6 Skin Lasers That Work
Better Skin: 6 Lasers That Work! (and, no downtime!)
Beyond our daily beauty regimens, there are even more options than ever before for better skin: in-Medspa laser procedures that promise to shrink pores, stimulate collagen, treat unwanted acne scars, and more. While technologies, downtime and prices vary, there’s one common theme when it comes to lasers for your face: you can’t do this over the bathroom sink (so, don’t try this at home). With the holiday social season approaching, now is a good time to gather your options for better skin.
“The field of aesthetics — and lasers and energy devices specifically — continues to rapidly expand in terms of both devices and “no-downtime” -“wait for it” treatments,” says Mona Sappenfield, an Esthetician and Laser Technician since 2002. “It is very important to seek out consultation and a treatment plan” for best results and a clear understanding of your personalized results. All treatments at Mona Esthetics have undergone well-designed clinical trials and received FDA clearance for the specific concern of interest.” Not all lasers are for everyone.
Mona also recommends growth factors in a peptide SERUM for best results on any collagen building laser treatment. Sun protection is essential to protect you better skin.
Since there are so many options of procedures — and each caters to different candidates – there are some important points to gather even before you book an appointment to get “lasered”.
1 Piqo4 Genesis*
What it does: This laser addresses pigment like freckles, sun spots, discoloration (and even unwanted tattoo ink!) as well as texture issues like scarring and wrinkles by converting laser energy into gentle pressure waves. This activates cell signaling, the body’s natural communication process, telling your skin to create new collagen (and thus, fade away any pigment).
Who is a candidate: Everyone -All skin types — and individuals with all colors of tattoo ink — will see results with Piqo4. Skin rejuvenation to remove brown skin pigment can be used for all over the body including underarm and vaginal darkness.
What it costs per session: Typically, Piqo4 will cost between $59-$800 per session. (This varies based on the size of tattoo and number of ink colors and the individual’s aesthetic goals.) Four to 10 treatments is common for tattoos, but personalized plans for the face are developed by what an individual’s objectives entail. Three to six treatments are typical for skin revitalization and can be purchased in packages.
How to prep: Very little prep work is required on your part! Just minimize sun exposure before and after treatment.
What to expect during the procedure: Most people experience very little discomfort during a Piqo4 appointment. Some patients compare treatments to a feeling similar to the snapping of a rubber band. Discomfort is minimized with a cool air chiller.
What to expect afterwards: Most clients report mild redness for only a few hours, allowing them to quickly and discreetly return to their normal activities. The time between treatments varies per person, but is typically six to eight weeks for tattoo removal and three to four weeks for acne scars and wrinkles.
2. Piqo4 Frac*
What it does: This treatment helps resurface skin and increase collagen production for a firmer complexion. In addition to texture issues, it also addresses hyperpigmentation and sun damage.
Who is a candidate: All skin types, depending on settings, are able to effectively use this treatment.
What it costs per session: Piqo4 Frac costs $800 per treatment visit. You’ll love three to six sessions to get the results you want, depending on how-in depth the settings are.
How to prep: You should stop all topical retinoids one week prior to your treatment. You’ll also want to avoid tanning one month prior and one month post-treatment.
What to expect during the procedure: Your Esthetician will apply a cold air chiller, so you won’t feel too much during the treatment. If you can feel anything, it’ll likely be a sensation similar to tiny pins or tingling in certain areas.
What to expect afterwards: There is slight downtime after your treatment for some settings— you can expect to be pink and puffy for two to five days afterward. The length of your downtime will depend on how aggressive your treatment was.
3. Piqo4 Genesis*, Piqo4 Frac* with a CO2 Aesthetic Masque Combination
What it does: Like Piqo4 alone, it treats texture issues and signs of aging, including wrinkles, sun damaged skin, scars, loss of moisture and uneven pigment. However, this treatment is for more advanced signs of aging, and skin dryness. The laser does this by creating microscopic wounds beneath the skin’s outermost layer, triggering the production of new collagen and skin cells. The cold topical masque provides 100% moisture by stimulating the skin’s own CO2, oxygen and nutrient quality.
