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The Most Effective Skin Laser Treatments for Different Skin Conditions
If you've been considering a skin laser treatment but need a good overview first, you're in the right place. These laser treatments have become a popular choice for various skincare concerns, and in this guide, we will explore the different types of laser treatments available and their effectiveness for different skin conditions. Whatever you’re trying to address to look your best, you can find some answers here!
What Are Laser Treatments?
Laser treatments for skin conditions are medical procedures that use focused, intense beams of light energy to address various skin issues. These laser treatments are different from injectables, chemical peels, and other dermal procedures. They are performed by qualified medical professionals and are commonly used in dermatology and cosmetic aesthetics.
Laser treatments are highly versatile and can target a wide range of skin conditions, including:
- Wrinkles and Fine Lines: Laser skin resurfacing can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin.
- Acne Scars: Lasers can effectively target and diminish acne scars, promoting smoother skin texture.
- Hyperpigmentation: Skin discoloration, such as sunspots, age spots, and melasma, can be treated with laser therapy, which breaks down excess pigment.
- Vascular Lesions: Lasers can target and eliminate unwanted blood vessels and vascular lesions, including spider veins and port-wine stains.
- Hair Removal: Laser hair removal is a common treatment to permanently reduce or remove unwanted hair from various parts of the body.
- Tattoo Removal: Laser tattoo removal breaks down the ink particles in tattoos, allowing the body to naturally eliminate them.
- Skin Rejuvenation: Laser treatments can improve overall skin quality and radiance by addressing uneven skin tone, rough texture, and sun damage.
- Scars and Keloids: Both raised and depressed scars can be treated with lasers to help smooth and improve their appearance.
- Birthmarks: Certain types of birthmarks can be lightened or removed with laser therapy.
Facts about Laser Treatments
Before we truly dive into the different types of lasers, what you can expect, and what they do, it’s important to have a fundamental understanding of how they work. There are many misconceptions out there (such as that skin laser treatments cause cancer, which is absolutely not true), and there’s nothing to be fearful of with this proven, trusted technology.
How Do Skin Lasers Work?
Skin laser treatments use concentrated beams of light energy to target specific skin concerns, causing light to be absorbed by specific skin components. Different lasers and wavelengths are chosen based on the issue to be addressed.
When the laser energy is absorbed, it transforms into heat, leading to various outcomes like hair follicle damage for hair removal, skin resurfacing through removal of damaged layers, or the coagulation of blood vessels for vascular lesion treatment. Collagen stimulation and cellular repair are also common effects, improving skin tightness and texture.
How Much Do Laser Treatments Cost?
The cost of laser treatments can vary depending on several factors, including the treatment area, the type of laser used, and the number of sessions required. On average, you can expect to invest between $250-$1100 per session, per treated area. You can see a breakdown on our pricing page.
What are the Side Effects of Laser Treatments?
Like any medical procedure, laser treatments come with potential side effects, though they are quite minimal. Generally, these include redness, swelling, itching, acne, and discoloration. Proper aftercare, along with an initial consultation (which we offer for free), will minimize any underlying conditions and ensure a safe and effective treatment.
How Long Do Laser Results Last?
The longevity of laser treatment results can vary based on the type of laser used, your skin tone and type, and the number of sessions completed. Ablative lasers may need only one treatment, while non-ablative lasers may need more. The best way to estimate your results would be to come in for a consultation.
Ablative Laser Treatments
What It Targets
Ablative laser treatments target various skin concerns, including:
- wrinkles and fine lines
- skin resurfacing
- scar reduction
- skin tightening
- removal of lesions and growths
These lasers work by removing damaged outer skin layers, prompting the growth of new, smoother skin, and stimulating collagen production for improved texture and tightness.
What to Expect
These treatments can have up to a week of downtime, which is on the longer end of all laser types. But they are also among the most effective overall. It may take 1-2 treatments (each one less than an hour) to see results, but after that, they generally last about a year.
The Effectiveness of Ablative Treatment
These lasers are extremely effective, able to handle many deep scars and “pits” on the skin. If you’re looking for major results as fast as possible, ablative lasers are a good bet. Our Halo laser has an ablative setting, making it a perfect choice for this type of treatment.
