Laser Skin Treatments: Problems They Treat and How They Work

Laser treatment for the skin is becoming the go-to solution for many skin problems. Got droopy cheeks? Uneven skin tone or pigmentation? Acne breakouts? Wrinkles at the corners of your eyes? There's a laser treatment for any skin problem.

Dr Saami is  a board-certified dermatologist and laser expert in La Mesa offering laser treatment for a broad range of skin issues. Dr Saami trained with the inventors and leaders of most lasers used in clinical medicine during his time at Harvard and thus has a deep understanding and mastery of lasers in dermatology . Today, we'll dive deeper into the uses of various laser treatments, the assumptions surrounding them, and whether it actually works.

Skin Issues Treated with Laser Therapy

Laser is most commonly used for resurfacing the skin and stimulating it to produce younger, healthier cells that will emerge to the surface. The laser used for these treatments is an intense beam of light whose intensity and heat can be controlled electronically via a computer program or handheld device. There are many other types of lasers that Dr Saami uses to treat brown spots, red spots, and tighten skin that work by different mechanisms than what is described below.

Laser resurfacing  works by destroying the epidermis or the outermost layer of the skin. At the same time, the heat from the laser triggers the dermis to produce more collagen, which is essential for wound healing. Another side effect of laser-treating the dermis is that it initiates skin cell regeneration. Younger and healthier skin cells repopulate areas of volume loss and tissue damage, giving rise to a fresher,brighter, more youthful appearance.

Non-wounding laser treatment is also possible, which typically requires 3- 4 treatments spaced approximately 1 month apart. Laser therapy can treat the following skin issues:

• Dark spots and uneven skin tone

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Acne

• Rosacea

• Scars, including acne and surgical scarring

• Sun-damaged skin

• Saggy skin

• Enlarged pores

• Stretch marks

Dr Saami  may recommend laser therapy to achieve any of the following goals:

• Lighten dark spots

• Lighten port-wine stain birthmarks

• Improve elasticity

• Remove unwanted facial or body hair

• Remove tattoos

False Assumptions About Laser Skin Treatment

It’s easy to advertise and extol the benefits of laser treatment which, as you can see above, are numerous. This also means, however, that you must also be on guard for false promises.

A common example is the assumption that lasers can completely remove scars. This is incorrect.  Laser cannot completely eliminate the appearance of scars, but it can significanlty improve their appearance and make them look  less visible and distinguishable. This also depends somewhat on the type of scar -- surgical scars are harder to treat than more superficial acne scars. Laser can also prevent surgical scars from knotting or raising -- a process known as keloid formation. They can still form after surgery, but are less noticeable.

Seek Laser Treatment from a Clinic You Can Trust

There is no question that laser treatment can do so much for your skin; you just have to make sure you’re getting treated for the right reasons.

To ensure you’re not wasting your money and time on ineffective treatments, consult board-certified  dermatologists with enough experience and qualifications to administer laser treatment.

You can trust Dr Saami’s dermatology clinic to give you a customized treatment with clear and achievable goals. Dr. Saami is a board-certified and well-known dermatologist in Southern California. He studied and completed his residency at Harvard and John Hopkins, and has authored over 50 publications,book chapters, and lectured all over the world on skin treatments and cosmetic surgery.

Contact Dr Saami’s dermatology clinic and schedule a consultation for laser skin treatment in San Diego, California.