Who is a candidate: If you have more advanced facial lines, skin dryness, and wrinkling, you could be a candidate for this full face including eyelids) treatment. Or, anyone with a special occasion coming up! A customized treatment plan can treat the neck, decollate, arms, hands, underarms and vagina for skin discolorations.
What it costs per session: You spend $350-$1,050 per session depending on laser settings, and you’ll need three to six sessions for optimal results. Value package are also sold for multiple visit treatment.
How to prep: You should skip your retinoids, vitamin C-, and glycolic-based skincare products for the week leading up to your appointment, as well as stay out of the sun.
What to expect during the procedure: Clients enjoy a few minutes of chiller cold air before being lasered. There is not going to be any social downtime. It’s typically advised that client’s use a gentle cleanser twice daily and apply a serum peptide product after washing.
4. XEO Excel Laser
What it does: This laser treatment helps address a wide range of skin concerns, including rosacea, pokliaderma, acne, facial and red spider veins, fresh scars, benign pigmented lesions, and sun aging.
Who is a candidate: Gentle enough to use on infants and can be used up to anyone 90 and older (basically anybody who is interested in better skin).
What it costs per session: Each treatment will cost from $175 to $400+ (price will vary by total area being treated). In general, clients typically need three to four treatments for best results.
How to prep: It is recommended to avoid sun exposure before and throughout treatment to maximize results. An EltaMD sunblock of SPF 30 or higher should be worn daily during this time.
What to expect during the procedure: Before and during the procedure, a built-in cooling device will be applied to the skin in order to optimize comfort. (But overall, this a non-invasive, relatively painless treatment.) During the procedure, pulses of light are applied to the skin, and patients typically feel a mild heating sensation as the light enters the skin. Treatment sessions can take as little as 15-20 minutes (however, treatment time varies based on the condition and area being treated).
What to expect afterwards: Most clients notice beneficial results right away, and often times feel a firming or tightening of the treated area. Most clients are also able to resume normal day-to-day activities immediately after their appointment. For those who experience downtime, it manifests in the form of redness or mild swelling, darker vessels in the treated area immediately after — but it usually goes away in a few hours.
5. TruSculpt 3D + Titan Combination*
What it does: This treatment helps improve the appearance of sagging or loose skin, especially in the eye, jawline, cheek and neck area.
Who is a candidate: Anyone wanting to look younger without an overly drastic change is an ideal patient for this treatment.
What it costs per session: Each session will cost $500-$4,500, depending on the treatment area — and only TWO treatments are necessary to see lasting results!
How to prep: No special prep is needed before, but you’ll want to speak to your provider about the products you use to ensure they’re compatible with the treatment.
What to expect during the procedure: Titan and TruSculpt 3D treatments are typically 15-45 minutes for eyes chin or facial areas. They can last 90 minutes for larger body areas.
What to expect afterwards: There’s no downtime with this treatment. You might have slightly red skin afterwards, but most people resume regular activities right after their appointments and you need no follow-up care. In fact, after just one treatment, the look of your skin can continue to improve for up to six months. That’s because as your bodies regenerate collagen and produce new collagen, the collagen matrix thickens and creates a smoothing effect. The results can last years. It’s been coined “wait for it” and “watch it develop” treatment.
6. XEO Laser Genesis
What it does: This treatment prevents signs of aging and improves the look of fine lines, skin tone, texture, dyschromia and overall appearance, as well as minimizes the appearance of pores.
Who is a candidate: All skin types can benefit from this treatment.
What it costs per session: This cost $350 per session, but our package of 6 for $1,800 (2 week intervals) is our most popular treatment.. You’ll need three to five treatments for best results.
How to prep: Your prep depends on your skin and skincare routine, but you should avoid glycolic acid and retinoids for several days before your appointment, and up to five days afterwards. Of course, religious use of sunscreen in the days before and after your appointment is essential.
What to expect during the procedure: The laser hand piece hovers over the treated area. Clients feel a comfortable warmth.
What to expect afterwards: Your skin might be a bit pink or red after treatment, but typically for less than one hour. A refreshing masque may be applied after the treatment for 10-15 minutes — ask your Esthetician for advice on which masque to use.
*Piqo4 is exclusively offered by Mona Esthetics in the Mid-South area.
We look forward to serving you BEST! See you at the MedSpa!