Types of Lasers (and non-lasers) 101

fractional-laser-resurfacing

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