Looking for smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin without surgery? Laser treatments for the face have become some of the most popular non-invasive skin treatments for many great reasons.
But if you’ve never had laser treatment before, the idea could be intimidating at first.
Not to worry! We will cover everything you need to know about laser treatments for the face, including the different types, how they work, potential side effects, and tips for maximizing the benefits of your treatment.
The Different Types of Laser Treatments for the Face
When it comes to laser treatments for the face, there are several categories to be aware of, each working slightly differently depending on your skin goals.
- Ablative Lasers: These are the strongest type of lasers, removing the top layers of skin to reveal smoother, healthier skin underneath. Because they’re more intensive, they also come with more downtime.
- Non-Ablative Lasers: Non-ablative lasers work beneath the surface without removing the top layer of skin. They stimulate collagen production to improve tone, texture, and firmness with a shorter recovery time. Results are more gradual but involve a gentler, less noticeable healing process.
- Fractional Lasers: Fractional lasers can be ablative or non-ablative. They target a fraction of the skin at a time, creating tiny micro-injuries surrounded by healthy skin to speed up healing.
- Specialty Treatments: Some skin treatments utilize light or energy without being technically classified as lasers, yet they still offer incredible skin rejuvenation benefits. These include IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and radiofrequency-based treatments.
Which Laser Treatment is Right for You?
With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one. It ultimately comes down to your skin goals and the amount of recovery time you’re comfortable with.
- Ablative Lasers are most beneficial for addressing pronounced wrinkles, surgical or widespread acne scars, deeper burns, and significant sun damage. They offer dramatic results but also come with more healing time and side effects.
- Non-Ablative Lasers are great for early signs of aging, mild texture concerns, and improving skin tone without taking time off for recovery. They’re perfect if you want a gradual refresh with minimal downtime.
- Fractional Lasers strike a balance. They are ideal for improving fine lines, acne scarring, and uneven skin texture. By treating only small sections of skin at a time, they encourage faster healing and smoother skin.
- Specialty Treatments, such as IPL Photofacials and Sublime Skin Tightening, are excellent for targeting pigmentation, redness, and mild skin laxity. They work well for maintenance, brightening, and early anti-aging prevention without the need for more aggressive options.
Our experienced team will guide you through your options during a consultation, helping you choose the safest, most effective treatment based on your skin type, goals, and lifestyle.
The Laser and Light Treatments We Offer
At our MedSpa, we offer a range of non-invasive skin treatments tailored to address various skin concerns. Our most popular laser treatments for the face and body include:
- IPL Photofacials (Specialty Light Treatment): Uses intense pulsed light, not a true laser, to target pigmentation, redness, and uneven skin tone with minimal downtime.
- Sublime Skin Tightening (Non-Ablative Radiofrequency and Infrared): Combines radiofrequency and infrared light to heat the skin gently and stimulate collagen, reducing sagging and fine lines.
- Sublative Skin Resurfacing (Fractional, Non-Ablative): Utilizes fractional bipolar radiofrequency to target texture issues such as acne scars, enlarged pores, and fine lines, while promoting collagen production without fully ablating the skin.
- Laser Hair Removal (Non-Ablative Laser): Targets hair follicles using light energy to reduce unwanted hair growth safely and effectively.
We also offer several highly beneficial laser-adjacent treatments, including LED Light Therapy and Plasma Fibroblast.
During your consultation, we’ll guide you through your options and create a personalized plan tailored to your goals, skin type, and lifestyle.
How Do Laser Treatments Work?
Laser treatments work by delivering controlled light or energy into the skin. In the case of ablative lasers, the topmost skin layer is completely vaporized. Other lasers heat the skin underneath the top layer, promoting increased collagen production. This energy can target pigment, blood vessels, topmost or deeper layers of skin, or hair follicles, depending on the type of laser and the issues you would like to improve.
Your body responds by repairing and rejuvenating the treated area, resulting in clearer, smoother, and healthier-looking skin over time. The beauty of laser treatments lies in their ability to produce visible results without requiring invasive procedures.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Treatments for the Face?
Both clients and aestheticians love laser treatments for a reason. Here are some of the most sought-after benefits:
✅ Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
✅ More even skin tone and improved texture
✅ Corrects hyperpigmentation, including general redness, sunspots, rosacea, and spider veins
✅ Smoother, tighter, more youthful-looking skin
✅ Diminished scarring
✅ Minimal downtime, especially compared to surgical options
✅ Long-lasting results with proper care
Whether you want to refresh your complexion or tackle specific concerns like aging or acne scars, laser treatments offer a versatile and highly effective option.
