Laser Resurfacing
Advancements in laser technology have made it possible to treat many skin conditions, such as discoloration, large pores, blotches, acne scars, wrinkles, and sun spots. Dr. Cohen has several state-of-the-art lasers, including the CO2RE laser, sublative laser, intense pulsed light (IPL) laser, and MedLite C6. Each laser is tailored to treat particular skin issues. These lasers combine light, energy, and radio waves to treat not only the surface of the skin but also stimulate collagen growth in the deeper layers of the skin. Patients continue to see improvement weeks and months after treatment.
CO2RE Laser
Dr. Cohen is one of the first in Richmond to have the CO2RE fractional laser system, which is a CO2 laser that can treat both deep and superficial layers of the skin simultaneously. This allows Dr. Cohen to address each patient’s individual concerns with varying degrees of intensity and with the utmost precision. This laser is used to treat sun spots, uneven skin tone, and moderate to severe wrinkles, though it can also be used to tighten the skin and repair textural irregularities like acne scars.
During a CO2RE treatment, discomfort is minimized with a topical anesthetic. Following the treatment, skin will generally feel hot and appear red and blotchy with some swelling. These symptoms will subside after one to three days, although skin can be itchy and flaky for a week or more. After approximately 3 days, light mineral powder makeup can be worn to camouflage the redness and dry appearance. The effects of this treatment are long-lasting especially when skin is maintained with sunscreen and proper skin care.
Sublative Laser
Sublative lasers are used to reduce mild to moderate wrinkles, superficial skin discolorations, rosacea and acne scars, and it can also be used to tighten and smooth the skin’s surface. The sublative laser’s combination of radio and light energy is directed at the deeper skin layers to stimulate collagen, elastin, and healthy skin cell production. The sublative laser design applies the laser in a targeted pattern to minimize redness on the skin’s surface. This process ensures that healthy skin is kept intact to speed up the healing process, while encouraging cell turnover at deeper levels.
During a sublative treatment, a topical anesthetic may be applied, depending on the patient and the intensity of treatment. After treatment, the skin appears red and blotchy and often feels similar to a sunburn, though any discomfort subsides in a few hours. Light, mineral powder makeup can be worn within a day or two of the treatment. A series of three to five treatments is usually recommended to achieve best results. The benefits and results continue to increase over time as the skin responds by producing more collagen.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Color Correction
The intense pulsed light (IPL) laser is best for treating a variety of vein and pigment issues, including age spots, spider veins, and broken capillaries. The IPL system targets the skin cells with color, and unlike a sublative laser, it delivers several wavelengths of energy in each pulse of light to break up the pigment.
During an IPL treatment, a topical anesthetic is not needed because the lower layers of skin are targeted, while the top layers are unaffected. The results may be less dramatic than a laser treatment, but the IPL system causes very minimal discomfort and there is no downtime. After treatment, veins fade from sight while pigmented areas will darken temporarily before they disappear.
MedLite C6 Laser
The MedLite C6 laser system is used to remove or revise tattoos. Similar to an intense pulsed light laser, the MedLite C6 uses light to target pigmented cells in deeper layers of skin. The light breaks the ink into small fragments, which are eliminated by the body’s natural processes.
During a MedLite C6 treatment, topical anesthetic can be applied to reduce any discomfort, which is usually minimal. The length of treatment depends on the size, color, and location of the tattoo, and several sessions may be needed. Results from the MedLite C6 laser treatment will vary as well, as it can take several weeks before the ink is absorbed and eliminated by the body. For more information about tattoo removal, visit the Tattoo Revision page.
Dr. Cohen is committed to ensuring her patients are informed and comfortable with their decision. Below, you will find a link to our frequently asked questions. If you would like to discuss this procedure further, please don’t hesitate to contact us.