Over the past decade the use of a high-energy source of light, known as lasers, has become more prominent in the care and treatment of a variety of skin conditions. Lasers are effective in the removal of blemishes like acne scars, small veins or age spots, but they also effectively remove or reduce wrinkles and tiny lines leaving your skin looking healthier and feeling softer.

Changes or improvements to the skin have become more significant since lasers have the ability to reach deeper into the tissue than any other form of treatment. There are two different types of laser that are generally utilized for treating your skin. Ablative is used to eliminate undesired changes that are typically associated with aging or some type of damage. This treatment will vaporize damage done to the upper layers of the skin. Non-ablative lasers heat a specific region of the skin and eliminates the damage without causing harm to the top skin layers.

Ablative and non-ablative lasers are then broken down into a multitude of subcategories and types. For this reason a particular condition may require a variety or several different lasers and this is something your surgeon will explain and review.

Laser treatment has proven effective in a variety of situations. Brown, red or age spots, oversized pores, excessive hair, tattoos, lesions such as vascular, pigmented or precancerous, skin scars including acne, moles, excessive skin pigmentation, and redness occurring from inflammation like a sunburn have all responded favorably to laser treatments. But, their benefit doesn’t stop there. Lasers are also effective in the treatment of spider veins, broken blood vessels and port wine stains.

Most people experience little-to-no pain or discomfort during or after treatment, but each individual responds differently to stimulation, so certain types of treatments may be uncomfortable. Some people feel nothing at all while others feel an uncomfortable sensation before the laser is even turned on. Your surgeon or physician can offer options that will help minimize any discomfort your may experience.

The cost of laser skin treatments will vary depending on the type of procedure and size of the area treated. At times a client may require several different laser procedures for the same area, and this will naturally increase the cost. Additional cost variables would include the depth of damage of, say acne scaring or wrinkles. As an example; treating acne scars can range between $500 to $1,500. But, if excessive scaring is involved and scaring is deep seated costs could be as high as $6,000.

Naturally, you are the only person that can determine if this type of treatment is right for your type of condition or situation. Having a frank discussion with your physician will equip you with the information and options that will help you make an informed decision. If you choose to have laser skin treatment be sure you are consulting with a qualified and trained individual.