Types of Lasers (and non-lasers) 101
Ablative Lasers
Carbon Dioxide Laser (CO2)
Treats:
- Deep set wrinkles
- Acne scars and other scarring
- Warts
- Birthmarks
- Skin tags
- Saggy skin (encourages collagen production for skin tightening)
- Skin cancer
- Corns on feet
- Moles
- Sun damage
- Not good for stretch marks
Side Effects:
- Traditional CO2 lasers took months to heal with a high risk of scarring and red skin.
- Fractional CO2 lasers are less invasive and generally require 2-3 weeks of recovery
- If you are Asian, you have a higher risk of hyper-pigmentation or hypo-pigmentation. Do not get this treatment if you have active acne on your skin.
Erbium Laser
Treats:
- Fine lines
- Small to moderate wrinkles
- Skin pigmentation problems
- Acne scars
- Sun damage
- Moles
Non- Ablative Laser
Pulsed-Dye Laser
Treats:
- Vascular lesions
- Spider veins
- Port wine stains (birthmarks)
- Rosacea
- Broken capillaries
- Fine lines around eyes
- Stretch marks
Nd:Yag Laser
Treats:
- Hair removal
- Spider veins
- Skin pigmentation issues
- Tattoo removal
- Skin rejuvenation
Alexandrite Laser
Treats:
- Hair removal
- Tattoo removal
- Leg veins
Non-Lasers
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)
Treats:
- Rosacea and facial redness
- Broken blood vessels
- Pigmented lesions and skin discolorations
- Skin tightening
- Moderately good at removing hair
- Some tattoo removal
Infrared
Treats:
- Skin tightening
- Facial contouring
- Non-surgical face lift
- Stimulating collagen
- Saggy skin
Radiofrequency
Treats:
- Skin tightening
- Facial rejuvenation
Ultrasound Imaging
Treats:
- Skin tightening
- Increase collagen production
- Improve skin elasticity
- Firming skin