Non-Ablative Laser Treatments
What It Targets
Non-ablative lasers primarily target mild skin conditions such as discoloration, including melasma, dark spots, freckles, and various forms of hyperpigmentation. They are also used for skin rejuvenation and can improve fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and skin texture.
What to Expect
Clients undergoing non-ablative laser treatment can expect a relatively shorter downtime and recovery period compared to ablative lasers, though it may require more sessions. The treatment may cause sensations like a sunburn, skin discoloration, or minor swelling for three to five days, but these side effects are rare and fairly unintrusive. We will discuss the session expectations and aftercare requirements during your initial consultation.
The Effectiveness of Non-Ablative Laser Treatment
Non-ablative laser treatments are effective at restoring a more youthful look to the skin; however, they often require multiple treatment sessions for the most effective results. This effectiveness also changes based on individual factors such as age, skin condition, and overall health.
Different laser wavelengths can be used for different conditions in different clinics and settings. For example, the 1550nm fractional laser is often used for fine lines, and the 1927 nm wavelength is better for skin discoloration.
Clients can expect to see improvements in skin texture, laxity, and overall appearance over time, but the full range of benefits may take longer to set in.
Broad-Band Light Therapy (BBL)
What BBL Targets
Broad-Band Light (BBL) therapy targets conditions related to skin color and complexion balance, including the reduction of sun damage, age spots, rosacea, and acne.
Not only does BBL reduce the visible signs of aging, but it has been shown to restore skin cells to a genetically younger state – making them more resilient to damage and less prone to degeneration over time. Using BBL, we target and destroy damaged cells affected by sun, aging and/or pigment, and stimulate cellular turnover to these more robust, “younger” versions.
What to Expect
During a BBL therapy session, clients can expect a non-invasive procedure that involves short bursts of pulsed light. There is usually minimal downtime associated with this treatment (a week or less is normal), and basic makeup or concealer is usually enough to cover any redness that appears. While results may be visible within a week, it may take several more sessions over a few months to unlock the full effect of the treatment.
It’s not painful, but clients report a feeling similar to a mild sunburn during and after the session.
The Effectiveness of BBL and IPL
The effectiveness of BBL therapy is quite high for improving complexion and evening out skin tones. However, the long-term effectiveness can vary based on individual factors, including skin type, the specific condition being treated, and aftercare practices, such as sun protection and skincare. While this treatment has many amazing underlying effects (such as the cellular shift mentioned above), it is not as long-lasting “on the surface” as the other laser treatments.
RF Microneedling with Morpheus8
This is not a true “laser” treatment, but it does use a form of energy – radiofrequency – to help with skin conditions. Here at Bardöt, we use the Morpheus8, which utilizes insulated microneedles with this RF energy to work on multiple layers of the skin at the same time.
What They Target
The Morpheus8 can target and correct many of the same conditions as the other laser types listed above. This includes wrinkles, loose or sagging skin, stretch marks, scars, and fine lines across the face, neck, upper arms, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.
What to Expect
If you’re a good candidate for the Morpheus8 treatment – over 18, not pregnant or breastfeeding, with mild to moderate skin laxity, wrinkles, or lines – you can enjoy this revolutionary treatment and see the results for yourself.
We’ll start with a topical anaesthetic (or a custom comfort option), which needs about an hour to set in. After a thorough double cleaning of the target area, we will begin the procedure, which takes approximately an hour to administer.
The microneedles cause little to no damage to the dermis, targeting only the subcutaneous tissues to stimulate collagen, tighten up underlying ligaments, and address fat cells. This capability to go beneath the skin entirely means that there is minimal downtime; you will start your recovery immediately, with results – firmer, tighter skin – clearly visible within a week. You may experience some bruising and tenderness, but even in such cases, those symptoms usually disappear after a few days.
We recommend 3 sessions to get the best results, but that’s something to discuss at your consultation.
Got more questions? You can see our Morpheus8 FAQs here.
Getting Laser Treatment for Skin in Calgary
If you're considering laser skin treatment in Calgary, Alberta, look no further than Bardöt Beauty Boutique. Our experienced practitioners are ready to assess your unique needs and provide personalized recommendations on the best course of action.
Even if you don't opt for laser skin treatment, our clinic offers a wide range of other exciting medical aesthetic services to address almost any skin condition. Don't hesitate to reach out to our team and embark on a path towards better skin – for today and for life!