Laser Treatments

The use of lasers is a significant advancement in medical and cosmetic technology. Laser treatments are advanced procedures that use concentrated beams of light to target specific issues in the skin and other tissues. Many patients choose laser treatments for various reasons; they can improve skin texture, remove unwanted hair, remove tattoos, and treat skin conditions such as pigmentation issues and vascular lesions. ⁽¹⁾

​​La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology provides state-of-the-art laser treatments that are effective and safe for all skin types and conditions. By precisely targeting skin damage without harming healthy skin cells, our laser treatments require little to no downtime. Recent progress in laser technology allows light to penetrate deeply beneath the skin’s surface, specifically targeting damaged cells while additional safeguards protect the surrounding skin. Other energy treatments target excess fat, hair, and unwanted tattoo inks.

Explore your options today with a personalized consultation at La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation over the phone, please do not hesitate to call us at (800) 373-4773.

About Laser Treatments

Laser treatments are modern techniques designed to improve one’s appearance and correct more specific conditions. With the application of focused light energy, lasers penetrate the skin to treat various areas, addressing scarring from acne, age spots, wrinkles, unwanted hair, and even tattoos. ⁽¹⁾

The ability to customize treatment according to individual needs has made laser treatments increasingly popular in recent years. The technology behind lasers has rapidly advanced since their inception, allowing practitioners to offer safer and more effective solutions with less downtime. Studies reveal that over 1 million laser skin resurfacing procedures were performed in 2021 alone, underscoring their widespread appeal among patients seeking aesthetic enhancements. ⁽¹⁾

Acne scars, unwanted tattoos, skin blemishes, wrinkles, and more can all be reduced with specialized laser treatments. Whatever aesthetic issue you are facing, there is likely a laser treatment that can help you improve your appearance and confidence. ⁽²⁾

Benefits

Choosing to undergo a laser treatment comes with numerous advantages. At La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, we help our patients achieve their goals through:

Candidates

Patients with unwanted tattoos, unwanted hair growth, acne scars, skin blemishes, wrinkles, fine lines, vascular lesions (like spider veins), discolored skin, signs of aging, and more can benefit from laser treatment. A personal consultation will help determine if laser treatments are right for you. Candidates should ideally be in good health, maintain realistic expectations, and follow pre-treatment guidelines as advised by their provider at La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology.

Personal Consultation

Before undergoing any laser treatments, it is essential to attend a personal consultation. During this appointment, you will have a personal consultation with Susan Stuart, MD, FAAD at La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology who will review your medical history, assess your skin condition, and discuss your cosmetic goals. Dr. Stuart is a national authority in this field and previously worked with the inventors of many of today’s aesthetic lasers including the CO2 laser amongst others. She will explain the different options available and recommend the most suitable laser treatment tailored to meet your needs. It is also the perfect time to address any questions you may have about the process, outcomes, or post-treatment care. The consultation serves as an opportunity to ensure that you feel confident moving forward with treatment.

Preparation

Preparation for your laser treatment will depend on the type of procedure you choose. Common preparatory steps may include reviewing your medical history and listing your current medications and skin care regimen for your provider, adjusting your regimen according to their instructions, and avoiding excessive sun exposure before treatment. Patients should follow all provided pre-operative instructions diligently to ensure the best possible outcome.

Procedure

Some laser treatments may utilize topical anesthetics or mild sedation to enhance comfort. Many devices also incorporate cooling features to soothe the skin during treatment. The professional will first cleanse the area, removing makeup or any oils. The laser energy is administered to the targeted areas using a handheld device. You may feel a slight tingling or warmth during treatment. Most laser procedures last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the treatment area and extent of treatment needed.

Dr. Susan M. Stuart administers our laser treatments with great skill and expertise. With Dr. Stuart’s help, you can achieve smoother, more youthful-looking skin. Some of the treatments our practice offers include:

Recovery

Post-treatment care is critical for achieving optimal results. Recovery experiences vary by treatment type but may include mild swelling or redness, which typically subsides within a few days. Ongoing skincare routines should be adapted per your provider’s recommendations. It is essential to attend any necessary follow-up appointments to monitor your results and address questions.

Results

Some patients may observe initial improvements immediately after some laser procedures; however, some patients may require additional sessions to begin to see more impactful results. The long-lasting results of laser treatments can inspire self-confidence and renewed satisfaction with one’s appearance.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

The effects of some laser treatments can be enhanced with a customized regimen of injectables and dermal fillers.

One injectable that is commonly administered alongside CoolSculpting treatments is Kybella. Kybella is known as the “double chin shot” because of its exceptional ability to eliminate unwanted fat below the chin and sculpt a sharp jawline.

Because Botox is one of the most common injectable treatments administered worldwide, it is very common for patients to receive it alongside their laser treatments. Botox uses a special formulation to block nerve signals and keep muscles in a semi-permanent relaxed state. This reduces the presence of wrinkles by preventing muscles from contracting.

Combining multiple treatments is very common at our practice. When you meet with a provider for your consultation, you can explore dozens of different treatments. We are happy to create a customized treatment plan that involves multiple procedures, helping you see more comprehensive results after just one appointment.

Cost of Laser Treatments in Southern California

The total cost of your laser treatment(s) will depend on what treatment you are receiving, the issues being treated, your procedure goals, and other factors. Each treatment plan is individualized to suit your needs. When you meet with one of our providers for a consultation, you will receive a price quote. La Jolla Plastic Surgery & Dermatology offers financing options for our patients, and the members of our staff are happy to help you arrange this.

Call any of our offices today at (800) 373-4773 to schedule your consultation!

FAQ

References

1. Tull SS, Raza S. Lasers & Light Therapies for Skin Rejuvenation. Missouri Medicine. 2024;108(1):69. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6188454/
2. Yumeen S, Khan T. Laser Carbon Dioxide Resurfacing. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560544/