A Lesson in Lasers: How to Rid Wrinkles, Banish Hair and Reduce Redness
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Scrubs, serums and shaving can only do so much. While new result-promising products are rapidly rolling out, there are technologies that just can’t fit in a tube. Whether looking to reduce fine lines, undo hyperpigmentation, or say goodbye to stretch marks, here’s a short list of FDA-cleared, and dermatologist recommended, laser treatments that will help.
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Recommended by Paul Jarrod Frank, MD
What it does: Removes and permanently reduces hair.
How it works: The laser uses a vacuum to stretch and draw the skin into the device. The trick of hair removal is targeting the hair follicle, this laser’s spot size is 5 to 10 sizes larger than most, so it covers larger areas faster.
Best Candidates: It works best on those with dark hair and light skin, but it is suitable for all hair and skin types.
Preparation: Shave the treatment area.
Treatment time: 5 to 10 minutes.
Pain Factor: None, a bit of tickling. No numbing cream needed.
Recovery time: None.
How long it lasts: 95% of the hair is permanently removed.
Cost: Varies per area. For example, full legs: $750/treatment.
Number of treatments needed: four to six
When to go: January, or winter months are best in order to allow enough time so you can be ready for summer
Related: What Can I do About Fine Lines?
Pulsed Dye Laser (PLD)
Recommended by Anthony M. Rossi, MD
What it does: Treats redness, blood vessels (rosacea), red scars, red stretch marks and bruises after injectable treatments.
How it works: The wavelength of this laser is 595 or 585 nanometers. In this range, it targets the hemoglobin inside the blood vessel. The laser energy heats up the red blood cells inside the blood vessels and causes them to go away.
Best Candidates: Those with redness of the face due to blood vessels, rosacea, acne, port wine stains or hemangiomas.
Preparation: Patients should not be tan.
Treatment time: 20 minutes.
Pain Factor: No anesthesia necessary. A cold spray from the machine is distributed before laser pulses, eliminating pain.
Recovery time: Five days, involving black and blue bruises.
How long it lasts: One month in between treatments.
Cost: $600 to 800/treatment.
Number of treatments needed: four to six.
When to go: Winter, fall, or spring – when patients are out of the sun.
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Recommended by Elizabeth Callahan, MD
What it does: Treats the signs of aging—fine lines & wrinkles—for the full face, at home.
How it works: The non-ablative fractional laser makes microscopic wounds in the skin to rebuild collagen.
Best Candidates: Those 30 years of age (and older) looking to treat wrinkles.
Preparation: Clean skin before use.
Treatment time: 10 minutes.
Pain Factor: A bit of a stinging sensation that is more intense at higher settings.
Recovery time: Follow treatment by using a serum to calm skin. If used at night, some redness may occur but will subside by morning.
How long it lasts: Wait one month after a 12-week treatment period before starting treatment again.
Cost: $495/device.
Number of treatments needed: 5 days/week for 12 weeks.
When to go: No office visits necessary. Anytime, any season, at home.
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Recommended by David Colbert, MD
What it does: Gently and gradually lifts skin on the eyebrow, under the chin, and on the neck. Smooths wrinkles and lines on the décolletage.
How it works: The treatment uses the body’s own regenerative responses. It bypasses superficial skin to deliver ultrasound energy at the right depths and temperatures, producing new collagen.
Best Candidates: Those with moderate skin laxity, where the skin begins to feel and look less firm (i.e.: lowered eyebrow lines, loose skin on the neck, sagging under the chin, and lines or wrinkles on the chest.)
Preparation: An over the counter pain reliever is often taken.
Treatment time: 30 to 90 minutes.
Pain Factor: Tiny amounts of energy can be felt, lasting only as long as it is delivered. Varies per person and area of procedure.
Recovery time: Some patients temporarily experience slight swelling, tingling or tenderness.
How long it lasts: 2 to 3 months (show ultimate results).
Cost: $1,000 to $3,000/treatment.
Number of treatments needed: Usually just one.
When to go: Any season, year round.
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Recommended by Debra Jaliman, MD
What it does: Stimulates new collagen production, reduces the appearance of redness, and improves skin texture and tone.
How it works: A 1064 Yag non-ablative laser is applied with a minimum of 5,000 pulses.
Best Candidates: Individuals battling rosacea, but it is safe for any skin type.
Preparation: No recent sun exposure or self-tanner.
Treatment time: 30 minutes.
Pain Factor: A warm, gentle, sensation.
Recovery time: None.
How long it lasts: Three months with treatments every four months.
Cost: $300 to $600/treatment.
Number of treatments needed: Four to six treatments to maximize your results.
When to go: Any season, year round.
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Recommended by Julie Russak, MD
What it does: Improves skin tone and texture, minimizes the appearance of pores, and increases skin permeability so topical products work better over the course of short sessions.
How it works: The laser energy creates millions of microscopic treatment zones in the upper layers of the skin, replacing damaged skin with healthy, younger looking tissue.
Best Candidates: Men and women of all skin types looking for an prevention of anti-aging/introduction to procedures
Preparation: Avoid retinols and aggressive acne products three days before treatment.
Treatment time: 40 minutes.
Pain Factor: A topical numbing cream is applied. A mild prickling sensation generally occurs.
Recovery time: Pinkness will occur two hours following the treatment. A few days later, skin texture will feel (but not appear) like sandpaper. Tiny scab-like flakes will flake off within a week. Patients using Skinceuticals’ C E Ferulic, a topical serum, found greater uniform tone, boosted radiance and enhanced overall appearance post-treatment.
How long it lasts: Six months after the first five initial treatments.
Cost: $500/treatment.
Number of treatments needed: Five, followed by one every six months.
When to go: Any season, year round.
