Different Types of Laser Treatments for Skin and Hair

Inside a derm clinic are complex-looking machinery with buttons, knobs, and arms. These laser machines may look futuristic, but they have been around for a while and are even becoming increasingly popular for non-surgical skin rejuvenation. They offer effective solutions for a wide range of dermatologic concerns, delivering concentrated beams of light energy to target specific areas of the body.

Recent advances in laser technology have revolutionised their use in treating skin issues and reducing or growing hair. Let’s take a closer look at the top laser treatments, including ClearSilk laser, for different skin and hair issues.

The Most Common Types of Lasers

At present, there are different types of lasers on the market. Only an experienced dermatologist should make the call about which one to use for a specific skin concern. That said, it helps to have an understanding of certain concepts and have an educated conversation with a doctor.

Let’s start with the two main lasers commonly used today: ablative and non-ablative. There are also fractionated lasers, which can be both ablative and non-ablative.

Ablative Lasers

⦁ These are wounding lasers that remove the epidermis (the thin outer layer of skin) and heat the dermis (the underlying skin), stimulating the growth of new collagen.
⦁ As the thin outer layer of skin “wounded” by these lasers heals and regrows, the treated area appears smoother, tighter and more radiant.
⦁ Types of ablative lasers include the carbon dioxide laser, which is more intense than the non-ablative counterpart and requires more downtime.

Non-Ablative Lasers

⦁ Some laser treatments, like ClearSilk laser facial, use lasers that don’t ablate or wound the epidermis.
⦁ They bypass the outer layer of skin and put pockets of heat directly into the dermis, causing a controlled wound. This wound will trigger new collagen contraction and remodelling.
⦁ These lasers have no associated downtime.

Fractionated Lasers

⦁ These lasers can be both ablative and non-ablative.
⦁ They work at both the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin.
⦁ These lasers create very small holes in the deep layers of the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing process.
⦁ There will be a noticeable growth of healthy new tissue once the skin heals.
⦁ Fractionated laser treatments usually require minimal recovery time, but some patients may notice redness.

What Are These Laser Treatments Used For?

Lasers are powerful tools for a variety of concerns. They can stimulate collagen production, reduce pigmentation, remove hair, or promote hair growth.

Here are the most common laser applications today:

Skin Rejuvenation

Non-surgical and non-invasive treatments like carbon laser peel combine the power of Picosecond and carbon laser to address skin issues like acne scars, clogged pores, uneven tone, and textured skin. ClearSilk treatments are also sought-after non-ablative laser procedures for wrinkles, age lines, and dull skin.

The controlled heat energy from lasers stimulates collagen production, resulting in firmer and smoother skin over time. This makes laser skin rejuvenation a popular choice for those looking to achieve a more youthful and radiant complexion with minimal downtime.

Birthmarks

Many people are born with a birthmark and are conditioned to cover up these imperfections on their bodies. A birthmark may affect a person’s confidence and can become bothersome to hide

if it’s on an exposed part of the skin. With significant advances in laser technology, the appearance of birthmarks can be dramatically reduced.

Lasers are a safe option for individuals wanting to reduce the appearance of their skin imperfections. Today’s usual lasers target specific pigments in the skin and break them down, gradually lightening the birthmark. With this non-invasive approach, it’s possible to help improve the skin’s overall appearance without surgery or downtime.

Laser treatments are also well-tolerated and customisable to suit the birthmark’s size, colour, and location. Multiple sessions are required for optimal results, but many individuals may notice significant improvement after a few treatments.

Scarring

Scars come in different shapes, types, and sizes. Laser treatments like ClearSilk laser are ideal for acne scarring and light scars. Laser can also be used for dealing with other types of scars, including surgical scars and scars from injuries.

Laser treatments can help reduce the visibility of scars, smooth out uneven skin texture, and promote skin regeneration for a more even complexion. The customisable nature of laser treatments allows for tailored approaches to different types of scars, ensuring optimal results for each individual. Dermatologists utilise different types of lasers, such as fractional or pulsed dye lasers, to target scar tissue and stimulate collagen production, improving skin texture and appearance.

Hair Growth

Non-invasive laser treatments, including low-level laser therapy, are effective for individuals experiencing hair loss or thinning hair. These treatments stimulate hair follicles at the cellular level, promote hair growth, increase hair density, and improve overall hair health. The science behind it is simply brilliant: the laser energy increases blood flow to the scalp, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles for optimal growth.

Results may vary, but individuals have reported positive outcomes after a few sessions. This makes laser treatment a popular choice for those seeking to address hair loss.

Hair Removal

While laser treatments can be used for hair growth, they can also be used to achieve the opposite. Laser treatments are becoming the go-to choice for unwanted hair problem. Hair will grow back within a maximum of two weeks, whether the removal method used is shaving, plucking, threading, or waxing.

But with diode laser, you can ensure that unwanted hair does not grow back anytime soon. The science behind this is that the laser emits a single, focused wavelength of light absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle. This generates heat and damages the follicle to prevent hair growth.

Pymble Dermatology: Your Trusted Partner for Laser Treatments

In the right hands, lasers are powerful tools for dealing with various skin and hair concerns. From fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, acne scars, and uneven skin tone, our laser treatments can be tailored to address individual skin types, issues, and aesthetic goals. Our dermatologists use the latest laser technologies, including HFL, MOXI, ClearV, and ClearSilk laser. Whether it’s a ClearSilk, MOXI, or HFL laser treatment, our tailored approach ensures optimal results for each individual.

Experience the ultimate skin rejuvenation with cutting-edge laser treatments only here at Pymble Dermatology. Make an appointment with our head dermatologist or any of our specialists today.