Laser Procedures
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Marin, San Francisco, Sonoma and Napa
A laser procedure is a minimally invasive way to stimulate brighter, clearer skin. Whatever your aesthetic needs, a laser device is designed to improve your skin. Lasers use thermal energy, specific light wavelengths, and ablative procedures to improve skin texture and tone. Our lasers are chosen to provide a variety of treatments to suit your particular concerns, targeting hyperpigmentation, lax skin, and wrinkles. Recommending the best treatment plan for your skin type, sensitivity, and specific concerns is essential to getting the full benefits of laser energy. PSS has the broad knowledge base to expertly assess skin concerns and provide a program that works for your time and budget.
The highly trained professionals at Plastic Surgery Specialists are experts in the nuances of each laser treatment and the research-backed effects of each device we offer. When you choose PSS, we consider your specific goals and help you find long-lasting solutions for aging or sun-damaged skin. Call us at our office in Marin County, CA, at (415) 925-2880, or inquire about our skin resurfacing services with our contact form. We can help you improve your complexion to achieve beautiful skin.
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Before and After Photos
About Laser Treatments
Laser skin resurfacing is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses laser technology to improve the appearance and texture of the skin. It is highly effective in reducing the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Lasers emit concentrated wavelengths of light to cause micro-injuries within the skin, triggering collagen production, cellular turnover, and regeneration. Some devices are considered gentle and require minimal downtime. These procedures require a number of sessions to see significant results. Some devices like the Halo laser cause deeper and more extensive micro-injuries and peeling, but require only a single treatment annually.
Our Treatment Options
Laser BBL Photorejuvenation
Laser BBL (broadband light) energy utilizes a variety of light wavelengths to treat pigment-related issues such as rosacea, liver spots, unwanted freckles. BBL is effective in treating fine lines, unevenly textured, and rough skin. This kind of photofacial—the same as intense pulsed light (IPL)—is exceptionally good at targeting and breaking down red and brown pigments, allowing the body to metabolize the pigment. Dermatologists and other skin rejuvenation experts refer to this process as thermocoagulation. (1)
With laser BBL, patients can effectively eliminate the tiny blood vessels that cause spider veins, port-wine stains, and cherry angiomas in every body part.. The thermal energy from the light induces increased production of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis, promoting more elastic and youthful skin renewal to help eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. This treatment is non-ablative; it preserves the structure of the epidermis–the surface level of skin–while dissolving pigment and inducing connective fiber production in the dermis. Most patients get results within three to four sessions. One crucial aspect of BBL laser energy is that since it is pigment-dependent, it is suitable for those with very fair to slightly olive-toned skin (Fitzpatrick skin type I through III).
Contour TRL Laser Resurfacing
The Contour Tunable laser is a type of Er:YAG laser, a device that administers light energy at 2,940 nm, a treatment equipped to handle photoaged and scarred skin. It is considered an ablative technology that vaporizes the epidermis and stimulates a boosted healing response in the dermis. (2) Because it causes more extensive micro-injury to the skin, patients typically need fewer treatments and more downtime between sessions. By ablating the epidermis, the skin tightens and increases its production of connective fibers like collagen and elastin, reducing the risk of scarring.
Excel V+
Excel V+ targets skin discoloration and signs of aging with collagen rejuvenation, but unlike laser BBL, it is safe for all skin types. It uses two wavelengths: 532 nm light for superficial lesions and 1064 nm light for darker skin tones and deeper skin concerns. Though your laser technician will apply topical anesthesia before treatment, the device itself contains a cooling mechanism to reduce any possible discomfort. . Many patients see significant improvements after one session but may need to “touch up” their results annually or every few years. Our skin continues to age, regular treatments are crucial to protect your investment.
Halo Laser
The Halo laser can reverse years of sun damage, acne scars, pigmentation, and even enlarged pores. It incorporates both non-ablative and ablative mechanisms to treat both dermal and epidermal issues properly. Like the Excel V+ laser, it is compatible with all skin types because of its dual-wavelength technology—both 1470 nm and 2940 nm wavelengths. The Halo treatment requires some downtime due to the depth and strength of the treatment, but it consequently lasts longer and has more significant results.
