Unleash the Power of Laser Beauty
Lasers can address a wide range of aesthetic and dermatologic concerns. They’re used to reduce unwanted hair, lighten tattoos, smooth signs of aging, and minimize the appearance of visible veins. Each type of laser targets different concerns with settings that can be adjusted depending on skin tone, treatment goals, and more. At Burt & Will Plastic Surgery and Dermatology, we use several types of lasers, and this variety gives us flexibility in how we approach skin tone, texture, pigment, and unwanted markings.
What Are Laser Treatments?
Lasers are devices that produce focused beams of light at specific wavelengths. Each wavelength can interact with different structures in the skin, such as pigment, blood vessels, or water in the tissue. Because the light is so concentrated, lasers allow us to treat precise areas without affecting the surrounding skin. Laser treatments are useful for both cosmetic and medical treatments.
Before & After Photos
Explore our before and after gallery to witness the remarkable transformations that have left our clients feeling more confident and beautiful than ever. From subtle enhancements to dramatic makeovers, our gallery showcases the artistry of transformation.
How Lasers Work
Lasers deliver energy deep into the skin in short, controlled bursts. The light is absorbed by specific components in the tissue, converting to heat that creates a controlled thermal effect. This thermal response can disrupt cellular structures or trigger a cascade of biological activity, depending on the depth and intensity. Some lasers use fractional technology, which treats narrow columns of skin while leaving the surrounding areas intact to speed up recovery. Others fully remove the top layers of skin.
What Can Laser Treatments Address?
Anti-Aging and Skin Rejuvenation
Fine lines, dull skin, and uneven texture often show up gradually, especially on the face, neck, and chest. We use lasers to smooth out surface irregularities and stimulate collagen production below the skin. With one or more treatments, your skin can look clearer, brighter, and more even.
Pigmentation and Sun Damage
Dark spots and uneven pigment from sun exposure tend to settle into the upper layers of the skin. With laser treatments for sun damage, we target these areas using light that breaks up the pigment. This approach works well for freckles, sun spots, and patches of discoloration on the face, arms, chest, and shoulders.
Acne and Acne Scarring
Active acne and lingering scarring both respond well to targeted laser energy. Some lasers calm inflammation and oil production, while others help resurface areas marked by past breakouts. We often use different devices depending on whether we’re treating current breakouts, textured scars, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Hair Reduction
Laser energy targets the pigment in hair follicles, which helps reduce unwanted hair in areas like the face, underarms, back, legs, and bikini line. We space out treatments to catch each hair during its growth cycle. Over time, the regrowth becomes finer and lighter.
Tattoo Removal
Removing a tattoo involves breaking down the ink particles in your skin. Different wavelengths target various ink colors, so we choose the laser based on your tattoo. The body gradually flushes away the treated pigment between sessions.
Vein Treatments
Small visible veins, like spider veins or broken capillaries, respond well to laser skin treatment. The laser heats the vessel walls, which causes them to collapse and fade. This works best for veins close to the skin’s surface, especially on the face and legs.
Loose or Sagging Skin
We use skin-tightening laser treatments to heat the deeper layers of the skin. The heat stimulates collagen remodeling, which can firm areas like the jawline, neck, arms, and abdomen. You’ll start to see your results gradually as your body rebuilds support structures below the surface.
Body Contouring and Cellulite
Some devices can reach below the skin to target fat cells and improve the appearance of dimpled or uneven areas. We can use these treatments on the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. The heat can also help tighten the overlying skin as the fat reduces.
Eye Bags and Eye Wrinkles
The skin under the eyes is thin and is often one of the first places to show puffiness or fine lines. We use laser treatments for under-eye bags to stimulate collagen, reduce crepey texture, and firm the lower lid area. Some lasers can also target pigmentation to help with dark circles.
What Are the Benefits of Using Lasers?
- They Offer Non-Surgical Options: We use lasers to treat skin concerns non-surgically. You can avoid the recovery time and risks that come with surgery while still enjoying impressive results.
- They Produce Long-Lasting Results: With the right number of sessions and good skincare habits, results from laser treatments can last for months or even longer. We often recommend maintenance treatments depending on what we’re targeting.
- They Precisely Target Skin Concerns: Lasers let us treat specific areas without affecting nearby skin. We adjust the settings to match the depth and color of what we’re treating, whether it’s pigment, vessels, or texture.
What to Expect During Treatment
We perform all laser treatments in our office and only allow licensed, trained laser technicians to handle the equipment. We take the time to review your skin type, medical history, and goals before selecting a laser and planning your sessions. To begin your laser treatment, we clean your skin and may apply a cooling gel or numbing cream, depending on the device and area. During treatment, you’ll feel warmth or a snapping sensation as the laser moves across your skin. Most sessions take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. We’ll give you specific instructions on caring for your skin after your session.
Proper Preparation Before Laser Treatments
Before your session, we will ask you to avoid sun exposure, tanning beds, and self-tanners for at least two weeks. You should also stop using retinoids or exfoliating products a few days before your appointment. For some laser skin treatments, we may recommend shaving the area ahead of time or adjusting certain medications. We’ll go over everything during your consultation so you know exactly how to prepare.
