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(352) 733-0111

Lasers

There are many lasers and light devices on the market offering a wide range of options. There is no one laser or device that does everything. As a consumer, trying to decide what you need and where to go for what procedure can be difficult and confusing. Lasers and the light devices work by delivering very high levels of specifically focused light energy into the skin. A thorough understanding of laser tissue interactions and light physics is necessary to select the optimum laser or light therapy for a specific problem.

At the UF Health Cosmetic Dermatology Center we offer a wide array of cosmetic laser procedures with state-of-the-art equipment. The high energy laser and light devices can provide remarkable improvements in the skin and your appearance. Although the use of these devices is quite common; it is not without risk which is why you should only trust an experienced laser surgeon. Our cosmetic dermatologists have extensive experience in laser medicine and surgery and will develop an individualized plan to achieve the best results.

Laser and light therapies are commonly used for:

What to expect with these procedures

Hair removal

Hair removal works by way of the high energy light selectively targeting the pigment in the actively growing hairs. The light energy heats and damages the cells that cause the hair to grow and prevents hair regrowth. Laser hair removal is one of the most common laser procedures performed. Our latest advanced technology removes unwanted hair quickly, safely, and most comfortably. While many places offer this service, selecting a highly trained physician for hair removal can greatly enhance the safety, efficacy, and comfort of the procedure.

Prior to the procedure, we may have you apply some topical anesthetic to decrease any discomfort although many patients do not find it necessary. The procedure typically lasts minutes, varying upon size of area treated. Following the procedure, the skin may feel warm like sunburn for 15-30 minutes with some slight swelling and redness around each individual hair follicle. Within one to two weeks, the hair in the treated area will fall out. There are no activity limitations following the procedure and our patients return to normal daily activities immediately.

Since hair grows in cycles, not all the hair is in the active growth phase at any one time. Therefore, to achieve complete hair removal typically 6-8 treatments are required in order to effectively treat all hair follicles. A single treatment is given at 4 to 6 week intervals.

Photorejuvenation

Photorejuvenation is a broad term that describes the use of light energy to produce a more youthful appearance. The aging process occurs at a varying rate and presents with various markers. Signs of aging skin include redness, more noticeable blood vessels, brown spots, skin discoloration, wrinkles, rough or poor skin texture, increased laxity, and increased pore size. Not all people, nor all skin, age alike. Likewise, not all complaints can be, nor should be, treated alike. Hence, we at UF Health Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic, individualize your treatment by properly selecting which modality, or modalities, will best suit your needs. Our experience and ability to combine our multiple modalities will help you achieve your goals.

Photofacial

Photofacial is a term that typically refers to the general overall improvement in the appearance and color of the face, neck, and chest. The treatment focuses on removing unwanted vessels, redness, and discoloration which creates a weathered and aged look.
There are several devices we employ to maximize the results. The most utilized device is an intense pulsed light (IPL) source. This IPL device allows us to deliver very high energy to improve the appearance of unwanted redness, and brown discoloration. We have additional laser systems that can more specifically address resistant targets, such as stubborn vessels and discrete brown spots.

Brown spots

As we age, chronic sun exposure can lead to the development of unsightly brownish-tan discoloration, spots, and freckling. There are also inherited brown growths that can be undesirable. Our multiple laser and light technology platforms allow us to safely and specifically address each of these types of unwanted skin pigmentation. Not all types of skin pigmentation are amenable to laser therapy. And, the skin has a certain level of baseline pigmentation which we must take great care to preserve. Since there is a very intricate balance of pigmentation in your skin, you need to select a very knowledgeable and skilled dermatologist to guide your treatment plan with the goal of achieving the best results in the safest manner.

