What Are Dermatological Laser Treatments?
Dermatological laser treatments use focused beams of light to address specific skin issues with high precision. Unlike topical treatments, lasers penetrate the skin’s deeper layers, offering longer-lasting and more dramatic results. At Shine Dermatology, we offer seven different advanced laser systems:
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Pico Laser: Delivers ultra-short pulses to break pigment into fine particles for melasma, tattoos, and acne scars.
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AlexTriVantage Laser: Ideal for lightening freckles, sun spots, and removing flat brown moles.
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Pulsed Dye Laser (VBeam): Targets blood vessels to treat rosacea and spider veins.
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Excel V Laser: Uses dual wavelengths to treat both deep and superficial pigmentation and vascular issues.
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SmartXide Fractional CO2 Laser: Ablative resurfacing laser that stimulates collagen for scars and wrinkles.
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SmartXide Ablative CO2 Laser: Specially used to remove raised moles, warts, and benign skin growths.
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GentleLase Laser: Optimized for comfortable hair removal in lighter skin tones.
How Do Laser Treatments Work?
Lasers deliver specific light wavelengths that are absorbed by target structures like melanin or hemoglobin in the skin. The absorbed light energy breaks down pigment or coagulates vessels, depending on the treatment goal.
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Ablative lasers (e.g., SmartXide CO2) vaporize damaged skin layers to promote healing.
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Non-ablative lasers (e.g., Excel V) heat deep tissues without harming the surface.
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Pico lasers use rapid pulses to shatter pigment with minimal heat, making them ideal for dark skin tones.
Our dermatologists fine-tune settings for wavelength, pulse duration, and energy output to match each patient’s skin type and concern, ensuring safe and effective outcomes.
Key Laser Treatments & Their Applications
- Pico Laser – Gold Standard for Pigmentation
Using trillionth-of-a-second pulses, the Pico Laser treats melasma, acne scars, and tattoos with minimal heat. It's safe for all skin tones and shows progressive improvement over 3–6 sessions. - AlexTriVantage Laser – Pigmentation & Hair Removal for Darker Skin
Uses Alexandrite wavelength to target melanin in pigmentation and hair follicles. Its safety profile makes it suitable for Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI. Sessions are fast and comfortable. - Pulsed Dye Laser (VBeam) – Vascular & Redness Treatment
Targets hemoglobin to treat rosacea, spider veins, and port-wine stains with minimal side effects. Most patients see results in 2–4 sessions. - Excel V Laser – Dual-Wavelength Precision
Versatile treatment for mixed concerns like brown spots and vascular lesions using 532nm and 1064nm settings. Customizable for layered skin issues. - SmartXide Fractional CO2 Laser – Textural Rejuvenation
Creates controlled micro-injuries to boost collagen and elastin. Suitable for acne scars and deep wrinkles. Recovery is 3–7 days. - SmartXide Ablative CO2 Laser – Raised Lesion Removal
Efficiently removes raised moles, warts, and benign growths with precise control and minimal scarring. - GentleLase Laser – Hair Removal for Light Skin
Uses Alexandrite technology with cooling systems for painless hair removal. Best for Fitzpatrick I–III, with results visible after 6–8 sessions.
Comprehensive Benefits of Laser Treatments
Laser treatments offer precision targeting, faster results, and minimal recovery compared to conventional options. Benefits include:
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Multifunctionality: Treat multiple concerns in one session.
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Customizability: Adjustable settings for each skin type.
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Quick Treatments: Most sessions last 15–60 minutes.
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Longevity: Results often last months or years.
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Minimal Downtime: Non-ablative treatments allow immediate return to daily life.
When to Consider Laser Treatments
Laser therapy is ideal if you experience persistent skin conditions unresponsive to creams or peels:
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Pigmentation: Pico Laser clears melasma, freckles, and sunspots.
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Vascular Conditions: VBeam and Excel V treat redness and visible veins.
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Acne Scars & Wrinkles: SmartXide CO2 improves texture and tone.
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Hair Removal: AlexTriVantage and GentleLase for lasting smoothness.
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Preventive Care: Younger patients use laser therapy to delay aging signs.
Treatment Schedule & Recovery
Laser Type |
Sessions Needed |
Interval |
Downtime |
Pico Laser |
3–6 |
4 weeks |
None, mild redness |
AlexTriVantage/GentleLase |
6–8 |
6–8 weeks |
None |
VBeam / Excel V |
2–4 |
4 weeks |
1–2 days redness |
SmartXide CO2 |
1–3 |
2–3 months |
7–10 days |
Safety & Risks
Laser treatments are medically safe when administered by certified professionals. Possible side effects include:
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Mild redness and swelling
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Temporary darkening of pigment
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Rare blistering (ablative lasers only)
Shine Dermatology prioritizes safety through skin assessments, patch testing, and individualized treatment settings. All devices are FDA-approved.
FAQs
Q: Which laser is safest for dark skin tones?
A: Pico Laser and AlexTriVantage are safest due to minimal heat and pigment-specific targeting.
Q: Is laser hair removal painful?
A: Most experience a mild snap, reduced by integrated cooling systems.
Q: How soon will I see results?
A: Pigmentation fades in 1–2 weeks; CO2 laser results appear after 2–3 months.
Q: Can I combine laser treatments?
A: Yes. For example, VBeam + Pico Laser for redness and pigmentation; Pico + CO2 for scars and wrinkles.
Q: Are lasers safe for acne-prone skin?
A: Yes. SmartXide CO2 can reduce active breakouts and smooth scarring.
Q: How should I prepare for treatment?
A: Avoid sun exposure, retinoids, and tanning for two weeks before your session.
Q: Can lasers remove permanent makeup?
A: Yes, Pico Laser can break down tattoo ink with minimal risk.
Q: Are results permanent?
A: Hair removal results are permanent with maintenance. Pigmentation may need annual touch-ups.
Book a Consultation Today!
Experience skin transformation with Shine Dermatology’s advanced laser therapies. [Contact us] to schedule a customized consultation and begin your journey toward clearer, healthier skin.