Laser and IPL Treatments

You probably know about the value of lasers from eye surgery–but did you know laser treatments are available for cosmetic procedures as well?

Let’s take a look at what kind of laser treatments are available at DeLuca Plastic Surgery, how you can benefit, and more.

What Kind of Laser Treatments Are Available?

A laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) is a source of high-energy light in which the frequency of the light focuses on and vaporizes specific targets. Targets may include water, blood, skin pigment, hair pigment, or tattoo pigment. Vaporizing these targets can help tighten the skin, remove age spots and spider veins, lighten tattoos, and remove unwanted hair.

Here are a few of the more popular laser treatments available at DeLuca Plastic Surgery.

Resurfacing

Also known as a laser peel, laser skin resurfacing is an effective way to reduce the most visible signs of aging–like wrinkles, scars, and blemishes, especially in delicate areas like the face. It can also help sun-damaged skin, liver spots, and even improve complexion.

Your surgeon will target the damaged skin with a high-powered laser that targets water in the skin – vaporizing microscopic columns of tissue. This treatment removes the surface layer of skin and stimulates healing and growth of new collagen in the deeper layers of the skin. The results peel back the years for refreshed, revitalized skin!

Brown Spot Removal

Brown spots, also known as age spots or liver spots, are one of the more common signs of aging and sun exposure and are caused by irregular pigmentation in the skin. Laser treatments can help deal with brown spots with little to no downtime.

Just like there are different kinds of brown spots, there are different types of available treatments. Your doctor can work with you to develop a personalized plan that fits your unique needs.

Spider Veins Removal

Like brown spots, spider veins–or varicose veins–are another notable sign of aging. Many adults are self-conscious about the appearance of these veins, which appear as a result of damaged or weakened valves within the vessels.

Laser treatment can be an effective way of treating spider veins that are less than 2 mm in diameter. It works by targeting the blood in the veins without injuring the surrounding tissue. The energy from the laser heats the walls of the veins and causes them to clot – making the veins disappear. Best of all, this laser treatment involves minimal downtime and you can combine it with other forms of treatment.

Tattoo Removal

Almost one-third of Americans have at least one tattoo, and roughly 25% have said they regret it. For those who regret their tattoos, laser tattoo removal is a great way to diminish the appearance with minimal side effects. These lasers can work by using a high-intensity light beam to target and break up the pigment colors in the ink. As the pigment is vaporized, the color of the tattoo fades.

Hair Removal

Laser treatments are also an effective manner of hair removal, especially in unwanted areas like the legs, armpit, lips, chin, and bikini line. Laser treatment is most effective for patients with darker, coarser hair–and may be preferred to other hair removal methods like waxing.

IPL Photo Facial

IPL, or Intense Pulsed Light treatments are not true lasers but can target various skin diffuse skin conditions including pigment irregularities such as melasma and age spots, vascular issues such as rosacea, and acne. The pulsed light isn’t as powerful as a laser and so more treatments are needed, however, the lower power allows the treatment of more delicate skin such as the neck and chest with little to no downtime.

What to Know About Laser Treatments

The winter months are one of the most advantageous times of the year for laser treatments. With the sun less bright and shorter days, you’ll have ample time to recover and get the look you want just in time for the warmer weather.

Typically patients will require multiple laser treatments sessions to achieve their goals. The total number of treatments needed will depend on the type of treatment, and the goals of treatment, and your tolerance for downtime and healing.
After laser treatments, typically patients will need to limit exposure to the sun and complete a cleaning and moisturizing schedule as the skin heals.

Your recovery time will depend on the intensity of your treatment. Some treatments have almost no downtime, however, most patients can expect minor soreness, redness, or swelling for 5-7 days, after which patients can return to normal activity. Complete healing may take up to 3 weeks.

Schedule Your Laser Treatment

The first step, after you’ve decided laser treatment might be right for you, is to schedule a consultation with the experienced pros at DeLuca Plastic Surgery.

We can work with you to go over your medical history and needs and develop a customized plan

of treatment that fits your goals, timeline, and budget.

Best of all, we’ll stand by you throughout the duration of your procedure–including answering questions, allaying your concerns, and much more.

Schedule an in-person, phone-in, or instant email consultation today!