Redness and blood vessels

Redness and flushing of the cheeks is a very common complaint. Rosacea is a skin condition that can cause persistent redness of the face. The redness results from the dilation of small vessels coursing through the surface of the skin. There are many precipitating factors which can exacerbate the redness. As the vessels dilate, discrete larger vessels may even be appreciated. Fortunately, by selectively targeting the red blood cells in the vessels, we are able to eliminate the discrete vessels, redness, and flushing.
We have multiple devices to selectively target and remove redness that gives a flushed appearance, and unwanted discrete vessels. This is a common complaint. Selecting the appropriate device depends on the size and depth of the targeted vessels. Different lasers and light devices preferentially target these different vessels. Our dermatologists’ understanding of the skin anatomy and vasculature will help to offer the safest and most effective treatment.

For wrinkles, skin texture, tone and pore size

With aging, the skin loses some of its natural elastic tone. Both environmental and genetic factors can be contributors to this aging process characterized by wrinkles, folds, loose skin, rough texture, and increased pore size. These characteristics are a result of a reduced amount of collagen and a breakdown of elastic fibers in the skin. By improving the collagen scaffolding, these visual signs of the aging process can be reduced.
We have laser systems that preferentially target the collagen, thereby reducing wrinkles, tightening the skin, improving the skin texture and tone, and reducing pore size. The treatment we recommend for you depends on the degree of aging your skin exhibits, your lifestyle, and the amount of downtime you can tolerate.

The three primary methods are as follows:

  • The most gentle treatment is heating the collagen columns. This is good for improving fine lines, wrinkles, texture, tone and pore size with the least downtime. The gentle column heating is associated with only 3 days of redness and swelling. Multiple treatments given at 4-6 week intervals can deliver stunning results.
  • The vaporization of the columns of collagen is better for more significant wrinkles and tissue tightening. The microscopic columns are vaporized by thermal energy while the remaining adjacent collagen is tightened by the heat. With this approach, more dramatic results may be achieved with fewer treatments than the gentler heating of the collagen alone. About 5-7 days of downtime is typical, requiring applications of ointment to enhance healing for the first 2-3 days following the procedure. One treatment usually gives very impressive results. Multiple treatments may further enhance the results.
  • Full face laser resurfacing precisely vaporizes the top layer of epidermis and superficial dermis, removing the superficial collagen while simultaneously heating and tightening the remaining collagen. This is the most aggressive of the tightening procedures. The treatment requires a week of ointment applications and bandaging. Expect several weeks of swelling and redness. Once the healing is complete, this option gives the biggest improvement after only one treatment.

For scars

The treatment options are similar to many of those noted for aging skin. The typical scar is fibrous tissue composed of collagen that replaces normal tissue after an injury. The collagen formation in scars is different from the normal collagen structure in the skin. There are many different types of scars, such as acne scars, stretch marks (striae), hypertrophic scars, keloids, traumatic scars, and altered pigmentation. Therapy for scars varies depending on the type of scar and the stage of the scarring process. At UF Cosmetic Dermatology Center, we have multiple laser and light devices available to us which can improve the appearance of your scar.

Our dermatologists’ knowledge of skin wound healing and experience with lasers will be your best guide for the optimal approach to improving your scarring.

For Tattoos

The tattoo industry is growing rapidly. With the increased number of tattoos, there is a coinciding increased demand for removal. Whatever your reason for desiring removal, we can erase the majority of all tattoos.

Lasers work to remove tattoos by selectively heating and breaking apart the ink droplets so the body can digest and eliminate the undesired pigment. Very specialized lasers are required to eradicate tattoos. Different color inks in tattoos often require different lasers for optimum removal. We have an advanced laser platform for tattoo removal at UF Cosmetic Dermatology Center which can treat the majority of all tattoos.

The number of visits required depends on the size and color of the tattoo. When multiple ink colors are present the treatment may require more time as multiple lasers will be required to best remove all the color. Typically, multiple treatments, often 6-8 treatments at 4 to 6 week intervals are needed to best remove tattoos.

Tattoos are becoming more and more common. The removal of tattoos is also increasing, but requires very specific lasers to optimally remove the ink. A dermatologist with extensive laser knowledge and experience should be sought to achieve the best results.