Lasers are an effective tool that can be used for pigment removal in patients with a wide range of different skin types. Lasers are a treatment option often used to remove unwanted tattoos or permanent makeup, or to treat discolorations of the skin such as:
- Birthmarks
- Age spots
- Sun spots
- Darkening of the skin
Ultra Laser
Dramatically different from conventional resurfacing lasers, ULTRA™ rebuilds glowing, healthy skin through non-ablative, fractionated treatments. Customizable from mild to aggressive treatment approaches, ULTRA delivers the best possible outcomes with virtually no downtime for all patients. The ULTRA offers the best of both worlds: superior cost-effectiveness and unsurpassed results.
A Range of Benefits
- Creates tiny thermal zones in the skin, prompting the body to quickly generate new tissue
- Increases permeability with minimal mechanical disruption to the stratum corneum
- Treats mild to moderate cases of actinic keratosis, benign pigmented lesions, lentigos, and freckles across the face, neck, and décolletage
- Harnesses 20 Watts of power to ensure the fastest, most consistent results possible.
- Unmatched power ensures fast treatments that are adaptable to multiple skin areas
- Gentle yet comprehensive enhancements to improve all skin types year-round
- Provides comfortable treatments with very little downtime and instant results for pigment, sun damage, tone, and texture.
The Laser Pigment Removal Procedure
Before the pigment removal process, an anesthetic cream may be applied to numb the skin. If the face is being treated, goggles may be worn to cover and protect the eyes. The laser is positioned over the skin. The laser emits a high-intensity light beam that passes through the skin surface and the surrounding tissue, and the high energy of the light causes the pigment to break up into very small particles. The laser breaks the pigment into smaller particles, which may be metabolized or excreted by the body, or eliminated directly through the skin as the wound heals
Some patients experience a stinging or burning sensation as the laser moves over the skin, however the discomfort for most patients is minimal. Most patients can return to regular activities immediately following the procedure.
Risks and Recovery from Laser Pigment Removal
Do Ultra treatments cause discomfort to patients?
Patients may experience mild to moderate discomfort depending on their pain tolerance and treatment settings. To make the treatments comfortable, we use topical numbing cream to enhance comfort.
How long is the treatment process?
A session can range from 20 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the target area. After the procedure, patients may experience mild redness but can immediately resume regular activities. Complete healing typically takes 5 to 7 days.
How many treatments are required to achieve the best results?
The number of sessions needed varies according to patient expectations. While some individuals may notice results after a single session, most require a series of treatments to achieve their desired outcome.
Is Ultra safe for all skin types?
Yes! Anyone can benefit from Ultra’s cutting-edge technology.
How do I prepare for the Lase Ultra Laser resurfacing?
Lase MD Skin Resurfacing
DAY OF TREATMENT:
- Make sure skin is completely clean and free of lotions, makeup, or deodorants in the treatment area.
- Avoid sun exposure for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment. Apply a UV A/B (broad spectrum) sunblock daily with SPF of at least 20 while spending any time outdoors.
- Avoid products containing active ingredients such as Retinoid/Retinol for at least 4 days prior to treatment.
- Make sure you are not actively on any antibiotics at least four days before and during treatments.
- Make sure any known health conditions (ex. Diabetes) are being properly managed before starting treatments.
- If prone to cold sores, we may want to start an antiviral medication at least 3 days before your treatment. Let your provider know prior to starting treatments so we may prescribe a medication if needed.
- Make sure you have not received any Botox at least 2 weeks prior to treatment and have not received any Fillers at least 4-6 weeks prior to treatment.
Tip: It is best to bring a hat, umbrella, or form of shade to your appointment to cover up after receiving treatment to preserve and enhance your results.
What should I expect post Lase MD Ultra treatment?
The healing time for any given treatment varies between different people.
All of these side-effects are completely normal.
- Swelling - You will notice mild swelling on the first day after receiving treatment, especially under the eyes. Swelling typically subsides after the first day.
- Redness - Most redness subsides the first day following treatment, but a rosy tint can remain for a few days. If desired, makeup can be applied after treatment to minimize any redness.
- Dry Skin - Your skin may feel dry and may flake or peel. A light sandpaper-like texture may develop in the days following treatment. This is the treated skin working its way out of the body as new, fresh skin is being generated.
Post treatment Care and Expectations
- Cold Sores - If you have a history of cold sores or are prone to them, you must take an antiviral medication like Valtrex for 5 days post procedure. Delivery of heat into the skin can sometimes trigger flare-ups.
- Scrubs, Toners, Irritating Skin Care Ingredients - Your skin will be very sensitive for the first week or so after receiving treatment. Do not use ANY products that will cause irritation to the skin during this time. Do not use abrasive scrubs, toners/astringents, or any products containing irritating ingredients such as Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Retin A, etc. Be sure to read the product labels!
- Bleaching Creams - Discontinue use of any bleaching creams while your skin is still tender. You may resume the use of these creams 10 days after receiving treatment.
- Keep your skin clean! Wash the treatment area and gently pat dry. It is important to keep your hands off of the treated area to avoid getting bacteria into the open treated pores, as this causes pustules.
- There are no restrictions on bathing but treat the skin gently and avoid using extremely hot water for the first 24 hours. Do not scrub the skin with loofahs or physical exfoliants and pat skin dry rather than rub.
- Patients may experience a burning sensation for 1-2 hours immediately after the treatment. Cooling with an ice pack can provide relief to the treated area. Make sure to enclose the ice pack in sterile and dry gauze to prevent water from penetrating the tissue in the treated area.
- Keep the treatment area moisturized. After the first day, gently wash and pat the skin gently dry for two days. Do not scrub the treated area. Moisturize daily. Usually, any crust will separate naturally within 5-7 days after the treatment.
- Do not pick or scratch the skin while it is healing. Usually, any crust will naturally shed off within 5-7 days after the treatment.
- It is imperative to the outcome of your treatment to avoid sun exposure immediately after treatment and for at least 10 days. Apply UV A/B sunblock daily with SPF of at least 30. Use an umbrella, hat or any other available protection against sunlight while spending time outdoors.
- Avoid exercising or any activity that causes excess heat in the skin for the first week post-treatment or until initial healing has occurred. Increased redness may result from any activity that increases blood flow or body temperature (e.g. alcohol consumption, exercise, and sauna).
- Please do not use cosmetics which contain active ingredients such as Retinol or AHA or any product containing alcohol for at least 1 week after treatment.
To achieve the best results, complete the full treatment schedule at the intervals recommended by your provider.