Tips to Getting a Great Laser Treatment
By Dr. Brandith Irwin on March 1, 2012
By Dr. Brandith Irwin –
Age spots, brown spots, red skin and blotchiness can either be a dead giveaway of your age or make you look older than you actually are. Luckily, laser photorejuvenation can safely and effectively treat this kind of aging and sun damage.
But when a series of laser treatments can cost you up to $2,500, you want to make sure you’re getting great treatments! So how do you ensure you are going to get the best possible results?
Here are my tips to help you get the best laser treatment:
1. Is the communication at your consultation thorough and focused on your concerns, or is it sales-focused?
A good office will focus on educating you about the whole process of rejuvenating your skin, including the laser treatment process, the treatment itself, after laser treatment care instructions and how to maintain your skin during and after your series of treatments.
Additionally, they will not pressure you to book the laser treatments at the time of your consultation.
2. Is the consultation with the person who performs the treatment?
I think the best offices have you consult with the person who will be treating you. This will ensure that you are getting correct information and the doctor or technician will be able to create a laser treatment plan that best meets your anti-aging goals.
3. Is the treatment comprehensive, or is it focused on spot treatments?
A good treatment will usually be comprehensive in that it will treat your whole face, your whole neck, or your whole chest. Lower quality offices might try to convince you that it is only necessary to spot treat. However, spot treatments will leave your skin looking uneven, which is what you were trying to get rid of in the first place!
4. Is the laser customizable, or point-and-shoot?
Laser devices that are customizable are the best because they are able to target the specific issues of each patient. “Point and shoot” lasers cannot provide you with customized treatments for your unique skin issues.
5. Does the provider have some medical education and training?
While an experienced dermatologist often has superior knowledge of cosmetic lasers and skin issues, you might also consider a laser center or med-spa. If you choose a center or med-spa over a dermatologist’s office please make sure the laser technician has a medical background and training in laser treatments.
Lasers can cause burns and permanent scars if they are not used properly. You do not want to end up with a scar that is more difficult to remove than your original issue just so you can save a few dollars. In the end you will have to pay more to have the scar removed by a true laser expert.
6. Can the office provide a range of care for your goals?
Great treatment involves treating the whole patient dermatologically. Usually when you want a laser treatment to help improve the appearance of your skin you are also interested in other skin treatments or skincare products so you can have healthy, beautiful skin. A good office will be able to help you achieve all of your anti-aging goals.
After your laser treatment, make sure you apply sunscreen daily to preserve your results and to prevent future damage!
Dr. Brandith Irwin is a board-certified Dermatologist who has been a guest medical expert on The Oprah Winfrey Show and the Weekend Today Show. She is the author of The Surgery-Free Makeover and Your Best Face: Looking Your Best Without Plastic Surgery! Dr. Irwin created www.SkinTour.com to provide expert, unbiased skincare information to the public. She has no financial ties to any cosmetic company and all of the content on SkinTour comes directly from her.
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