The Basics of Laser Skin Treatments in Asheville, North Carolina

From eliminating pigmented lesions to rejuvenating aging skin, laser therapy offers an effective solution to a myriad of patients’ cosmetic concerns. Utilizing specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissue, this non-invasive solution enables plastic surgeons to perform precise procedures, safely, with minimal damage to surrounding areas.

Because of its versatility, relative safety, and outstanding results, cosmetic laser skin treatments have become a preferred choice for various aesthetic concerns.

How Does Laser Therapy Work?

Lasers work by targeting what is called a “chromophore” — something that absorbs a particular wavelength of light energy.

To target blood vessels, a laser with the same wavelength as hemoglobin is used. To target pigment, a laser with the same wavelength as melanin is used. To target wrinkles, a laser with the same wavelength as water is used.

Some laser beams emit multiple wavelengths and can therefore have multiple targets. The targets absorb the laser energy, getting destroyed in the process and absorbed by the body’s natural cleansing system (immune cells).

The Different Types of Laser Skin Treatments

There are many lasers available, but at Halvorson Plastic Surgery, we use a handful of very effective lasers that can treat the majority of patient concerns.

Wrinkles, Pores, & Acne Scars: Lasers for Healthy Skin

When it comes to deep wrinkles, pores, and acne scars, we have two powerful laser treatments at our disposal. The Ablative Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Laser is a highly effective solution, but it is quite painful, and treating a large area like the face requires a general anesthetic.

CO2 lasers also have the longest recovery time — approximately 4 weeks, and there is a risk of hypopigmentation in patients with darker skin color.

Alternatively, the ProFractional Erbium Laser offers a gentler approach with a quicker recovery period of 4-5 days.

Whereas most people will see a noticeable improvement with the CO2 laser, it could take 3-5 ProFractional treatments to see the same level of improvement. Nevertheless, most patients choose the ProFractional laser due to the shorter downtime and no requirement for general anesthesia.

For an added boost, consider combining the ProFractional Laser procedure with a MicroLaser Peel. This will remove the outer layer of dead skin, resulting in a “shine” or “glow” that lasts several weeks.

Red Areas and Small Blood Vessels: Targeted Laser Treatment

For conditions like red areas, small blood vessels, telangiectasia/spider veins, and rosacea, our VersaPulse Laser with a hemoglobin attachment offers precise treatment. We do not use a topical anesthetic ointment for this, as it can interfere with laser penetration and it is usually very well tolerated.

The smaller and more superficial a vessel is, the more effective the laser will be.

It can take up to 3 treatments (or more) to eliminate vessels. What can be unpredictable is how long the treatments will last before new vessels appear. For conditions like rosacea, there is some signal telling the body to grow blood vessels in that area (usually cheeks), and, while a laser treats the end result of that process, it does not treat the underlying signal. The VersaPulse laser is effective for focal areas of redness/vessels, as it is a targeted laser.

For larger areas of redness, the BBL (Broad Band Light) Laser provides an effective solution to an uneven skin tone. The area that the VersaPulse treats is about 5mm, whereas the head of the BBL laser is about 5×2 cm.

Downtime is usually limited to 2-3 days of some crusting at the treatment sites, treated with ointment several times a day.

Pigmented Lesions: Laser Elimination

To address pigmented lesions, moles, and sunspots, we utilize the VersaPulse Laser with a melanin attachment. We do not usually use a topical anesthetic ointment for this, as it can interfere with laser penetration and it is usually very well tolerated.

The thicker, deeper, and darker a lesion is, the more multiple treatments may be required.

As with VersaPulse treatments for blood vessels, it can be unpredictable as to how long the results will last before new pigment appears. For conditions like melasma, there is some signal telling the body to deposit pigment in that area (usually cheeks) and, while laser treats the end result of that process, it does not treat the underlying signal. The VersaPulse laser is effective for focal areas of pigment, as it is a targeted laser.

To treat larger areas of uneven pigmentation, we typically use the BBL laser. Again, the healing process is usually limited to 2-3 days after treatment, with some crusting at the sites treated with ointment several times a day.

Broad Band Light (BBL) Laser: The Multitasker

The BBL (Broad Band Light) Laser is a versatile tool in our laser skin treatment arsenal. It efficiently treats skin texture, vessels, pigment, and sun damage, making it an excellent starting point for those with any skin type who are new to laser treatments.

While it isn’t quite as effective as a targeted laser would be, the BBL Laser does address all concerns. The area treated with each pulse of energy is much larger than the more targeted VersaPulse laser, so this can be considered “field therapy” as opposed to “targeted therapy.”

You can stack a series of treatments (once every other month or so) until you get the results you like, and then do it once a year as a “maintenance” laser. Downtime is 2-3 days.

Tattoo Removal: Laser Precision

For tattoo removal, we employ the VersaPulse Laser, similar to how we treat pigmented skin lesions. Its effectiveness depends on the color and depth of the tattoo. Darker pigments absorb more energy, and therefore laser treatment of darker-colored tattoos is more successful than treatment of light/bright colors such as yellow, light blue, orange, etc.

Tattoos can require up to 6 or more treatments, depending on how much pigment is present and how deep the pigment was deposited into the layers of skin.

Please note that while we specialize in a wide range of laser skin treatments, we do not offer laser hair removal in Asheville.

Pain Control for Laser Procedures

Whereas many laser treatments can be performed while you are wide awake, such as the VersaPulse laser for blood vessels and pigment and the BBL laser, other lasers can cause pain (such as the ProFractional Erbium and Ablative CO2 lasers for treating fine lines and wrinkles).

For some patients, a topical numbing cream is effective.

For more aggressive treatments or for patients more sensitive to pain, we are now offering ProNox, an extremely safe, self-administered dilute nitrous oxide gas that greatly reduces pain and wears off within 10 minutes so you can drive yourself home.

If patients choose to take an oral sedative (e.g., Valium, Ativan, Xanax), they will need a ride home.

Laser Skin Treatments in Asheville, NC

As an expert in laser skin treatments, double-board-certified Dr. Halvorson is here to guide you on your journey toward improved skin health.

Whether you’re completely new to the realm of laser therapy or have already considered it alongside other cosmetic procedures, Dr. Halvorson will assist you in finding the right solution for your skin type and needs.

Need more information about available treatments? Request a consultation with Halvorson Plastic Surgery today to learn more about all our plastic surgery solutions.