7 things you need to know before getting laser for your skin
Skin laser treatment is a type of non-invasive laser treatment that has shown to be effective in the treatment and management of various skin concerns. It has been used for over 50 years and can be performed in a certified clinic. Laser treatments last anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes each, with sessions typically done 3 to 4 weeks in between. If you are considering to try laser treatments, there are seven things you need to know before proceeding:
What is it?
Laser treatments are a safe and effective way to reduce acne scarring, inflammation of the skin, while at the same time addressing issues such as skin laxity or texture. The treatment requires no injections or surgery, making it suitable for most including those with sensitive skin.
Who is it suitable for?
Anyone having problems with their skin can undergo laser treatment. Of course, individuals may have varying sensitivities, and we adjust the intensity of the laser treatments based on patient feedback.
We recommend that individuals speak with their doctors first to gauge their suitability for laser-based treatments, or simply call us to ask.
How does it work?
Specific laser treatments and packages vary for individuals. For our treatments of Carbon Peel Laser, Q-Switched Laser, or Korean Pulsed Light, the mechanism works according to similar principles:
Light is focused via specific wavelengths into powerful beams. Machines allow us to vary the intensity of the beams, and the laser is applied directly to the skin. What each laser does varies according to treatment, but they frequently exfoliate the skin and stimulate collagen production, and as such lasers for acne scarring are frequently used.
Benefits of laser treatments
The common benefits of laser treatment include stimulating collagen growth and increasing production, thus allowing your skin to heal, with improved elasticity.
Laser treatments have frequently demonstrated improvements with:
- Acne
- Post-inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
- Acne scar removal
- Enlarged and clogged pores
- Melasma
- Photoaging
- Fine lines and wrinkles
Side effects of laser treatment
Side effects may include slight redness and mild swelling. If you are undergoing a high-intensity treatment and have opted for an application of numbing cream, then your skin will feel numb for up to two hours post-treatment. The level of redness and tingling varies from individual to individual; for instance, light-skinned individuals will likely see more redness.
Laser treatments have been used for almost half a century, and are frequently being tweaked to ensure high levels of safety with as few side effects as possible, which makes it one of the reasons why the treatment is so well-loved especially for acne scar removal.
Cost and duration of treatment
Laser treatments can range from 10 to 20 minutes depending on the individual, and is often referred to as a ‘lunchtime treatment’. While the actual procedure itself would only be around 20 minutes long, other factors may be taken into consideration. For instance, clients who require the numbing cream applied will need additional time for the cream to set in and take effect prior to the procedure itself.
In terms of cost, our trial treatment for the Gangnam Signature Laser is currently priced at S$68. We have additional packages that consider our patients’ needs as well. At other clinics, laser treatments may cost several hundred dollars.
Can I have more than one session at a time?
We recommend scheduling just one session at a time. Patients may opt to increase the intensity of individual treatments during each session, but the skin needs to heal between sessions so that improvements can be made. Having too many sessions in one go would be akin to exercising too much: your body needs to repair your muscles between exercise sessions in order to be able to become stronger.
Lasers for acne scars can be quite intense. The skin will need time to rejuvenate itself between sessions before we exert additional pressure on it.
In summary
Laser treatment is a relatively painless way to treat patients for various skin conditions. A patient must undergo at least 3 sessions of laser treatments before they may see any significant difference in their condition. There are no long-term side effects associated with laser treatment.
Lasers are an innovative and effective way to improve your skin. If you are interested in laser treatments, contact us for more information on how they work and what benefits come with them.
