Laser treatments

Natureluvr · ‎06-14-2018

I know lasers have been discussed before on the beauty threads but some of the posts are a few years old and I know there are newer versions available now. Has anyone had a laser treatment for melasma recently and if so, was it a mild laser or more intensive? I know the mild ones seem to have only a couple days of downtime whereas the intensive ones say up to a week to recover.

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

@Natureluvr wrote:
I know lasers have been discussed before on the beauty threads but some of the posts are a few years old and I know there are newer versions available now. Has anyone had a laser treatment for melasma recently and if so, was it a mild laser or more intensive? I know the mild ones seem to have only a couple days of downtime whereas the intensive ones say up to a week to recover.

@Natureluvr There are a few like IPL that makes your face red for a few days and then the darker areas peel and slough off. Several sessions are recommended and it isn't inexpensive. I'd rather have a more invasive one like Fraxel, that does have at least a week down time, but it's often one and done. It also accomplishes more as far as ridding the skin of spots, irregular pigmentation, etc.

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

IPL is not a laser but a type of multi-wavelength light treatment which heats up the skin on the surface and heats to limited depths below the surface depending on the light source. IPL is the least effective method of choice when it comes to pigmentation issues.

Fraxel is a brand name of nonablative laser which is considered the least irritating b/c nonablative lasers don't remove or damage surface skin cells. Fraxel targets subsurface skin layers where collagen induction is desired. Nonablative lasers, though less irritating, have limited effectiveness and less longevity when it comes to issues involving deeper pigmentation problems.

YAG and CO2 (many brands on the market) lasers are ablative meaning they remove surface skin layers (making them irritating) as well as treat the subsurface skin, too. These types of lasers are the most effective at treating pigmentation issues and their results are longer lasting. Some YAG lasers are multi-functional where those can be switched to nonablative (pulse or ND modes).

The best thing to do to help decide which is best for you is to consult with a laser specialist at a derm clinic.

ETA - Laser equipment requires extensive maintenance so that it can be used properly. Because of it's maintenance many places, if not all, hire special laser repair techs to do the maintenance on their equipment and it's very expensive to do (the cost comes down to the customers to pay for it). Not all clinics or medi-spas can justify the cost so they don't have some of the lasers needed to do certain procedures.

GenXmuse · ‎05-15-2016

I've had Yag laser for my rosacea and found it very effective. I'm going back next month for another treatment since my last one was four years ago and it's starting to worsen again.