This article is sponsored by Candela Medical.
Laser, in all its forms, is at the centre of many of Glow Journal’s most frequently asked questions.
Keeping in mind that I am an educated consumer but by no means an expert, I consciously postpone addressing these questions until I have unbridled access to an industry leader.
It’s for this reason that Glow Journal are thrilled to be collaborating with Candela Medical, leaders in energy-based devices, on an Ask The Expert series across both glowjournal.com and the Glow Journal podcast- a series giving you, our readers and listeners, access to industry experts and an opportunity to ask your own questions. Science, results and trust sit at the very core of Candela’s ethos, while sharing only the very best in beauty remains at the heart of the Glow Journal brand, making this alignment a match made in beauty heaven.
The year 2020 will see this series delve deeper and deeper into your most specific questions, but to launch the series we asked our respective audiences to submit some broad laser-related queries. We delivered your questions to the Candela Medical clinical team, and they answered. Consider this your ultimate laser FAQ.
We will be collaborating with Candela Medical on more Ask An Expert stories and bonus podcasts well into the new year, so if you have any questions you’d like answered, please submit them via Instagram or via our Contact form.
What are the most common laser skin treatments?
Cosmetically, the most commonly sought-after laser treatments in Australia are for hair removal, followed by treatment for pigmentation, skin rejuvenation (generally sun damage related), skin tightening and textural irregularities. Lasers are also used to help treat acne, ‘spider’ vessels, rosacea, scars and many other skin concerns.
How often are laser treatments needed?
Depending on the type of skin concern laser treatments vary from a ‘one off’ procedure to multiple treatments. Most laser treatments though require a series of treatments for best outcomes.
How permanent are the results of a laser?
This really depends on the indication for treatment and the cause of the condition. For example, benign sun spots solely related to UV exposure (not genetic, hormonal or medication induced) can be removed very successfully with laser treatment, if however you then go back into the sun and continue damaging the skin with UV exposure, the sun spots are likely to return.
What does a laser actually do to the skin? How does the skin respond?
Each laser has its own specific wavelength which is attracted selectively to a particular target , or chromophore in the skin. Some wavelengths are attracted to the chromophore melanin (pigment), others to hemoglobin (blood), and others are attracted to the water in the skin. Lasers utilize the principle of selective photothermolysis to target the ‘problem’ in the skin without damaging the normal skin around it.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects can be broken down into what we consider expected and not expected side effects. An expected side effect could be defined as mild transient redness, swelling, darkening of treated pigment and tenderness, through to unexpected side effects such as skin colour changes (hypo and hyperpigmentation), infection and permanent scarring. Patients should be consented prior to their laser procedure for all associated risks and realistic expectations should be set regarding the likelihood of expected and unexpected side effects, as they vary depending on the type of laser treatment received.
Are lasers safe?
Risk is always a consideration when undergoing any cosmetic procedure, including laser treatment. However, with an appropriately trained professional, utilizing the correct energy parameters on a properly diagnosed indication or ‘problem’ lasers are considered a very safe method of treatment.
Is there a link between use of lasers and cancer?
There is no evidence to date that shows a clear link between cosmetic laser treatments and cancer. Laser therapy uses non-ionising radiation in the form of a concentrated light source that produces a very fine laser beam. This laser beam does not use the same ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths as those found in sunlight (i.e. UVA and UVB), which are known to damage the DNA in cells and cause skin cancer. Non-ionising radiation is also different to ionising radiation (e.g. nuclear radiation, X-rays), which is also known to cause cancer.
Can you have laser whilst on antibiotics?
This really depends on why you are on the antibiotics as well as what type of antibiotic you are on. If for example you are on antibiotics because you have an infection, particularly in the area of treatment, laser is not advised until the infection has cleared. It is also important to note that some antibiotics cause the skin to become more sensitive to light and therefore might be a contraindication for treatment.
What type of laser will work on a darker skin type?
Depending on the indication for treatment certain lasers are considered ‘safer’ than others for people with darker skin tones. If the treatment is for laser hair removal a 1064nm wavelength is generally regarded as a safer option and if the treatment is for pigmentation a picosecond laser is a technology to consider.
Does laser cause hyperpigmentation?
Hyper or hypo pigmentation are listed as known side effects for all laser treatments. However, with an appropriately trained professional, utilizing the correct energy parameters on a properly diagnosed indication or ‘problem’ there is low risk of hyper or hypo pigmentation occurring.
Should I only see a dermatologist or are franchise clinics ok?
It is important that wherever you choose to have laser treatment done that you research your practitioner, their training and the type of lasers that they use. It is also important if you are considering undergoing treatment that you have a full medical skin check prior to treatment. A proper diagnosis is also important as some skin conditions need specialist technology that not all clinics have – Melasma is one such indication that is poorly diagnosed and can become worse with traditional heat-based lasers.
List the differences between lasers (co2, pulse dye, nd:yag etc)?
Each laser utilises a different lasing medium and a different wavelength to allow it to target specific skin concerns or ‘chromophores’.
Co2 lasers target the ‘chromophore’ water and aesthetically are used for the ablation and subsequent coagulation (or contraction and rebuilding) of the skin. It is generally used to treat skin conditions ranging from sun damage to scarring and for the reduction of wrinkles. Medically, Co2 lasers are also used for the removal of benign lesions, vulvar vaginal atrophy (VVA), debridement and rebuilding of dermal tissue for burn scars as well as surgical excision of tissue.
Pulse dye lasers (PDL’s) mainly target the chromophore hemoglobin and aesthetically target red vessels, rosacea and flushing as well as other ‘red based’ skin concerns like port wine stains and hemangiomas. PDL’s can also help with decreasing the signs of acne, striae and scars – both surgical and traumatic.
NdYag lasers can target melanin, hemoglobin and water. We alter the speed, depth and energy levels in different ways to focus the laser beam correctly. Therefore, the NdYag is considered a very flexible wavelength utilized for hair removal, vascular considerations and even pigment and wrinkle reduction depending on the configuration of the device.
Will laser burn my skin?
If the correct laser and parameters are chosen for both your skin type and medical history, lasers should only target the problem tissue not the healthy skin surrounding it, meaning the risk of burning healthy tissue is very low.
Why shouldn’t you get laser?
There are certain medical conditions (i.e light-triggered seizures), lifestyle choices (ie tan) and medications (i.e. light sensitive medications) and that may contraindicate you having laser. A full history should be taken during your consultation to ascertain if laser is the right treatment for you.
