A few weeks ago, I shared my experience getting a laser skincare treatment at Union Square Laser Dermatology by Dr. Y. Claire Chang on Instagram. I received an outpour of questions about the details of the treatment, so I decided to put all your questions in one place here. I recommend bookmarking or saving this post so you can refer back to it if and when you decide to experiment with laser skincare too. If you’re wondering which treatment is right for you, I recommend checking out this post I wrote a few months ago. In the meantime, let’s jump straight into your questions.
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Laser Skincare Treatment FAQs
Why do you get laser skincare treatments?
There are numerous lasers available on the market, that can target a variety of skin issues, including redness, brown spots, and wrinkles. Resurfacing lasers, like the Clear and Brilliant and Fraxel Dual lasers help smooth the skin and make it look younger and healthier. Most people get the treatment to even out their skin tone from sunspot damage, lighten acne scars, minimize wrinkles and fine lines, and treat age spots. As an adult, I still suffer from acne from time to time. During my most recent trip, I wanted to treat my scars and prevent them from darkening and permanently scarring.
I’ve been seeing Dr. Chang for a while now and trust her expertise and experience. She recommended I receive the following three treatments: (Note that I’ve done these treatments before and was really happy with the results.)
1. V-Beam laser to treat redness from acne scars.
2. Alex TriVantage for sunspots.
3. Clear + Brilliant to address overall skin texture, pores, and prevent fine lines and wrinkles.
Does it hurt?
One of the most common questions I got asked was whether or not it hurt. I found the entire process to be mildly uncomfortable – but not painful. It didn’t bother me at all. Union Square Laser Dermatology topically numbs for most lasers, with the exception of the V-Beam laser. This is because they target blood vessels, and numbing cream can cause the blood vessels to become smaller and more difficult to treat. Luckily, I didn’t feel that numbing was necessary.
How long does it take to recover?
I usually experience a bit of redness that lasts less than three days. The main thing is to wear sunscreen religiously and avoid sun exposure since the skin is extra sensitive during this time.
How often do you have to get the treatment?
Lasers aren’t magic that work instantly. Oftentimes, there’s a process involved depending on what you’re looking to accomplish with your skin. Some people may only need 3-5 sessions while others need 6-8. A Board-Certified Dermatologist will be able to best guide you on this.
I usually receive all three laser skincare treatments on the same day and then follow up with Dr. Chang after a month to see what’s next.
How long do the results last?
Results vary from person to person, so while some people might see immediate results, others take longer. Personally, I usually see results within days and my skin does improve in the weeks after. However, the improvement doesn’t last forever given the normal aging process, stress, and environmental effects on our skin. That’s why I make an effort to visit Union Square Laser Dermatology a few times a year for the best results.
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Let me know if you guys have any other questions on laser skincare treatments! If you’re interested in trying it out, I can’t recommend Union Square Laser Dermatology enough. Their approach to science, beauty, and technology constantly amazes me and Dr. Chang always does the most wonderful job.
