Laser Procedures
Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Diego, CA
A laser skin resurfacing treatment is designed to provoke regenerative processes of the skin. It can effectively resolve cosmetic blemishes and wrinkles from deep within the dermis- the underlying layer of skin that provides the most structure and support. For many patients, topical treatments and daily sunscreen cannot reverse common signs of aging and sun damage. In contrast, lasers can reach the root causes of these irregularities, provoking your natural healing processes to gradually eliminate them.
If you are looking for versatile and effective treatment for your unique cosmetic issues, book your appointment at Alexus MedSpa, and one of our qualified laser technicians will help you find the laser device best suited for your needs. At our practice in San Diego, we consider every patient’s expectations and ensure that they are prescribed the most suitable treatment plan. Call us at (888) 463-9532 or use our contact form to request your consultation.
Contents
About Lasers
Laser devices relay light in concentrated wavelengths. As these light pulses make contact with the skin, they trigger the regeneration of new fibroblast cells, the cells that replenish the skin with collagen, elastin, and other components necessary for a healthy-looking complexion and texture. Lasers can accomplish this by causing micro-injuries within the epidermis and dermis layers, stimulating the skin to boost its healing processes.
Due to these changes at a cellular level, patients can gradually see improvements in their hyperpigmentation issues, age spots, lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, and scars. Some lasers are even equipped to specifically target hair follicles and result in permanent hair reduction. Laser specialists are trained to understand how to perform these procedures for people of all skin types; for example, certain wavelengths and devices are more appropriate for people with darker skin tones.
Skin Rejuvenation from Within
Laser treatments, also called laser skin resurfacing, use different mechanisms to rid the skin of aesthetic imperfections. Some laser wavelengths are considered ablative and work by vaporizing the epidermis of the skin, the surface level. Others utilize non-ablative technology that only targets the underlying dermis, leaving the epidermis unharmed. Regardless of the type of laser, technicians diligently apply topical anesthesia to prevent discomfort. They apply the laser’s pulses directly onto the skin, making smooth passes to provide complete and even coverage of the treatment area.
At Alexus Medspa, your technician will customize treatment settings to leave your skin as radiant and glowy as ever. They will ensure that you are properly informed of how to help prevent pigmentation issues and give you a realistic timeframe of when you can expect final results.
Laser Treatment Options
Halo Fractional Laser
The Halo fractional laser utilizes a combination of nonablative and ablative wavelengths to maximize the clearance of cosmetic imperfections in fewer treatment sessions. Although it administers ablative energy at 2940 nm and nonablative energy at 1470 nm, your laser technician will be able to adjust each type of wavelength, providing either a gentler or more intensive treatment. While nonablative energy can provide moderate effects with easy recovery, ablative energy can offer greater results in fewer sessions. (1)
As a fractional device, the Halo laser administers light energy as pixelated patterns on the skin. This preserves the integrity of the surrounding skin while still causing the necessary amount of controlled damage to stimulate collagen and elastin regeneration. Since its debut in 2014 as a second-generation laser, patients of all skin types have utilized Halo to reduce discoloration, fine lines, textural issues, and other effects related to years of sun exposure. After about 3 to 5 days, side effects like minor redness and swelling subside, and the dermal renewal process begins soon after.
BBL Hero Photofacial
The BBL Hero (broadband light high energy rapid output) administers low-frequency visible light and infrared light to resolve a wide variety of hyperpigmentation skin concerns. BBL devices function at wavelengths between 420 and 1400 nm and are equipped with various filters to administer continuous pulses. (2) These light pulses specifically target and break down melanin in darkened age spots, rosacea, and other vascular lesions that cause redness. BBL energy can also destroy bacteria on the skin that contribute to the development of overly oily skin and acne. Just like the Halo Fractional laser, BBL Hero works in just about any area of the body needing rejuvenation, but the most popular areas include the face, legs, neck, chest, and back of the hands.
Sciton Joule X
The Sciton Joule X is a machine equipped with interchangeable modalities that administer different light therapies for various aesthetic issues. It includes BBL (broadband light) technologies, the 2940 nm ablative energy of the Halo fractional laser, and a Nd:YAG 1060 nm laser. The Nd:YAG handpiece is most efficient at treating vascular lesions such as spider veins and cherry angiomas. (3) With this Sciton platform, your laser technician can use a combination of these energies to provide the most comprehensive revitalization possible.
