Laser Ablation

Our laser ablation service can be broken down into two different treatments: We offer a full laser ablation, for those who can plan to have 7-14 days of downtime, and a fractionated laser ablation, for those who don't mind multiple treatments with 3-5 days redness and dryness after.

 

Most commonly treated areas

• Face

• Neck

• Decollete 

 

What to expect

Consultation

For all laser ablation services, a pre-treatment consultation must be booked. At this appointment, one of our providers will determine if you are a candidate for laser ablation and which treatment route you prefer to take. Your provider will evaluate your skin type and establish your pretreatment protocol, including antivirals and tyrosinase inhibitors if necessary.

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Treatment

When you arrive for your laser ablation service, your provider will place numbing cream on the treatment area for 30 minutes. After you have reached peak onset, your provider will have you throughly wash the numbing cream off the area of treatment and then cleanse your skin with alcohol to disinfect the treatment area. You will be provided protective eyewear to protect your eyes during the treatment.

 

If you have opted for full laser ablation, your provider will work in small sections over the entirety of the area to be treated. The treatment itself will take approximately 30 minutes, but will take longer if the neck and decollete are included. 

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If you have opted for the fractional laser ablation, your provider will section off areas and pass the handpiece either once or twice over the treatment area, depending on your initial assessment. The treatment takes approximately 15 minutes, but will take longer if the neck and decollete are included.

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Aftercare

If you have opted for the full laser ablation, your aftercare process and taking care of your skin at this time are just as important as the actual procedure. After the treatment, your skin will feel like a sunburn for approximately 1-2 hours post treatment. If your skin is weeping, you may apply vinegar soaks until the weeping subsides. You should cleanse with a gentle cleanser and apply the provided occlusive ointment twice daily and as needed until reepithelization occurs, usually between days 3-5. After day 5, you may begin to use any provided aftercare products and a zinc-based sunscreen. You must avoid direct sun exposure for the next four weeks, as the skin will be much more sensitive to the sun. You may resume makeup once the skin has healed, between 5-7 days. Your provider will give you an aftercare treatment card to remind you of instructions.

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If you have opted for the fractional laser ablation, your skin will feel warm for approximately 1-2 hours post treatment. You should cleanse with a gentle cleanser twice per day and apply a gentle moisturizer as needed. You must avoid direct sun exposure for the next four weeks, as the skin will be much more sensitive to the sun. 

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Treatment Length

While the fully ablative laser treatment is considered to be a one-and-done treatment, the fractional laser ablation should be repeated every 4 weeks for 3-5 total sessions.