Lasers
Whether you’re looking for a minimally invasive way to rejuvenate your face or you want to eliminate unwanted hair, laser treatments could help you achieve your cosmetic goals. Laser devices use different wavelengths to target age spots, sun damage, lines and wrinkles, scars, hair follicles, and more.
At Florida West Coast Skin and Cancer Center, we’ve helped countless patients correct pigmentation, eliminate face and body hair, and remove tattoos. Laser treatments could be right for you if you want an option that provides significant results with little downtime.
What Types of Lasers Are Used for Cosmetic Treatments?
There are numerous cosmetic laser devices available. Each is designed to target specific issues. When it comes to laser skin rejuvenation, there are two main types of lasers:
- Non-ablative: This class includes intense pulsed light (IPL) and erbium (Er:YAG). These wavelengths stimulate collagen production for younger-looking skin. They can also minimize pigmentation issues.
- Ablative: This type of laser includes CO2, erbium, and combination systems. They’re typically used if you have more advanced signs of facial aging or have pitted acne scars. Ablative treatments have a longer recovery because they remove the top layer of the skin to heat the dermis and stimulate collagen production.
For hair removal, there are five main laser devices: alexandrite, diode, Nd:YAG, ruby, and IPL. Some lasers are better for lighter skin tones and thinner hair, while others effectively treat darker skin tones and coarser hair.
Our experienced dermatologist Dr. Michael Scannon, or knowledgeable physician assistants, Sandra Snyder and Julie Esquinaldo, can determine the best laser for you.
Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Treatments?
Facial laser treatments could deliver the results you want if you have discoloration, fine lines, or uneven skin texture. If you have deeper wrinkles, you might combine lasers with injectables to diminish more advanced signs of aging.
If you’ve recently had a chemical peel, you should give your skin some time to repair before laser treatments to avoid over-exfoliating. Likewise, a cold sore or sunburn is a good reason to delay your treatment since laser therapies can further irritate these conditions. If you have a darker skin tone, some laser treatments can carry a risk of pigmentation issues, and our providers can recommend alternatives.
Laser hair removal can be performed on almost all areas of your body. Since they targeted melanin, older technologies were limited to those with darker hair against lighter skin. Fortunately, options like Nd:YAG are safe and effective for a broader range of skin tones and hair types. However, fine and light-colored hair can still be trickier to clear. At your consultation, we’ll discuss the benefits and limitations of laser hair removal.
Schedule Your Laser Treatment Consultation
At Florida West Coast Skin and Cancer Center, our highly qualified team will work closely with you during your consultation to determine your aesthetic goals and create a plan to achieve them. Whether you want to reduce unwanted hair or promote a glowing complexion, our practice offers numerous minimally invasive solutions for common skin concerns. To find out if laser treatments are right for you, book an appointment at our Tampa or Dade City, Florida offices by calling 813-877-4811.