How It Works!
The laser has enough power and heat to break up the discoloration on your skin without negatively affecting the skin underneath or around the discoloration. The discoloration that bothers you can be significantly reduced with a series of treatments (usually 3 is the minimum number of treatments) with no negative side effects, like bruising, swelling, or scarring.
Why our lasers are the best:
Candela Laser Corporation has a 30 year track record of providing the most sophisticated and advanced lasers on the cosmetic laser market. Medical professionals agree that using a 595 nm Pulsed Dye Laser is the best method for treating pigment issues on the skin. Our laser is superior to other lasers in the treatment of Poikiloderma because of the unique combination of a large distance gauge (10 mm), combined with 5-7 Joules of heat and a 10 ms pulse duration.
- Shave the area to be treated the day prior to your laser treatment is recommended.
- Avoid direct sun exposure (being in the sun without sunscreen) on the area(s) you’re having treated for seven days prior to your treatment.
- Don’t use Retin A on the area(s) to be treated for seven days prior to your treatment.
- Finally, if you are using Accutane, please let us know prior to scheduling your appointment.
During the Treatment:
If you’ve never been to our office before, you’ll have some paperwork to complete, including a medical history, skin type chart, and laser consent form. This takes just a few minutes. Once our technician has reviewed your history and has answered all your questions, we’ll escort you to the laser room. You’ll need to take clothing off any area we’re treating. We’ll ensure there is no hair present on the area(s) we’re treating, then wipe the area to be treated with a wash cloth or baby wipe. We’ll calibrate the laser for your procedure, then you and the technician will don the appropriate safety goggles. Let the zapping begin!
Length of Time for the Treatment:
A typical treatment on your neck will take about 15 minutes.
After the Treatment:
After a poikiloderma laser treatment, the treated area will usually look a little flush, like you’ve just come off the tennis court with a victory. Your skin will be sensitive to the sun, so you’ll apply sunscreen before you leave our office. We have sunscreen for your use, so don’t worry about bringing in your own (though you can if you want). We also apply a product called Vitaclude, manufactured by Sanitas, which is like Neosporin for a laser treatment. It is part of a post-laser kit which we recommend you purchase, particularly if you get a treatment on your face or neck. It contains a sensitive skin cleanser (your skin is sensitive now), as well as two moisturizers that are designed to help facilitate the healing. You will be able to go about your life after the treatment, and you can shower, apply makeup, etc. In other words, there’s no down time after this treatment.
