Whether you want to treat scars and pigmentation problems or are looking for skin rejuvenation or hair or tattoo removal, laser treatment can be a good option. Our expert Charis Nunez, APRN, an AdventHealth plastic surgery nurse in Orlando, breaks down the ins and outs of laser treatment. Keep reading to discover the risks, benefits, and whether laser therapy might be right for your needs.
How does laser therapy work?
“A laser treatment uses focused beams of light to target specific areas of the body for various medical and cosmetic purposes,” explains Charis. “The laser precisely removes targeted skin, one layer at a time, and stimulates new skin growth.”
Laser treatment aims to help you get back to feeling like your best self as quickly as possible. “We use innovative, versatile laser systems from Sciton for a range of treatments, from skin resurfacing to acne scar reduction, wrinkle treatment and vascular lesion removal,” states Charis. “Its advanced technology allows providers to tailor treatments to each patient’s unique skin type and goals, delivering effective, targeted results with minimal downtime.”
Laser treatment can benefit people with specific skin concerns, including scars, wrinkles, pigmentation issues and acne, but it’s also worth considering if you’re looking for hair removal, tattoo removal or skin rejuvenation.
What you need to know before laser treatment
While laser therapy is an effective approach to treating a variety of dermatological conditions, it is important to be aware that results may vary depending on skin type, condition and lifestyle. “Proper preparation and following pre- and post-treatment instructions are key to a successful outcome,” explains Charis.
We recommend that you schedule a consultation before your treatment to discuss your condition and the medications and skin care products you are using with your healthcare provider. Not all skin types and conditions respond in the same way, and you may need to stop using certain medications or products that lead to your treatment.
Benefits of laser therapy
Laser treatments can offer a variety of benefits, including:
- Increased collagen production
- Precise targeting, reducing damage to surrounding tissue
- Reduced appearance of scars, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation
- Fast process times and manageable recovery
“Our practice provides a variety of laser treatments, including skin resurfacing, hair removal, pigmentation correction, acne scar treatment, and vascular damage treatment,” states Charis. “We will also offer customizable options based on our patient’s goals and skin type.”
Possible risks of laser treatment
In addition, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with laser treatment. “Laser treatments carry certain risks and can be quite harmful if not performed by a licensed healthcare professional,” explains Charis.
Potential risks may include:
- Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
- Redness
- Scars
- Swelling
“Choosing a qualified provider and following before and after care instructions can help minimize these risks.”
Laser treatment recovery
“Your recovery time will vary depending on the type of treatment and depth of treatment required,” he continues. “You may experience redness, swelling or minor peeling for a few days, and deeper treatments may take a week or more to fully heal.”
To support your healing, avoid sun exposure during your recovery period and follow a gentle skin care routine, avoiding harsh exfoliants until you are fully healed.
The best time of year for laser treatment
If you are new to laser treatments, you may not realize that people are more inclined to have treatments during certain times of the year, especially the fall and winter months.
Laser-treated skin is very sensitive while it is healing, and it can be especially difficult to avoid the sun in the summer when UV rays are at their highest.
“Fall and winter are ideal for laser treatments because patients are less likely to be exposed to strong sunlight, which can interfere with healing and increase the risk of pigmentation problems,” explains Charis. “The cooler weather also helps protect the treated areas as the skin recovers.”
Compassionate Skincare starts at AdventHealth
Our dedicated plastic and reconstructive surgery team will provide the expert care you need to look and feel your best. Schedule a consultation today to find out if you are a good candidate for laser treatment and learn more about our program.
