Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a safe, noninvasive treatment that medical and cosmetic dermatologists use to treat skin concerns. At Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology in Alpharetta, Canton, Cumming, Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Gainesville, Lavonia, Johns Creek and Toccoa, GA, the dermatologists use laser therapy to treat melasma, rosacea, moles, and other conditions that irritate your skin. Call Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is laser therapy?

Laser therapy uses a focused light beam to target skin concerns in the epidermis, the skin’s surface, and the dermis, the layer underneath. Unlike light therapy, laser treatments can penetrate the deeper layers of your skin. These treatments target pigmentation abnormalities, fine lines and wrinkles, and loose skin.

At Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology, your dermatologist can recommend laser therapy to treat cosmetic concerns, like acne and hyperpigmentation. They can also use lasers to remove warts and precancerous growths. For cosmetic treatments, the practice offers the CO2RE® ablative fractional laser from Candela® Medical to rejuvenate the skin.

How does laser therapy work?

Laser therapy carefully removes the epidermis and directs heat into the dermis. By removing the skin’s surface, which endures years’ worth of damage, laser therapy reveals the fresh skin underneath. Meanwhile, heating the dermis triggers your body’s natural healing response.

As the skin heals itself, it releases collagen. This essential protein builds your body’s connective tissues. It’s why your skin appears tighter, smoother, and more buoyant when you’re young. By 30, your collagen levels start to deplete, causing your skin to wrinkle, develop sun damage, and dry out.

Triggering collagen production can rejuvenate your skin. Along with tightening and firming the skin, laser therapy can eliminate other common signs of aging.

Which skin concerns can laser therapy treat?

The dermatologists at Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology use laser therapy to reduce the appearance of:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Sun damage
• Brown spots
• Telangiectasias (broken or dilated blood vessels on the skin’s surface)
• Café au lait macules (common birthmarks with well-defined edges)
• Scars
• Vascular birthmarks
• Acne
• Melasma
• Psoriasis

Laser therapy can also improve uneven skin tone or texture, brighten the skin, accelerate wound healing, and remove unwanted tattoos.

What can I expect from laser therapy?

Laser therapy takes a few minutes to two hours, depending on the concern you’re treating. While the treatment shouldn’t be overly painful, Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology can apply a topical anesthetic to relieve any discomfort. Ablative lasers only require one treatment, but nonablative lasers may need more to achieve the best results.

Your skin may be red, tight, swollen, and sensitive for a few days after the procedure. However, downtime is minimal with most laser therapies. Make sure to wear proper sun protection to avoid complications.

While you might notice initial changes in the tone and texture of your skin, it can take several weeks for collagen production to begin. Over time, your skin should appear tighter, clearer, and more radiant.

Call Cleaver Medical Group Dermatology or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about laser therapy.