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 need, there is a laser device 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 specific 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 that laser energy has to offer. PSS has the broad knowledge base to expertly assess skin concerns and provide a program that works for your time and budget.
The professionals at Plastic Surgery Specialists are highly trained 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, call (415) 925-2880, or inquire about our skin resurfacing services with our contact form. We are confident we can help you improve your complexion to get to skin you can feel confident in.
Before and After Photos
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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 work by emitting 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 but require more sessions to see significant results. Some devices like Halo cause deeper and more extensive micro-injuries and peeling, but patients require one treatment annually..
Our Treatment Options
Laser BBL Photorejuvenation
Laser BBL (broadband light) energy utilizes a variety of light wavelengths to treat red pigment-related issues such as rosacea, liver spots, unwanted freckles, and fine lines as well as unevenly textured or 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 tometabolize 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 part of the body. The thermal energy from the light can also induce an increased production of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis, promoting more elastic and youthful skin renewal that resolves fine lines and wrinkles.. This treatment is non-ablative, meaning that it preserves the structure of the epidermis- the surface level of skin- while dissolving pigment and inducing connective fiber production in the dermis. Because of this, most patients get the results they are looking for within three to four sessions. One important aspect of BBL laser energy to note 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 in between each session. 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 joins together two wavelengths of light: 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 further 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, so treating it regularly is 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 properly treat both dermal and epidermal issues. Just like the Excel V+ laser, it is compatible with all skin types due to utilizing 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 consequently lasts longer with 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 made by Cutera. This device operates by sending 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 only 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 CO 2 with relatively minimal side effects when compared to fully ablative technologies. The Secret Pro laser is adjustable and compatible with all skin types. (3)
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is different from the rest of the laser-based technologies because the procedure is not intended for skin resurfacing purposes. At PSS, we prescribe the BBL laser in order 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. How long have you had these concerns and what treatments have you tried? What results you would like to achieve? At the initial appointment, our expert aesthetic nurse will evaluate both your skin quality and type, to ensurethey recommend the most appropriate device.. After choosing your treatment method, they will go over the necessary preparation. After treatment instructions are provided to facilitate a healthy recovery and skin rejuvenation process. 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 is dependent 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/s 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 3 or more sessions, depending on the nature of their aesthetic issues. Most treatments require enough time to allow the skin to revitalize itself and rebuild collagen and elastin..
How many laser hair removal treatments will I need?
Most patients will 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 should shave the area, but avoid applying any kind of 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. Usually, longer wavelengths 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