Laser Treatment Aftercare and Recovery
After your treatment, your skin may look pink or feel warm, similar to a mild sunburn. We’ll give you specific instructions on how to care for the area, including when to apply moisturizer, how to cleanse your skin, and what to avoid. Avoiding sun exposure is also important after your treatment, and you should wear sunscreen daily to protect the treated area. Some treatments come with mild peeling, while others may cause flaking or dryness for a few days. We’re always available if you have questions during the healing process.
Expected Results and Longevity
Results depend on the type of laser, the concern we’re treating, and how your skin responds. Some changes, like reduced redness or dark spots, may be visible in a few days. Others, like smoother texture or firmer skin, can take several weeks as collagen builds. In most cases, results improve with a series of treatments and proper skin care. We’ll help you understand how long results typically last and when you might want maintenance sessions.
Comparing Lasers to Other Anti-Aging Treatments
Laser vs. Microneedling
Microneedling uses tiny needles to create controlled injuries in the skin, which triggers collagen production and helps with texture, fine lines, and scars. It is often a good option for patients with darker skin tones or those looking for minimal downtime. We sometimes recommend alternating or combining both treatments, depending on your skin goals.
Laser vs. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels use acids to remove the outer layer of skin, which can help with texture, tone, and mild pigmentation. The depth of the peel varies depending on the type and strength we use. Lighter peels may be a good option if you’re looking for a gentle approach with shorter sessions.
Laser vs. Injectables
Injectables include dermal fillers and neuromodulators like Botox®. These treatments work below the skin by relaxing muscles or restoring volume. They don’t affect the surface, so they won’t improve texture or discoloration. Lasers are better for patients looking to improve skin quality, while injectables are helpful for contouring and wrinkle reduction.
Laser vs. Radiofrequency Devices
Radiofrequency (RF) devices use energy to heat the lower layers of the skin and stimulate collagen. They don’t rely on light or target pigment directly, which makes them a good option for all skin tones. RF is often used for skin tightening, and we may suggest RF devices for patients focused more on firmness than pigment or texture.
Our Menu of Laser Treatments
Titan Laser
The Titan Laser uses infrared light to heat the deep layers of the skin without damaging the surface. This gentle heating can stimulate collagen and help tighten areas like the jawline, neck, and abdomen. It provides immediate contraction of weakened collagen, along with long-term production of collagen from the micro-injuries created in the skin. Titan offers a noninvasive option for early signs of skin laxity.
Laser Genesis
Laser Genesis is a non-ablative laser that gently heats the upper dermis. It can reduce redness, smooth fine lines, and improve texture without the peeling or downtime of ablative lasers. We may recommend it for patients with rosacea, large pores, or early aging. The treatment feels warm and relaxing and can be repeated regularly for ongoing skin maintenance.
Pearl Laser from Cutera
The Pearl Laser is a resurfacing treatment that combines the benefits of both ablative and non-ablative lasers. It removes a thin layer of skin to treat fine lines, uneven texture, and sun damage while also stimulating deeper collagen production. Recovery usually takes a few days, and patients often notice smoother, brighter skin within a week.
PicoWay Resolve
PicoWay Resolve is a fractional, picosecond laser that uses ultra-short pulses to target pigment and stimulate collagen. It can treat acne scars, melasma, and signs of aging while minimizing the risk of heat-related side effects. The device delivers energy in brief bursts, which allows for effective treatment with less discomfort and downtime. It’s also one of our best tools for tattoo removal.
Limelight IPL™ Photofacial
Limelight IPL is a type of intense pulsed light that targets pigmentation and vascular concerns like brown spots, redness, and broken capillaries. It works well on the face, neck, and chest, especially in patients with sun damage or uneven skin tone. Limelight IPL is not a laser but delivers similar benefits for discoloration.
truSculpt
truSculpt uses monopolar radiofrequency to target and heat the fat cells beneath the skin. It’s often used for body contouring on areas like the abdomen, thighs, and flanks. The treatment can also tighten the overlying skin as fat volume decreases. Sessions are quick and don’t require downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Treatments
How Many Laser Sessions Will I Need?
It depends on what we’re treating and which laser we’re using. Some concerns like redness or pigmentation may respond well in just one to two sessions, while others like hair removal, tattoo removal, or deeper wrinkles usually need a series spaced a few weeks apart. We’ll let you know what to expect after we see your skin and talk through your goals. Maintenance sessions may be needed, especially for treatments that address ongoing conditions like rosacea or sun damage.
Are Lasers Suitable for All Skin Tones?
Some lasers are better for darker skin tones than others, and we’re always careful to choose the right technology for your skin. Devices like Laser Genesis and PicoWay are designed to treat a broad range of tones with less risk of pigment changes. We evaluate your skin carefully before starting any treatment to make sure it’s safe for you.
What Is the Difference Between Lasers and IPL?
Lasers use a single wavelength of light that targets a specific concern, like blood vessels or pigment, while IPL (intense pulsed light) uses a broad spectrum of light that can treat several things at once. IPL works well for scattered issues like redness, sun spots, and uneven tone, especially on larger areas like the face and chest. Laser skin treatments offer more precision and can reach deeper layers, which may be better for certain textures, scars, or tighter targeting. We’ll help you decide which one fits your skin and your treatment goals.
Can Lasers Be Combined With Other Treatments?
We often combine lasers with other treatments to improve results. For example, we might use fillers alongside resurfacing lasers to treat both surface texture and volume loss. We also pair microneedling or radiofrequency with certain lasers to build collagen more effectively. Timing matters, so we space treatments as needed.