Lasers make it possible to perform high-precision, needle-free and often painless procedures to remove unwanted hair, wrinkles, scars, stretch marks, vascular lesions (for example birthmarks, moles, spider and varicose veins) and tattoos. Below is an overview of the laser procedures we offer to give you healthier, younger-looking skin.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a finely tuned sophisticated procedure done with the use of a laser.  This specific laser is designed to remove the growth center at the base of the hair follicle.  The laser emits a gentle beam of light that passes through the skin, to the hair follicle, where it is absorbed.  Upon absorption, the laser energy is transformed into heat, which can disable the follicle.

The majority of the body parts are appropriate for the use of this laser.  It is essentially a painless procedure, it can be performed in the office and does not require anesthesia.

Laser Skin Treatments

Today's advanced laser technology allows us to safely, easily, and effectively treat many benign skin lesions painlessly, on an out-patient basis. The main conditions for which lasers are indicated include:

• Vascular Lesions
• Pigmented Lesions
• Tattoos
• Wrinkles
• Scars
• Stretch Marks

A laser is an intense focused beam of light consisting of a single wavelength. Each laser is specific for the type of function it performs. The purpose of a laser is to treat a condition without injuring the surrounding tissue.

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What is a vascular lesion?

Skin blemishes due to abnormal blood vessels located directly under your skin's surface that give the skin a red color are called vascular lesions. Port wine stains, hemangiomas, cherry angiomas and spider veins (telangiectasias) are all forms of vascular lesions.

What is a pigmented lesion?

Pigmented lesions are caused by proliferation of melanocytes in the skin. Melanocytes are the cells that manufacture melanin, which is the dark pigment in the skin. Most of us have some form of pigmented lesion. They include brown age spots (lentigines), freckles (ephileds), and moles (nevi).

Lesions without color are called non-pigmented lesions. They include warts and skin tags.

Are laser treatments safe?

Lasers have been used successfully in hundreds of thousands of treatments. Laser treatments performed properly, by a trained physician, are safe and effective. There are many benefits to laser surgery including no needles for most patients,more effective lesion removal, and less risk of scarring.

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Do treatments for skin lesions hurt?

Some patients say they feel a slight sting, like the snap of a rubber band on the skin, followed by the feeling of sunburn. Many treatments do not require anesthetics. However, some patient feel more comfortable with a local numbing agent like ice or an anesthetic cream. For others, a local anesthetic injection may be beneficial.

How many treatments are required?

This depends on the size, location, depth and color of your lesion. Spider veins on the face and age spots generally do well with one or two treatments, while darker or deeper birthmarks may require additional treatments. Port Wine stains, hemangiomas and tattoos usually experience satisfactory results from laser treatments, however as many as six to eight treatment sessions may be required. Treatments should be placed 4 to 8 weeks apart to allow your body to remove the maximum amount of pigment cells. You will continue to see a lightening of your lesion after each treatment as your body disposes of the pigment cells.

What results can you expect?

Most patients will see improvement in their vascular and pigmented lesions. The improvement can be quite dramatic. However, as with any surgical procedure, there is always a possibility that only minor changes will occur and in rare cases there is no response.

Find out if you could benefit from laser treatments. Call our office and schedule your laser consultation.

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