Secret Pro CO2 Laser
The Secret Pro system comes with two skin rejuvenation devices: the RF microneedling handpiece and the CO2 laser by Cutera. This device sends an electrical current through a CO2-filled gas tube, producing fractional yet ablative laser energy. By administering laser pulses as fractionated light, the Secret Pro causes micro-injuries in a pixelated pattern and leaves the rest of the skin unaffected. As a result, patients can enjoy the intense rejuvenation benefits of CO2 with relatively minimal side effects compared to fully ablative technologies. The Secret Pro laser is adjustable and compatible with all skin types. (3)
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal differs from other laser-based technologies because the procedure is not intended for skin resurfacing purposes. At PSS, we prescribe the BBL laser to damage the structures within hair follicles, destroying hair-creating keratinocyte cells. After several treatment sessions, patients will notice significant hair reduction.
Personal Consultation
During your consultation with one of our nurses at PSS, they will ask you about your specific concerns, and treatments you’ve tried. What results are you looking for? At the initial appointment, our expert aesthetic nurse will evaluate your skin quality and type to ensure they recommend the most appropriate device. After choosing your treatment method, they will go over the necessary preparation steps. Finally, crucial maintenance recommendations help you preserve your rejuvenated, beautiful skin.
To begin your journey toward attaining younger-looking skin, contact our Greenbrae location serving Marin County and the San Francisco Bay area by calling (415) 925-2880 or filling out our online form. For those who live further away, we offer virtual consultations to help you get the information you need before your appointments. We respond within hours to assist you in scheduling a date and time to speak with one of our laser experts.
To learn more about our other surgical and non-surgical procedures, visit our blog.
Cost of Laser Treatments in Marin County
The cost of your laser treatment depends on the number of sessions you will require, the type of procedure, and the size of your treatment area. Though your PSS expert will help determine the estimate for your procedure based on these factors, keep in mind that we also offer various financing options. Eligible patients may wish to apply with CareCredit, PatientFi, Prosper, or Alphaeon Credit—all trusted and reputable financing companies.
FAQ
When will I see the results of laser skin resurfacing?
If you choose an ablative treatment, you will attain better results in fewer sessions; some patients only require one comprehensive treatment. For non-ablative treatments that do not vaporize the epidermis, patients typically require three or more sessions, depending on the nature of their aesthetic issues. Most treatments require time to allow the skin to heal and revitalize itself, rebuilding collagen and elastin.
How many laser hair removal treatments will I need?
Most patients need at least six to eight sessions to see significant and permanent hair reduction in their targeted area. Laser experts usually advise their patients to wait four to eight weeks between each session to prevent hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. The frequency of these treatments also depends on your hair growth cycle and the treatment area. Laser hair removal can work for all skin types and hair colors, but typically, people with darker hair and lighter skin achieve quicker results.
How do I prepare for laser hair removal?
Your laser hair removal technician will advise you to avoid sun exposure and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to keep the skin protected, hydrated, and healthy. In the days leading up to your session, avoid any type of hair removal that involves removing the hair shaft, such as waxing and tweezing. The laser may not have enough melanin pigment to target at the time of the procedure. Finally, a day before a laser hair removal session, you need to shave the area, but avoid applying topical creams, lotions, or makeup.
Are laser procedures safe for darker skin tones?
Because of recent advancements in laser technology, many of these procedures are now safe and effective enough for patients of all skin types. Longer wavelengths usually pose fewer complications for those with darker tones.
References
- Gade A, Vasile GF, Rubenstein R. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK580525/
- Yumeen S, Khan T. Laser Erbium-Yag Resurfacing. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560931/
- Yumeen S, Khan T. Laser Carbon Dioxide Resurfacing. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560544/#:~:text=Patients%20with%20Fitzpatrick%20skin%20types