Laser Therapy

Laser Therapy Mechanism

Laser skin treatments use light energy of specific wavelengths to precisely target chromophores (water, melanin, hemoglobin, etc.) within the skin.

The absorbed light energy is converted into heat, causing controlled thermal damage to the targeted skin structures. This thermal damage stimulates the skin’s natural healing response, inducing the production of new collagen and elastin fibers, which contributes to improved skin elasticity, texture, and overall appearance. There are many different types of laser skin treatments, each with different mechanisms of action and wavelengths.

Ablative lasers (e.g. CO2, Erbium YAG)

This laser delivers intense heat to vaporize and remove the epidermis and some of the dermis beneath it. This aggressive approach provides significant results, but the recovery period is relatively long. CO2 lasers operate at a wavelength of 10,600 nm, while erbium YAG lasers use a wavelength of 2,940 nm.

Non-ablative lasers (e.g. Nd:YAG, diode, erbium glass, IPL)

This laser heats the dermis without removing the epidermis, stimulating collagen growth and skin tightening, and is a less aggressive treatment with a shorter recovery time. The Nd:YAG laser emits a 1064nm wavelength. IPL (intense pulsed light) is not technically a laser, but uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths to target a variety of pigments.

Fraxel laser (e.g. Fraxel, Fraxel CO2, Fraxel Erbium)

This laser delivers energy in a fractionated pattern, leaving the surrounding skin intact to create microscopic thermal treatment zones. This approach increases healing rates and reduces the risk of side effects compared to traditional ablative lasers. The Fraxel CO2 laser operates at a wavelength of 10,600 nm, while the Fraxel Erbium laser uses a wavelength of 2,940 nm.

Pigment lasers (e.g. Q-switched lasers, ruby lasers, alexandrite lasers)

These lasers are primarily used to treat pigmented lesions such as liver spots, freckles, and tattoos by targeting specific pigments such as melanin. They operate at a variety of wavelengths.

Vascular lasers (e.g. pulsed dye lasers)

This laser targets blood vessels and hemoglobin, making it effective in treating vascular lesions such as rosacea and spider veins. It emits a wavelength of 585-595 nm. 

Our range of laser technologies allows for highly specific and personalized treatments tailored to specific skin concerns and types, providing a powerful tool in the dermatology and aesthetics fields.

It can provide more dramatic and noticeable improvements to the appearance of your skin than other non-invasive or minimally invasive treatments. Some laser treatments, especially ablative options, can provide long-term results that can last for years with proper skin care. Fraxel laser technology offers significant results compared to traditional ablative resurfacing procedures, while balancing reduced downtime and side effects. IPL offers the versatility to simultaneously address multiple skin concerns, including pigment irregularities, vascular lesions, and overall skin rejuvenation.

In treatments requiring multiple sessions, the total cost can be substantial. Recovery time varies significantly depending on the type and intensity of laser used. Ablative lasers typically require a longer downtime—ranging from several days to weeks—due to pronounced redness, swelling, and potential crusting or exudate. In contrast, non-ablative and fractional lasers generally offer shorter recovery periods. However, various side effects may occur, including persistent erythema, edema, skin peeling, blistering, scarring (rare with experienced practitioners), and temporary or permanent pigmentary changes such as hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Certain laser types pose a higher risk of hyperpigmentation in individuals with darker skin tones. Not all laser treatments are suitable for every skin type; some lasers may be contraindicated for very dark skin due to increased risks of burns, scarring, and pigmentary alterations. Laser procedures can also increase photosensitivity, making rigorous and ongoing sun protection essential for several months post-treatment to prevent complications such as hyperpigmentation. Additionally, specific medical conditions, a history of herpes simplex, recent sun exposure or tanning, and the use of certain medications (e.g., isotretinoin or photosensitizing drugs) may contraindicate laser skin resurfacing.