Laser Facial
Laser Facial is a painless, noninvasive laser treatment that targets fine lines, uneven texture, dullness, redness, rosacea, enlarged pores, active acne, and acne scars, all without downtime.
Patient’s skin will appear polished and bright after the first treatment, however, the results are cumulative, so a series of treatments, spaced 2-4 weeks apart is necessary for optimal results.
At WIFH, we use the Elite+ laser made by Cynosure.
Laser Facials are non-ablative, meaning it works by heating up the underlying skin tissue while leaving the skin’s surface intact and uninjured. The heat stimulates the natural production of collagen and increases cell turnover, which over time helps to make the skin smoother, brighter, and more youthful looking.
The heat also kills acne bacteria on and under the skin, making this a great option for anyone who struggles with breakouts or acne. Because this treatment leaves the surface of the skin uninjured, it is safe for all skin types and there’s no downtime!
How Does a Laser Facial Work?
Preparing for a Laser Facial
3 weeks before the procedure, we ask that Laser Facial patients avoid tanning (including unprotected sun exposure, tanning beds, self-tanner) on the area being treated for at least 3 weeks before treatment.
1-2 weeks before the procedure, WIFH strongly recommends prepping the skin with a HydraFacial, microdermabrasion, or dermaplaning 1-2 weeks before your treatment to slough away the buildup of excess dead skin. This makes a huge difference by ensuring that the laser is able to deeply penetrate your skin, making your treatments as effective as possible. A WIFH clinician can recommend which facial is best for the patient’s skin type during the initial consultation.
The day of the treatment, the treatment area will be cleansed removing any make-up and or lotions. If the patient is coming from work, the clinician will cleanse their skin prior to receiving the Laser Facial treatment.
The patient is required to wear protective eyewear during the Laser Facial treatment due to the light emitted from the laser. The clinician performs the treatment by slowly waving the laser hand-piece back and forth over the skin, never actually making contact. The goal is to bring the skin to a certain temperature and then maintain that temperature for a certain amount of time. The clinician will treat the entire area, but will also spend time targeting problem areas, such as redness, acne, scars, or fine lines.
Laser facials are completely painless, so numbing cream isn’t necessary. The patient will feel the treatment area gradually warming, but not to the point where it is hot or uncomfortable. The entire procedure usually takes only 45 minutes. When finished, your clinician will apply skincare products appropriate for your unique skin, as well as SPF.
What to Expect During a Laser Facial
Laser Facial Recovery Time
The Laser Facial is a gentle, painless procedure that requires no real recovery period afterwards. Any mild redness patients experience will dissipate quickly, and the skin will have a nice glow immediately following treatment. Patients should avoid any skin care products that contain acids, retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide for at least 24 hours after treatment. Patients who exercise should do so prior to their appointment, otherwise they will need to wait 24 hours following the procedure to resume exercise activities. Patients must protect their skin by wearing SPF 30 or higher to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
We believe consultations are very important when considering any skin treatment. Our consultations give us the opportunity to get to know you and understand exactly what you are looking to achieve with your skin. At your consultation you will meet with one medical aesthetician who will put together a treatment plan along with product recommendations for you to consider.
Laser Facial Consultations
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the constant gentle warming of the skin kills acne bacteria on top and below the skin. Inflammation of the active acne is reduced and future breakouts are prevented. This constant warming reaches the dermis layer of the skin stimulating collagen production which heals and smooths acne scarring.
Patients will need at least 5 treatments 2-4 weeks apart depending on what they are trying to correct. Acne treatments are every 2 weeks and overall redness and anti-aging treatments are every 3-4 weeks. Depending on the degree of acne and amount of sun damage, additional treatments may be required.
Yes, alternating Microneedling and Laser Facial treatments are an excellent treatment for correcting acne scarring, rejuvenation and correcting scars and stretch marks. Alternating IPL and Laser Facials are an excellent treatment for correcting Rosacea and Poikiloderma on the neck and chest.
No, Laser Facial treatments usually take one hour and most patients fall asleep during their treatment. Laser Facial treatments feel like a warm, comfortable, therapeutic sensation, like the gentle warmth of the sun. Laser Facials are non-invasive and do not wound the skin’s surface. Numbing creams, gels and complicated post treatment care are not required.
Laser Facials anti-aging treatments are usually performed on Face, Neck, Décolleté. Scar and stretch mark revisions can be performed anywhere on the body.
Because this procedure is non-ablative, there are very few risks and side effects. Patients may experience some mild redness in the area treated which can last anywhere from 10 minutes to a few hours. Patients may also notice the skin feels tighter and looks smoother immediately after each treatment. This is due to mild swelling that may occur.
Patients with a history of cold sores should notify their clinician so that we can arrange for you to pre-treat with a prescription antiviral. This will prevent a flare up. Occasionally, a hives-like rash may occur in the days following your treatment—but it should clear in a day or two. Patients are not candidates for Laser Facial if they have taken the acne medication Accutane during the past year, or if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.