TL;DR:
- Lasers treat wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, scars, tattoos, spider veins, cellulite, rosacea, and more.
- Popular lasers include:
- Cutera: Treats veins, warts, scars, rosacea, excessive hair, hemangiomas.
- eCO2: Improves wrinkles, skin firmness, stretch marks, scars, solar keratosis.
- TIXEL2: Shorter recovery, stimulates skin rebuilding with micro-needles.
- ICOONE: Targets cellulite, loose skin, scars, swelling.
- Ultrafrax 300: Fractional laser for rejuvenation, pigmentation, scar removal.
- Discovery Pico: Removes tattoos, permanent makeup, stimulates collagen.
- Ablative lasers (wavelength: 2940–10600 nm): Aggressive, longer recovery, effective for exfoliation and rejuvenation.
- Non-ablative lasers (wavelength: 800–1550 nm): Mild, short recovery, slight swelling/erythema.
- Consultation with a specialist is critical to choose the right laser and ensure best results.
Laser treatments are gaining popularity: lasers are no longer used not only to remove tattoos and scars, but also to remove hyperpigmentation or fight wrinkles. In the past, one of the biggest concerns of patients was skin peeling during recovery. However, it is worth remembering that there are different types of lasers on the market and not all of them cause peeling. What else is worth knowing about lasers? We have compiled the relevant information in this article.
Different types of lasers
We use different types of lasers in our clinic, and each of them has individual characteristics and applications. Here are some examples of popular types of lasers:
- Cutera laser: emits ultra-short but powerful pulses. It is best suited for treating spider veins, varicose veins, seborrheic warts and viral warts, scars, hemangiomas, rosacea or when removing excessive hair.
- The eCO2:** fractional laser creates controlled damage on the skin to intensely stimulate regeneration. This type of laser is great for rejuvenation treatments, wrinkle correction, skin firming, stretch mark removal, photodamage or when treating solar keratosis and seborrhea. It is also an effective laser for scars.
- TIXEL2 laser: resembles the eCO2 fractional laser in its principle of operation, but its use is associated with shorter recovery. The device has a tip that ends in micro-needles and stimulates the skin to rebuild with minimal damage.
- ICOONE laser: provides 3-stage stimulation, reaching all the way to the subcutaneous tissue. ICOONE treatment is primarily used if cellulite, loose skin, scars or swelling appear.
- Ultrafrax 300 laser: is a fractional laser that emits a beam of carbon dioxide, so it accelerates skin regeneration and stimulates collagen production. It works well for skin rejuvenation, scar removal and pigmentation changes.
- Discovery Pico laser: the laser works on the principle of ultra-short pulses, which, however, are sufficient to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Among other things, it allows for effective laser tattoo removal and failed permanent makeup.
Choosing the right type of laser depends on the type of procedure, the patient's individual needs and consultation with an experienced specialist.
Ablative and non-ablative lasers
Aesthetic medicine makes extensive use of lasers. Recovery depends on the type of treatment: it does not always have to involve intensive peeling of the skin. Less invasive are non-ablative methods. Here, lasers with wavelengths in the 800 – 1550 nm range are used. The laser light has the ability to penetrate deep into the tissue, but the energy is concentrated on the surface of the skin, so only slight swelling and erythema appear after the procedure, and convalescence is not strenuous and practically immediately you can return to daily duties. The procedure itself can also be considered virtually painless. However, it is worth remembering that it takes time for the collagen fibers to remodel. The final results are usually visible a few months after the last treatment in the series is performed. Ablative methods are among the more aggressive, so a longer convalescence is necessary. Here lasers with wavelengths in the 2940 nm to 10600 nm range are used, which do not have the ability to penetrate deep into the tissue. However, they stimulate the skin to regenerate by creating controlled damage. The treatment involves exfoliation of the skin, so it helps smooth and rejuvenate it. Ablative methods are more effective than chemical peels because the laser penetrates deeper. The precise control of the laser beam allows you to control the intensity of the treatment, but there is a reason why ablative laser treatments are sometimes called a lift without a scalpel. Laser treatments such as scar removal, tattoo removal and cosmetic surgery are becoming increasingly popular. Lasers vary widely, which is why it is so important to consult with an experienced doctor to choose the best method for a particular patient.
Conclusion
Laser treatments offer versatile solutions for skin concerns, from scars to rejuvenation. Choosing the right laser—ablative or non-ablative—depends on your needs and goals. Speak with an expert for tailored advice. Modern technology ensures effective results with minimal downtime when paired with professional care.