Laser Hair Removal
Alexus Medspa relies on the effectiveness of the LightSheer Desire laser system to permanently reduce hair growth in the underarms, arms, bikini line, back, face, and legs. This device targets the melanin present within hair follicles, using it to relay thermal energy that selectively destroys hair-producing cells. LightSheer Desire effectively damages or destroys the roots of hair follicles, also called hair matrices. The affected follicles grow back hair shafts that are thinner than before or not at all.
With LightSheer, you can expect a 20% reduction in your hair density with every session. You should space your sessions at least 6 weeks apart for the face and 8 to 12 weeks apart for areas of the body. With our personalized hair removal plans, you can save yourself from the headaches and pains of shaving and waxing. Not only can it be a convenient, pain-free alternative to traditional hair removal methods, but you can save money on shaving supplies in the long run.
How to Prepare for a Laser Treatment
Every patient’s skin rejuvenation journey is different, but for the most part, many of the preparation steps associated with laser treatments are the same. Maintaining healthy skin in preparation for your first session and throughout your treatment plan is essential to the quality of your results.
- Avoid sun/ UV ray exposure and get in the habit of applying a daily broad-spectrum sunscreen in the treatment area weeks beforehand.
- If you are a regular smoker, consider quitting temporarily to aid in the healing processes of your skin and improve your blood circulation.
- Consult your laser technician on any necessary medication/supplement adjustments. Anti-inflammatories and blood thinners can increase your likelihood of bruising, or worsen your condition, particularly vascular lesions.
- Please inform your laser technician if you have ever experienced a viral skin outbreak in the treatment area. They will recommend an antiviral medication prescription to prevent its recurrence.
- In the days leading up to your laser session, you should discontinue harsh skin products that can slow your rate of healing. For example, laser treatments can irritate the skin if you use various retinoid and retinol products regularly. In general, you should only use gentle products to cleanse and moisturize your skin for the duration of your treatment plan. Speak with your technician to verify if your skincare routine is optimal for your chosen laser treatment.
- If you are undergoing a laser hair removal session, you should refrain from waxing, depilatory creams, or plucking the area for at least 6 weeks before your first session. This will ensure there is enough melanin for the laser to target. (4) Since laser hair removal requires multiple consecutive sessions to see noticeable results, you should avoid other methods of hair removal until you complete your treatment.
- Before laser hair removal, remember to gently shave the area before your appointment, but do not apply lotions, creams, or makeup. These can interfere with the wavelengths and their penetration into the hair follicles.
Cost of Laser Treatments in San Diego
The cost of your laser treatment will depend on the results you want to achieve, the severity of your sun damage and/or signs of aging, and your commitment to your treatment plan. To reap the rejuvenating effects of any of these devices, you may require multiple sessions. During your consultation at Alexus Medspa, your skincare specialist will apply their skills and knowledge to recommend the best treatment for your needs and give you an overview of the costs involved. Consider investing in our membership, a cost-effective option for those who wish to explore the benefits of our other treatments.
The skin-transforming, confidence-boosting effects of laser treatments are just one phone call away. Call Alexus Medspa at (888) 463-9532 or inquire about our services using our contact form. A helpful staff member will get back to you and discuss a time and date that works for you.
References
- Preissig J, Hamilton K, Markus R. Current Laser Resurfacing Technologies: A Review that Delves Beneath the Surface. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2012;26(03):109-116. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0032-1329413
- Murtaza F, Toameh D, Al-Habib S, et al. Safety and Efficacy of BroadBand Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Dry Eye Disease with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. Clinical Ophthalmology. 2021;Volume 15:3983-3991. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/opth.s331289
- Bordera GB, Parada JG, Giménez MM, de los Llanos Pérez M, Morell JO, Mármol GV. Use of high-power diode laser at 1060 nm for the treatment of vascular lesions. Journal of Vascular Surgery Cases, Innovations and Techniques. 2019;5(4):415-418. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvscit.2019.06.015
- Vaidya T, Hohman MH, Kumar D D. Laser Hair Removal. PubMed. Published 2023. Accessed January 15, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507861/#:~:text=Evaluate%20skin%20and%20hair%20types
