Developing a youthful appearance is a top priority for many people. Perhaps you’re getting married and want to appear as youthful as possible. Or maybe you just want to look your best for job interviews or dates. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of procedures available to help you achieve that goal. Vegas has several renowned laser clinics that specialize in everything from skin rejuvenation to hair removal. But are these services right for you? Keep reading to learn more about this popular alternative to plastic surgery.
What is Laser Skin Rejuvenation?
Laser skin rejuvenation is a procedure that uses lasers and radio frequencies to remove wrinkles, stretch marks, and pigmentation spots on the skin. The lasers target the pigment in the spots and prevent them from returning, while the radio frequencies break up the top layer of the skin to promote collagen production. There are many different laser skin rejuvenation systems, and a practitioner will recommend the one most suitable for you and your skin. Laser skin rejuvenation can be an effective way to reduce wrinkles, stretch marks, and skin imperfections. However, laser skin rejuvenation is not a long-term solution for skin health. It is recommended that patients have regular touch-ups to maintain the results.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a popular way to remove unwanted hair from areas like your face, underarms, and legs. It is often recommended for people with darker shades of hair or for those who experience acne or hyperpigmentation. There are a variety of different lasers that can be used for hair removal. Depending on the area of your body being treated, you may be able to choose between a broad-spectrum laser or a more targeted wavelength. As with any type of cosmetic procedure, you will need to schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist who has experience treating hair and skin. After taking a detailed medical history, your doctor will examine the areas you want to be treated and explain the procedure to you.
IPL Hair Removal
IPL stands for “intense pulsed light.” This is a form of light that is absorbed by cells and causes them to shrink, or “burn up.” It is used for a number of skin conditions, including actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease, melasma, and acne scarring. IPL devices have been approved by the FDA for treating these skin conditions. IPL devices work by passing an intense amount of light through a handpiece. The light is then absorbed by the hair follicles and skin cells, causing them to shrink. IPL hair removal works best on light-colored hairs, such as those on the face, bikini area, underarms, and legs. To use an IPL device, you place the handpiece on the area you want to be treated, then hold it against the skin for a few seconds. This automatically runs the device against the hair follicles, causing heat and light to be emitted.
Lasers for Melasma and Facial Scars
Melasma is a condition caused by the presence of excess melanin, or pigment, in the skin. When this happens on the face, it is known as facial melasma. Facial melasma can be difficult to treat, as the condition is usually genetic and is usually caused by the person’s skin type. Lasers are used to treat melasma, and there are several different types. Patients with dark skin may be best treated with the Alexandrite laser. This laser uses a wavelength of 694nm; others, such as the Lyman laser, work at a wavelength of 598nm. The Lyman laser has been approved by the FDA for treating facial melasma. It uses a wavelength of 910nm and has been shown to be effective in treating melasma and pigmentation spots.
Microwave and RF Devices
Microwave and RF devices use radio frequency to heat up the skin so that the IPL light penetrates the pores more deeply. This can result in more effective treatment, as the light is able to target the impurities in deeper layers of the skin. There are a few different types of RF devices for removing skin imperfections, such as acne scars and pigmentation spots. One type uses a radio frequency of 564nm. This can be used for treating acne scars and hyperpigmentation. A different type of RF device works at a frequency of 1064nm and is FDA approved for treating melasma. RF devices are relatively new compared to IPL and laser hair removal. They are still relatively new, with fewer data available about their long-term effectiveness.
Cryoablation Devices
Cryoablation devices look very similar to IPL devices. They also use radio frequency and IPL light, but instead of emitting light, they cool the skin. This results in less damage to the skin and less redness. Cryoablation devices are FDA approved for treating pigmentation and melasma. These devices work by creating small ice crystals that damage the top layer of skin. It then abrades the skin, exposing it to oxygen and helping it heal. Cryoablation devices are safer than IPL hair removal devices, as there is no risk of burning the skin. They are also less invasive than laser hair removal, as they only damage the top layer of the skin, so there is less scarring.
Conclusion
For many people, laser skin rejuvenation is a great alternative to surgery. It can be used to treat numerous skin issues, including melasma, acne, scars, and marks from stretch marks. It also has minimal downtime and can be done every few years to keep your skin looking young. IPL hair removal is another effective cosmetic procedure that can be done in an outpatient setting. It is often used for darker hair, such as on the legs, underarms, and arms. It is less invasive than laser hair removal while providing similar results. The only downside is that it doesn’t require a hospital stay. Microwave and RF devices are also relatively new, but they are considered safer than lasers and IPL devices. They are non-invasive, while also being effective. They are best for lighter skin types. Finally, cryoablation devices are considered less invasive than lasers and IPBLE devices. It is also less invasive than laser hair removal.