Lasers are useful because we can be more selective in the destruction of unwanted skin conditions. They can penetrate to the target within the skin with less injury to the overlying skin. Although lasers are powerful devices, the best results are seen after multiple treatments. Lasers available in the Department of Dermatology are:
KTP Laser is used for facial blood vessels due to:
- rosacea
- sun damage
- pregnancy
- hormones, and other factors.
PDL Laser is used for large areas of redness or blood vessels, such as:
- rosacea
- vascular malformations (red birthmarks), and hemangiomas
- scars that are still pink (< 1 year old)
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is used for:
- rosacea or other causes of patchy redness
- melasma that has failed other treatments
- sun spots (lentigo/lentigines) & sun damage (mottled/mixed red and tan spots)
- scars – to improve the appearance, most commonly used for acne scars