Are There Risks for Different Types of Laser Treatments?
Like any cosmetic procedure, laser treatments carry some risks, although they are generally safe when performed by experienced professionals. Common side effects include:
- Redness and swelling for a few days after treatment
- Temporary darkening of treated spots before they fade
- Sensitivity to sunlight
Some individuals, particularly those with darker skin tones, may experience permanent darkening of the treated area. This side effect is called Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, and it can occur from any type of injury, including laser treatments.
More serious risks, such as scarring or burns, are rare, especially when treatment is customized to your skin type and performed by trained providers.
The risk for serious side effects from laser treatments for the face may increase if you:
- Have active skin infections or open wounds.
- Are prone to hyperpigmentation or keloid scarring.
- Are pregnant, as we recommend waiting.
- Have certain skin types that are more reactive to heat-based treatments.
A consultation can help determine if laser treatments are right for you. Additionally, proper aftercare is vital to prevent longer-lasting or more noticeable side effects.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
The number of sessions depends on your goals, the type of treatment, and the condition of your skin. While the number of treatments you need may be more or less than these, this overview gives you a starting point.
- IPL Photofacials — 3-5 sessions are usually best for optimal results.
- Sublime Skin Tightening — Some results are visible after the first treatment, but full results are typically achieved after 3-6 sessions for noticeable firmness.
- Sublative Skin Resurfacing — Most people experience substantial improvement after 3 treatments, with continued collagen production over time.
- Laser Hair Removal — Typically, it takes 6-8 sessions to significantly reduce hair growth, primarily due to the natural growth cycle of different hair follicles.
Your provider will create a personalized plan during your consultation to better prepare you for what your skin will need.
What Can I Expect After Laser Treatment?
Most people experience some mild redness, swelling, and tenderness right after treatment, similar to a mild sunburn. These side effects often subside within a few hours to a few days, depending on the type of treatment.
With stronger lasers, more intensive treatment, or more sensitive skin, some people also experience itchiness or discomfort, which you can alleviate with cool compresses or recommended creams.
Peeling several days after treatment is another common occurrence as cellular turnover and healing begin.
You can usually return to normal activities quickly, although your skin may need some extra TLC as it heals. With the laser options we provide, many clients notice a clearer, fresher glow within a week, with continued improvements over several weeks as collagen builds up.
However, ablative skin resurfacing can have more serious side effects and a longer recovery time. Some people need to take it easy for as much as 2 weeks with numerous days of significant swelling, peeling, discoloration, and discomfort. The upside to this is that the results are the most dramatic, and many people only need one treatment for years at a time. (We do not provide ablative skin resurfacing at this time, but it may be a consideration if you have more advanced needs.)
General Laser Treatment Aftercare
To protect your skin and maximize your results, here are some aftercare basics:
- Avoid direct sun exposure and use SPF daily.
- Skip harsh skincare products, such as retinols or acids, for at least several days.
- Stay hydrated, moisturize generously, and apply products as advised.
- Avoid hot showers, saunas, and heavy sweating for at least 24-48 hours.
- Do not pick, scratch, scrub, or pull at peeling skin, as this can lead to infections and scarring.
- Follow your provider’s aftercare instructions closely.
Proper aftercare helps your skin heal beautifully and reduces the risk of irritation or complications.
Best Timing for Laser Treatments
If you have a special event coming up (like a wedding, vacation, or photoshoot), timing your treatment is essential!
- IPL Photofacials: Allow at least 2 weeks for redness and flaking to settle.
- Sublime Skin Tightening: Skin typically looks its best about 4-6 weeks after your final session.
- Sublative Resurfacing: Plan for 2-4 weeks of mild redness before big events.
- Laser Hair Removal: Start at least 3 months in advance to complete a full series.
In general, fall and winter are popular seasons to begin laser treatments since skin is less exposed to the sun. However, you can enjoy these treatments year-round with proper protection.
Ready to Explore Laser Treatments for the Face?
Regardless of your skincare goals, non-invasive skin treatments are an excellent choice for cultivating healthy and glowing skin.
Laser treatments for the face are one of the best ways to enhance your skin’s appearance without surgery or extended downtime. Whether you’re tackling sun damage, fine lines, redness, or unwanted hair, there’s a treatment designed for you.
Curious if laser treatments are right for you? Book a free consultation and let’s talk about how you can get smooth, glowing skin!
