Laser And Energy-Based Treatments

Light is one way of delivering targeted energy to different layers and structures of the skin. Lasers are perhaps the most precise, and the light is a single wavelength and a single wave form. Depending on the wavelength, laser power and the duration of each pulse, many different conditions can be treated. To provide a full spectrum of treatments, my practice has 7 different lasers.

Non-laser light (intense pulse light or IPL) also delivers energy where it is needed to treat red or brown discolorations and refresh the skin. In my practice it has been largely replaced with newer technology lasers.

Electrical energy (often called “radio frequency” or RF) can be delivered through a pad on the skin, for collagen/elastin stimulation or fat loss. It can also be more precisely targeted within the skin with RF microneedling (not to be confused with conventional microneedling). My practice uses the SecretRF™ for this.

Electromagnetic energy can stimulate the muscles by triggering the nerves to contract muscles and strengthen them. We have two platforms for this, both of which combine electromagnetic energy and RF energy for a total treatment – EMSculpt Neo for the body, arms and legs and EMFace for the face.

These are some of the conditions treated with energy devices:

Acne

Aging Skin with fine lines and loss of elasticity

Dull Lackluster Skin

Large Pores

Red and Brown Skin Discoloration

Spider Veins (“Broken Blood Vessels”)

Unwanted Hair

Laser resurfacing removes the outer layers of the skin by heat, usually with a CO2 (carbon dioxide) or Erbium laser. A mild treatment is equivalent to a mild chemical peel. Deeper treatment gives more correction, but a lengthy recovery, and more risk of skin color changes and scarring.

Fractional laser (CO2 or Erbium) treats the deeper layers of the skin, to stimulate collagen. It improves lines and elasticity, while minimizing recovery and the risk of color changes. Sometimes it is combined with intense pulsed light (IPL), a different laser targeting discolorations or a shallow resurfacing to treat color irregularities. In my practice we still offer this, but most patients opt for SecretRF™, which gives equivalent results with no downtime and much less discomfort.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a very powerful pulse of light, tuned to be absorbed by brown pigment or blood vessels. It is very useful for treating brown and red discolorations. At higher power, it will also give a light peel.

Who is it for?

Fine wrinkles are usually best treated by stimulating the deeper layers of the skin with energy. (A facelift is needed for the deeper wrinkles and sagging of the skin that occur with aging.) Sometimes both procedures are needed, then I do the skin treatment six weeks to six months after the face lift surgery.

Fair skinned people with sun damage are the commonest candidates for IPL. Darker skinned people may also benefit when skin damage has resulted in uneven pigmentation.

Fractional laser can be used on the neck with only a low risk of scarring. The CO2 laser carries a higher risk of scarring if used on the neck, and scarring can also be a problem with the Erbium laser used for resurfacing.

What to expect

Fractional laser is becoming less popular because there is a significant recovery compared to RF microneedling. The results of a single treatment are approximately equivalent to 3 RF treatments, so it is still appropriate when combined with other treatments with a recovery period. I usually use either a combination of local anesthetic gel and local anesthesia nerve blocks or general anesthesia for fractional laser. It creates a fine pattern of dots on the skin. Sometimes there is a little bleeding from these dots in the first few hours after treatment. After that a little clear fluid oozes from the dots for 2 or 3 days, and the skin is pink. At 7 to 10 days, most patients can resume makeup and normal activity.

Remaining pinkness is usually gone in another week, but can be concealed with makeup until then. Because the fractional laser stimulates collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin, it typically takes 6 to 8 weeks to see maximum correction.

CO2 Laser resurfacing requires general anesthesia or local anesthesia (injections to freeze the skin) with sedation. It is generally an out patient procedure. The skin is removed down to a raw surface, and heals over 7 to 10 days.

Generally there is some redness for two to six months. Generally the CO2 laser gives more correction than the T.C.A. peel in return for the longer recovery period. I rarely use the Erbium laser, since the correction is very equivalent to a T.C.A. peel, but because of the cost of the laser, the patient cost is higher.

If you are considering laser or RF treatment in Orange County, please click here to contact Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Bailey, for a consultation.

Before and After Pictures

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