The superficial appearance of the skin can be a point of concern for many of us. Troubles like uneven skin tone, melasma, dark spots, and sun damage can all create blemishes on your skin surface that can make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. Fortunately, where over-the-counter brightening creams fail, there are aesthetic treatments that can perfect your skin appearance. At Chetco Medical & Aesthetics in Brookings, OR we know that laser treatments like LaseMD are good options for rejuvenating your skin.
How Long Do LaseMD Results Last?
One of the major advantages of energy-based treatments like LaseMD is the fact that the results of this treatment can last for six to 12 months. For an aesthetic treatment, the longevity of these results is generally unmatched, particularly in the case of skin rejuvenating treatments. For the sake of comparison, other skin resurfacing treatments like chemical peels tend to only have results that last for a few months at a time.
In fact, one of the reasons why patients are so excited about this laser treatment is the longevity of the results. Because results can last for a year at a time, it ultimately means patients can save both time and money while they perfect the appearance and quality of their skin. If you want to make an impactful skin investment, then a laser treatment is the way to go.
What Is the Best Treatment Frequency?
While the results of this treatment can be expected to last for a year at a time, your treatment frequency will truly depend on your skin type and the results you want to see. Because sometimes the results of this treatment can be permanent, such as for the treatment of certain scars, it’s possible that you may not need any repeat treatments.
However, if you are treating superficial concerns like fine lines, dark spots, and other blemishes, then you will likely need additional treatments about 12 to 18 months after your last appointment. Your aesthetic expert will be able to make more accurate treatment frequency recommendations based on your results and your skin type.
How Can You Maintain Your Results?
When it comes to maintaining your results, it all boils down to how well you can take care of your skin. For some, the most important factor will be to promote the appearance and health of your skin by using a skin care routine that encourages better results. This can mean using skin care products containing Retinol, collagen, or hyaluronic acid to accelerate skin cell turnover and stimulate collagen production.
In general, it’s also a good idea to be smart about your preventative measures for your skin health, as well. In addition to keeping your skin moisturized, you should also prioritize wearing sunscreen during the day, even if you plan to be indoors or there are clouds outside. Wearing SPF 30 or higher can prevent premature skin aging and prolong your results,
UVA and UVB Rays and Your Skin
Applying sunscreen before you go outside is the best way to protect your skin from potential damage, but you should also wear sunscreen even if you’re going to be inside. This is especially true if you’re the type to open the blinds or curtains in your home to let the sunshine in. To the surprise of many, it’s possible that your skin can be exposed to potentially harmful UV rays even when you are indoors.
This is because while glass generally blocks the exposure of most UVB rays, windows are not capable of blocking UVA rays. UVB rays are the rays that can cause sunburns, darken skin pigment, and create free radicals that lead to skin cancer. UVA rays, on the other hand, are largely responsible for premature aging – including dark spots and other types of sun damage. Because UVA rays can still come through windows, it’s important to wear SPF even when you plan to be indoors if you want to protect your results.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Does This Treatment Work?
LaseMD is a non-ablative fractional laser that can revitalize and rejuvenate the appearance of your skin without any invasive techniques or prolonged downtime. A non-ablative laser is one that does not damage the surface of the skin. This particular system has similar effects to microneedling because it creates several microscopic microchannels in the skin that stimulate the body’s natural regenerative properties.
Paired with the gentle thermal energy emitted by the laser technology, the sub-dermal layers of your skin will accelerate certain healing factors to restore your skin after laser exposure. This means that this laser treatment will effectively prompt your skin to increase natural collagen and elastin production, which will help your skin smooth away visible signs of aging and correct the pigment of your skin.
2. What Can You Treat With LaseMD?
Like other laser treatments, this system is a versatile solution to many skin concerns. As a rejuvenating treatment, this laser system can reduce the appearance of visible signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and skin laxity. As a skin resurfacing treatment, you can also use this treatment to correct pigmentation and other textural concerns. Some of the skin concerns that can be effectively treated with this laser system include:
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Active acne
- Acne scarring
- Textural scars
- Pigmentation
- Melasma
- Sun damage and dark spots
- Blemishes
- Fine lines and wrinkles
Even more impressively, this laser system can be used on other areas of the body. Apart from the face, this treatment is frequently used to correct dark spots and skin laxity on the neck, chest, and hands.
3. Is This Treatment Safe?
Yes, this treatment is considered safe. In addition to being approved by the FDA for the treatment of pigmentation and age-related concerns, the mechanics of this treatment means that most people can safely use this treatment without any hyperpigmentation concerns.
This is especially noteworthy since many laser treatments can’t be safely used for those who have medium to dark skin complexions. But with this treatment, you don’t need to have concerns about scarring or pigmentation, making it one of the safest laser treatments available to patients.
4. Will You Need To Prepare for Treatment?
Yes, you will need to prepare for this treatment. Although this 30 minute treatment is simple and painless, you will still need to take some steps to prepare your skin for your treatment. For example, for one to two weeks before your appointment, you should be cautious about any skin-darkening activities, including self-tanning products and tanning beds. Be sure to wear SPF during the daytime to prevent any melanin production being triggered during your treatment.
5. What Should You Do After Your Treatment?
After your treatment, you will need to follow a few guidelines so your skin can heal quickly and you can achieve optimal results. Aside from wearing sunscreen during the daytime, you should also avoid sweating and sources of heat, including hot water, saunas, and hot tubs. You should also avoid exfoliating your skin with manual or chemical exfoliants.
You will not need to schedule any downtime after your treatment. Most people can return to work after treatment or the next day. You should not wear make-up for at least 24 hours and you should not use certain skincare products (like retinoids) during the first 24 to 72 hours after your treatment. We will provide you with more specific aftercare instructions after your appointment.
6. Is There a Best Time For This Treatment?
Yes and no. To be clear, you can have this treatment at any time of the year and at any age. This treatment is simple enough and versatile enough that it can be performed at any time regardless of your age or the severity of your skin condition.
However, just like with other laser treatments, many patients like to schedule their treatment appointments during the colder months of the year. Scheduling your appointments during fall and winter will limit potential sunlight exposure and make it easier to achieve the results you are looking for.
Why Less Sunlight Exposure Matters
Sun exposure is thought to cause about 90% of all skin aging, which includes fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, dark spots. Unprotected sun exposure can also cause difficult-to-treat sun damage, such as broken vessels. The UV rays in sunlight create free radicals in skin cells that prompt premature aging, which is part of the reason why reversing skin aging is so difficult. The less unprotected sun exposure your skin has, the better your skin will be. That’s why skin experts stress suncare so much.
7. How Many Treatments Will You Need?
In order to see maximum results from this treatment, you will likely need one to three appointments. Although many patients will be able to see incredible results after the first treatment, for those who have moderate to severe signs of skin damage or aging, about three consecutive treatments spaced several weeks apart is the best treatment plan. We will help you determine how many treatments you need based on the condition of your skin.
8. Are You a Good Candidate?
Patients of every age, skin type, and skin tone generally make good candidates for this treatment. A consultation will be able to determine your eligibility for LaseMD treatments based on your skin concerns and your skin condition.
Revitalize Your Skin With LaseMD
Whether you have a few superficial concerns or challenging signs of sun damage, laser treatments can be immensely effective for perfecting the tone, texture, and quality of your skin. Revolutionary systems like LaseMD are gentle enough to not harm your skin while also being powerful enough to reverse challenging skin concerns. Please contact Chetco Medical & Aesthetics in Brookings, OR to schedule your first appointment today.