What Are Laser Skin Treatments?
The term “laser treatment” covers a range of technologies.
Some are true lasers that produce a single wavelength of light. This concentrated beam is excellent for targeting concerns precisely and efficiently.
Others, like BroadBand Light (BBL), are technically not lasers but are often categorized with them. These treatments emit a broad spectrum of wavelengths in each pulse of light to treat a wider range of concerns.
Depending on the type of laser or light used, these treatments can reduce sun damage, correct uneven pigmentation, smooth texture, minimize fine lines, treat acne, remove unwanted hair and tighten skin that has started to lose its firmness.
At LIVskin, we carry both true lasers and BBL and use each where it is most effective.
How Do Laser Treatments Work?
Different wavelengths of light are absorbed by different structures in your skin. Some wavelengths target melanin (pigment). Others target hemoglobin (the red pigment in blood vessels). Others target water in your skin cells or heat the deeper layers of tissue to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
You may hear your Certified Laser Technician use terms like “ablative” and “nonablative” or “fractional.” Ablative lasers remove thin layers of skin to resurface and initiate a healing response. Nonablative lasers heat the tissue underneath without removing any skin layers. Fractionated delivery treats a portion of the skin in a grid-like pattern, leaving the surrounding tissue untouched so healing is faster. A laser that is not fractional treats all of the skin at once.
Whichever option you choose, laser treatments are one of the most effective ways to restore and reinvent your skin.
What Laser Treatments Are Available at LIVskin in Minnetonka?
Every laser and light device at LIVskin is manufactured by Sciton®, a leader in medical-grade laser technology.
BBL® HERO™
BBL® HERO™ (High Energy Rapid Output) is Sciton®’s most advanced BroadBand Light system. It is an intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment, which means it uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths rather than a single-wavelength laser beam. Our Certified Laser Technicians can customize the treatment for a wide variety of skin concerns, including sun damage, age spots, redness, broken capillaries, rosacea and dullness.
Forever Young BBL®
Forever Young BBL® is a popular choice for patients who want to invest in long-term skin health and maintain the results of other treatments. A study from Stanford University School of Medicine found that BBL treatments can alter the expression of genes associated with aging so they more closely resemble younger skin. In simple terms, regular BBL treatments may help your skin function more like it did when it was younger.
Forever Bare BBL®
Forever Bare BBL® is a hair reduction treatment. It sends rapid pulses of BroadBand Light into the skin to heat hair follicles and slow regrowth. The treatment is effective on a wide range of body areas, including the face, underarms, bikini area, legs, chest, shoulders and back. Multiple sessions are needed to catch follicles in their active growth phase. Most patients see results in four to six sessions spaced five to eight weeks apart.
Forever Clear BBL®
Forever Clear BBL® is an acne treatment that works in three steps. First, blue BBL light targets and kills acne-causing bacteria deep in the pores. Then, yellow BBL light reduces the inflammation and redness that come with active breakouts. Finally, infrared light triggers the body’s natural healing process to help calm and repair the skin. It can treat acne on the face, neck, back and other body areas.
MOXI®
MOXI® is a nonablative fractional laser that gently “polishes” the superficial layers of the skin. Many providers refer to it as a “lunchtime laser” because treatment sessions are quick (typically 15 to 20 minutes for a full face) and patients can return to their normal activities the same day. MOXI® is an ideal starting point for patients who are new to lasers. It is also a practical maintenance option between more intensive procedures.
HALO®
HALO® is a hybrid fractional laser that combines an ablative wavelength for surface renewal with a nonablative wavelength for collagen stimulation. HALO® is frequently described as the “holy grail” of skin treatments because the dual-wavelength approach treats multiple layers of the skin at once. Most patients need one or two sessions to see their full results. Downtime is moderate.
ClearSilk®
ClearSilk® is a nonablative laser that improves the appearance of redness, rosacea, fine lines, enlarged pores and uneven texture. It is also used for treating acne and acne scars. ClearSilk® is a gentle option that’s well-suited for first-time laser patients or those with sensitive skin. This treatment is appropriate for all skin tones and all times of year, including summer.
