Laser Skin Therapy.

What it is

Laser skin therapy uses focused light at specific wavelengths to treat the skin. Ablative lasers such as CO2 and Erbium resurface by removing thin outer layers, while non-ablative lasers such as Fraxel and Clear + Brilliant heat deeper skin to build collagen with less downtime. Related devices include IPL for pigment and redness, and radiofrequency microneedling such as Morpheus8 for tightening.

Most lasers today are fractional: they treat tiny columns of skin and leave the skin around them intact, so healing is faster. People use them for sun damage, dark spots, acne scars, texture, redness and mild laxity.

What happens at a visit

1. A consultation to match the device to your skin concern and skin type.
2. Numbing cream for 30 to 45 minutes before treatment.
3. Treatment takes 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the area and device.
4. It feels like warm tingling to mild stinging.
5. Downtime of 1 to 2 days for non-ablative lasers, or 5 to 10 days for ablative resurfacing.
6. Results build over 4 to 12 weeks; most people need 1 to 6 sessions.

Who it is for

• People with sun damage or age spots
• People with acne scars, especially deep or textured scars
• People with mild to moderate skin laxity
• People with rosacea or facial redness
• People with dark spots, including melasma with careful device choice
• Anyone who wants more change than skin care products can give

Evidence and safety

Lasers are among the best-studied tools in dermatology, with FDA-cleared devices and strong clinical data for sun damage, scars, redness and texture. Treatment should be done by a licensed, trained professional. Temporary redness and swelling are common. Risks include burns and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is more likely in darker skin tones, so the choice of device matters. Sun protection afterward is important.

How Gabriel helps