Lasers & Lights

Laser and light therapies work differently depending on which device we use. For example, IPL photofacials use quickly pulsed light in multiple wavelengths to heat and break down pigmented or damaged skin cells. Your body then naturally removes those cells revealing a more even and youthful complexion. You might notice some brown spots rise to the surface and painlessly flake off in the first couple of weeks following your treatment.

Pulsed dye lasers like Vbeam® are especially effective at treating redness and broken capillaries. The laser can be programmed to emit different colored light wavelengths which target specific skin concerns.

Micro-ablative lasers like SmartXide DOT® also heat and destroy damaged cells but can penetrate more deeply into the skin since the device makes tiny perforations. This allows the laser to target more advanced signs of aging, skin texture issues, scars, and hyperpigmentation that other lasers might not be able to minimize.

Each laser device targets specific cosmetic issues, so the right light or laser treatment for you depends on your unique aesthetic goals.

Laser and light therapies we offer at SkinSmart Dermatology® include:

• IPL Photofacial: This treatment uses intense pulsed light to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, redness from rosacea and broken capillaries, uneven pigmentation, sun spots, age spots, and freckles. 
• Vbeam® Laser: This laser targets the red pigment in blood to heat and destroy the associated blood vessels and reduce redness. If your primary concern is something else, like brown spots or signs of aging, we might recommend a different treatment.
• SmartXide DOT®: Most CO2 lasers are ablative, but this fractional laser is micro-ablative. It creates tiny microscopic perforations but leaves the surrounding skin alone for faster healing. SmartXide DOT® treats signs of aging, uneven texture, acne scars, sun damage, and brown spots.

The best way to find out which laser treatment is right for you is to book a consultation with one of our highly skilled skincare experts. We might recommend combining multiple laser and light treatments to address certain issues.

The ideal candidate for light and laser skin treatments has any of the cosmetic issues these devices target, including sun-damaged skin, fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, brown spots, broken capillaries, or uneven texture. Before your treatment, our providers will review your aesthetic goals and determine if laser therapies could benefit you.

There are a few reasons you might consider a different treatment option. First, many lasers carry the risk of pigmentation issues if you have a dark or olive complexion. The more pigment you have in your skin, the more energy from the lasers you’ll absorb, which can cause side effects like blistering or skin darkening.

You should also postpone your treatment if you have a cold sore since laser therapy can aggravate it. You can also consider taking an anti-viral like Valacyclovir before your laser treatment to prevent the virus from flaring up. Likewise, if you recently got a sunburn, you should reschedule your treatment after your skin has healed.

Our providers can recommend alternatives if you’re not a good candidate for laser treatments. Ultherapy® is a great option since it uses ultrasound energy to tighten and firm your skin. Microneedling is also a safe and highly effective treatment for all skin tones and can reduce hyperpigmentation, lines and wrinkles, sun damage, acne scars, and mild laxity.

If you're unsure about whether laser treatments are right for you, the best way to find out is to book a consultation with the welcoming and experienced providers at SkinSmart Dermatology®.