SkinTyte®
SkinTyte® uses the BBL handpiece in a continuous-pulsing infrared mode to deliver deep, controlled heat to the skin’s dermal layer. That heat stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin, gradually improving the appearance of mild to moderate skin laxity on the face, neck, jawline and body. SkinTyte® is a noninvasive facelift alternative for patients who are interested in skin tightening but are not ready for a surgical procedure.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Laser Treatment?
Most skin types and tones can be treated with at least one of our Sciton® technologies. Many patients benefit from combining two or more treatments, an approach sometimes called “laser stacking.” Our Certified Laser Technicians specialize in building these combination protocols to deliver more comprehensive results in fewer sessions.
You may not be a candidate at this time if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have an active skin infection in the treatment area, have had significant unprotected sun exposure recently or are using certain medications such as isotretinoin. If a light-based treatment is not the right fit for your skin right now, your provider may recommend an alternative such as a chemical peel, Hydrafacial®, DiamondGlow® or SkinPen® microneedling.
What to Expect From Your Laser Treatment at LIVskin
Consultation
Your first step is a one-on-one consultation with one of our Certified Laser Technicians. During this visit, your provider will evaluate your skin, discuss your concerns and goals, and recommend a treatment plan. Most first visits include a VISIA® Skin Analysis to guide your treatment recommendations.
Treatment
Your experience on treatment day will depend on which laser or light device is being used. Some treatments are gentle enough that no numbing is needed, while others require a topical anesthetic applied before the procedure for comfort. Treatment times range from about 15 minutes for a quick session to 60 minutes for a more intensive procedure or a combination treatment.
Recovery
Recovery time and aftercare instructions vary by treatment. Several of our lasers involve little to no downtime. You may notice some redness for a few hours, but you can return to your routine right away. Others involve a few days of social downtime, which may include bronzing and peeling. Regardless of which treatment you receive, sun protection is essential during healing.
What Kind of Results Can a Laser Treatment Achieve?
The results you achieve depend on the treatment you select, the concerns being addressed, how you care for your skin after the treatment, how many sessions you have and how your unique skin responds to the treatment.
Some improvements are visible quickly. For example, you may notice your skin has a healthy glow. Other improvements, such as collagen building, develop gradually over weeks. A series of treatments typically produces better and longer-lasting results than a single session, but a single treatment can be sufficient in some cases.
Periodic maintenance visits help sustain the improvements. Your Certified Laser Technician will set realistic expectations during your consultation and offer a recommended treatment schedule.
Yes! Laser stacking is one of LIVskin’s specialties. Combination laser treatments allow our Certified Laser Technicians to address many of your concerns in a single session. One of our most popular pairings is BBL® HERO™ with MOXI® for comprehensive tone and texture correction. Because all of our devices are on the Sciton® platform, our team can mix and match them efficiently.
Some of the technologies in our suite are safer for darker skin than others. MOXI® and ClearSilk® are safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types, including types IV through VI. Other treatments, like BBL®, may require adjusted settings or may not be appropriate for very dark complexions.
In the weeks before your appointment, avoid excessive sun exposure and do not use retinoids, exfoliating acids and self-tanners in the area that will be treated. If you are prone to cold sores, let us know, as some laser treatments can trigger a flare-up. Come in with clean, product-free skin on the day of your appointment. Your Certified Laser Technician will give you personalized preparation guidelines during your consultation.
Pricing varies by treatment, the area(s) treated and the number of sessions recommended. Some patients achieve their goals with a single treatment, while others benefit from a series. We offer complimentary consultations where your Certified Laser Technician will give you a cost estimate. Contact us to learn more about our current pricing and any available specials.
LIVskin’s Certified Laser Technicians are among the Midwest’s most experienced Sciton® laser providers. They share a commitment to customized, results-driven care.
Our Laser Director is Lindsey Kulics, who has worked in aesthetics since 2001 and has served as an Advanced Laser Educator since 2003. She has trained providers across the country on laser fundamentals, advanced techniques and combination therapy protocols.
Having the full Sciton laser suite in one location gives our team the flexibility to match each patient with the right technology. Rather than having to fit every concern into the one or two devices a practice happens to own, LIVskin’s Certified Laser Technicians personalize your treatment plan from the ground up so you see the best possible results without compromising your safety.