LASER SKINCARE Q&A

Dr. W. Jason Martin and Dr. Dennis Cirillo of Aspen Institute of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery answer questions commonly asked by patients. 

LASER SKINCARE

Q: What are the different options to treat sun spots or discoloration on the skin?

A: Brown macules, sun spots and freckles, especially around the face, are a common concern for patients. Our protocol involves an initial treatment with hydroquinone cream followed by IPL (intense pulsed light) laser treatment. Patients usually require only one or two treatments for visible results. 

Broken capillaries around the nose or cheeks, as well as spider veins of the upper and lower extremities, can be treated with a laser therapy. The best option for these types of prominent capillary-based skin lesions is a YAG laser.

If you notice irregular, dark or red, rough or raised spots, these could be of concern. Please consider an evaluation by a specialist (plastic surgeon or dermatologist).

Q: How can I improve the look and feel of my skin using laser treatments, and how much do they cost?

A: Skin rejuvenation laser treatments provide noticeably improved skin tone, texture and tightness with little to no downtime. Specifically, large pore sizes, fine lines, deep lines and acne scarring can all be treated with laser therapy. Each stimulates new collagen growth which helps tighten the skin.

At our office, we currently use the Pearl™ laser for skin resurfacing and rejuvenation. It effectively removes fine lines, uneven skin texture and sun damage, while tightening the skin by stimulating new collagen production. One of the benefits of the Pearl™ laser is that it provides excellent results but requires just 3-5 days of recovery time, which is much less than most other laser skin treatments.

Laser treatments range from $200 to $2,500, depending on individual needs and desired results. Treatment of sun spots starts at around $250, and skin resurfacing laser treatments are typically $1,000 or more. Treatment of small broken capillaries or spider veins can be between $150 and $500. Hair removal varies per area treated and the number of treatments required.

Q: How are AIPRS laser treatments different from others available locally?

A: AIPRS spent a considerable amount of time researching the most current laser technology available in the market to reduce wrinkles, even texture, repair sun damage and eliminate unwanted hair and other skin imperfections. We chose the Cutera™ laser system, which includes IPL and YAG technologies to treat a broad spectrum of conditions. It is the most revolutionary of laser and other light-based aesthetic systems for practitioners worldwide. We believe it demonstrates the greatest results for both resurfacing and rejuvenation procedures and requires less overall recovery time than other laser systems. No other practice in the Roaring Fork Valley utilizes this laser technology.

However, we believe the skill and experience of the practitioner is without doubt as important as the technology. All laser consultations and Pearl™ laser procedures are performed by either Dr. W. Jason Martin or Dr. Dennis Cirillo, both board-certified plastic surgeons.