Lasers are a broad category of devices that can do many, many things to treat various conditions on the skin. Technically, a laser is Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It only applies to a particular subset of devices that emit energy/light of one wavelength. Depending on the wavelength of light that is emitted by a particular laser, it can target different aspects of the skin like pigment, blood vessels and redness, sun damage, or hair.    Â
At Steele Dermatology we have chosen lasers that can:
We can do amazing things with lasers. They are very powerful devices and we have taken the time to develop our expertise and skill with them. When we recommend a laser treatment, you can be certain that we know how to use that laser most effectively and safely in your skin, and that we know how to use that device to get the very best result for you. Schedule an appointment with Steele Dermatology online or give us a call at (770) 464-6000.
Laser Hair Removal uses laser energy to reduce the density of hair growth in areas such as lip, chin, beard, underarms, bikini. Dark hair (i.e. not blonde or grey/white) responds best to lasers, but all skin colors can be treated. After a series of treatments, usually hair will no longer grow in the area, but for hair in a few different parts of the body you may need touch up treatments periodically to full hair clearance.Â
Perfect For: Excess hair on any area of the body, any skin typeÂ
Procedure Time: 15-45 min
Recovery Type & Time: NoneÂ
How Long Results Last: 9 months – years
Price: $-$$$
The areas to be treated should be clean-shaven, but not waxed, tweezed, or exposed to other forms of hair removal. After a cool gel is applied to the area, lasers are used to target unwanted hair. A quick, warm snapping sensation will be present and immediately cooled by the cooling tip of the device.
The skin may be pink with slight irritation and follicles may look bumpy after treatment. This usually resolves in a few hours after treatment. You should avoid the use of medicated skincare products, perfumes, deodorants, and body lotions for 12 hours after treatment. Shortly after, you will notice less hair growth in the area. Â
Treatments are repeated every 4-12 weeks, depending on the area of the body being treated. Treatment is complete in 6-12 treatments. Maintenance treatments may be necessary after several months, especially for hair that grows in response to hormonal signaling. Â
Our Excel V laser is a powerful laser that addresses redness, blood vessels, spider veins, and angiomas specifically. The power of these lasers and our skill in using them allows us to treat tough vascular lesions on the face and body. We also have a setting for deeper, more bluish/purple veins. Since the laser is powerful, it may result in more redness immediately post-treatment for a few days.Â
Perfect For: Rosacea-prone skin, sun-damaged skin, broken blood vessels, spider veins
Procedure Time: 30 mins
Recovery Type & Time: 3-5 days – redness
How Long Results Last: 9-12 months
Price: $$
Lasers deliver energy in zaps that may feel like a rubber band snapping against your face. It is similar to the feeling that you may have with IPL or laser hair removal. Your esthetician will go over the entire area in a grid-like pattern until the treatment is complete. Once the treatment is complete, the skin will be treated to a hydrating treatment and finish with sun protection.
You will likely be red immediately following treatment, but we will give you topical creams to soothe the skin. The redness will last for 3-5 days and you will continue to use at-home creams to keep your skin soothed. You will want to wear sunscreen and you may wear makeup during this time.
Depending on the concern and the location, you may need more than one treatment. For significant redness or stubborn broken blood vessels, you may need up to 3 treatments. If you are rosacea-prone, you will want to continue with your at-home regimen and may require additional treatment after 1-2 years.
Best for mild sun damage, redness, and superficial imperfections. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments use pulsed lasers to address dark spots, vascular lesions, texture, and tone. Treatment completing occurs in 3-4 sessions for surface imperfections. With each treatment, sun freckles and brown spots will peel away, and redness will become fainter and your skin more even in tone and texture.
Perfect For:Sun freckles, sun-damaged skin
Procedure Time: 30 min
Recovery Type & Time: 3-7 days slight darkening of sun freckles; makeup ok
How Long Results Last: 9-12 months
Price: $$
Once skin is prepped and protective eyewear is applied, a cooling gel is applied to the skin. The handpiece will feel very cold against the skin, while the technician activates the laser creating a quick flash of light. Most patients do not feel any discomfort, aside from a low detection of heat.
Recovery includes avoiding prolonged sun exposure and using a prescribed homecare plan to continue achieving desired results from the laser treatment. You can return to wearing makeup immediately post-treatment. You may have some darkening of your sun freckles in 3-5 days, then they will peel away.Â
Total treatment is completed in 3-4 sessions one month apart for surface imperfections.
Laser Skin Toning uses a low-energy laser that will stimulate collagen production, destroy hyperpigmented cells, and move diffuse redness out of the complexion. The warmth created by the laser is similar to warm water, creating a relaxing, yet powerful treatment that will renew the skin with no down-time. Results are best when treatment is received over 6-9 sessions. This is the lunchtime laser rejuvenation treatment that absolutely everyone needs to keep their skin smooth, radiant, and perky.Â
Perfect For: All skin types, uneven skin tone, uneven skin texture
Procedure Time: 20-30 minutes
Recovery Type & Time: None
How Long Results Last: 6-9 months
Price: $$
There is no discomfort or irritation to the skin with this treatment. The warmth of the laser feels similar to warm water. The skin is prepared with a deep cleanse, and the eyes are protected with special eyewear to prevent injury to the eyes. The laser handpiece will hover over the skin, building heat section by section, to a prescribed temperature. Once the treatment is complete, the skin will be treated to a hydrating treatment and finish with sun protection.
There is no downtime, so you can resume your normal routine immediately after the treatment. Your skin may appear somewhat flush as if you have just completed a brisk walk. This lasts for about 30 minutes. You can wear makeup immediately after treatment.Â
Total treatment is completed in 6-9 sessions, 2-4 weeks apart. Maintenance treatments can be performed yearly for best results.Â
With offices conveniently located in Atlanta and Alpharetta, Steele Dermatology offers a range of Laser treatments to treat various skin conditions. To learn more, schedule an appointment or give us a call at (770) 464-6000.