesthetic Surgery and Med Spa, we use a variety of laser wavelengths to address your specific needs and achieve your goals,” explains Charis.
Are there medical reasons to get laser treatment?
Many people believe that laser treatments are mainly for aesthetic and cosmetic purposes, but there are cases where they are medically necessary. “Some medical conditions include eye conditions, certain cancer treatments, gynecological conditions, and vascular or heart procedures,” says Brittany. Using laser therapy for various medical conditions offers many benefits, including greater precision and reduced damage to surrounding tissue, a faster procedure, and a more manageable recovery.
“At Serene Aesthetic Surgery and Med Spa, we specialize in cosmetic laser treatments for hair reduction, sun damage, spider veins, rosacea and broken capillaries,” says Charis. Talk to your primary care provider to determine if laser therapy is right for you and your unique health needs.
Candidacy for laser treatment and its success rate
Laser treatments are great for those looking to improve their tone, texture and overall appearance. “The best candidates are generally healthy people with sun damage, fine lines, scarring, redness, or uneven pigmentation,” shares Brittany. “The patient must be committed to good skin care and sun protection for optimal results. But we have a laser that is safe for all skin types.”
Laser hair reduction has an overall successful track record, with most patients experiencing a long-term reduction in hair growth of 70-90%. “For the most success, six to 10 sessions are needed, spaced four to eight weeks apart,” explains Charis. After all sessions are completed, the results are long-lasting, but annual procedures are necessary to maintain them.
“Laser skin resurfacing is just as successful in its own way,” says Brittany. “Depending on the type of laser used, patients often see a 50 to 80% improvement in wrinkles, scarring and uneven pigmentation.” Whether you use an ablative laser for significant changes or a non-ablative option for more gradual improvement, laser skin resurfacing can help you achieve your skin goals and boost your confidence.
Why is autumn and winter the best time of year for this?
Brittany tells us that “The best time for laser treatments is usually during the fall and winter months when sun exposure is minimal. Scheduling laser treatments during these months ensures optimal results and a safer recovery process.” Because your skin is usually lighter this time of year, laser hair removal allows your skin to heal more safely, reducing the risk of pigmentation changes and post-laser sensitivity.
LASER treatment recovery time
Recovery time for laser treatments varies depending on the type of treatment you received. “For laser hair removal, downtime is minimal and patients may experience mild redness or swelling for a few hours, but can return to normal activities immediately,” explains Charis. On the other hand, laser skin resurfacing requires a longer recovery time. Brittany explains, “Non-ablative lasers usually cause mild redness or swelling for one to three days, while ablative lasers can take one to three weeks for the skin to heal completely.”
The most important things are to follow the post-procedure requirements from your provider and protect your skin from the sun. This ensures a smooth recovery and optimal results.
Soothing skin care for your every need
No matter what brings you to Serene Aesthetics Surgery and Med Spa, you’ll receive the compassionate care you deserve. Visit us here to request an appointment. We are committed to helping you look and feel your best.
