Laser Genesis stimulates new collagen production, to repair signs of aging and sun damage anywhere on the body. This nonablative laser uses micropulse technology at a wavelength of 1064nm, firing short bursts of energy so quickly that it doesnât damage the skin's surface.
In the hands of an experienced provider, it can safely treat a range of skin concerns, including:Â
Laser Genesis is often combined with other procedures, for optimal results. It can be performed on the same day as facials, chemical peels, radiofrequency (RF) skin-tightening treatments, RF microneedling, or dermal filler treatments. Â
One of the major benefits of this laser treatment is that itâs much less likely to trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in patients with olive or brown skin, unlike many other lasers.
Pros
Cons
Your cost will depend on the experience level of your provider, their practice location, how many areas youâre treating, and the total number of treatment sessions you need.
This elective cosmetic treatment is not covered by insurance.
The Laser Genesis photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.
Laser Genesis is gentle enough for all skin types and tones. If youâre pregnant or nursing, avoid all laser treatments.Â
Additionally, if you have any irritation in the treatment area, such as a wound, cut, or rash, skip the lasers until youâre healed.
RealSelf Tip: Some lasers can cause problems if youâve used isotretinoin (Accutane) in the past 12 months, but Laser Genesis is different, says Dr. Emer. âIn our practice we actually have a protocol while people are on Accutane, where we have them do bimonthly Laser Genesis with facials to help control redness and sensitivity. This combination decreases acne more quickly and improves redness.â
An independent study from 2011 reported that 98% of test subjects were satisfied with their Laser Genesis results. After 30 days, these same volunteers had biopsies that determined elastin fibers had increased in the dermis, which improved the look of dilated pores, acne scarring, skin texture, and fine lines.
Individual results will depend on the number of treatments you receive, the intensity of your treatments, and the skill of your provider.
Most providers recommend these preparation steps before this laser treatment.
The procedure starts with a thorough skin cleansing in order to remove any residual makeup, oil, and dirt. Dr. Emerâs office performs a facial with dermaplaning beforehand, to clear pores, exfoliate dead surface cells, and reduce oil.
Topical anesthetics like numbing cream are usually unnecessary and ill-advised. âIt affects the blood vessels, so you may not get as much of a redness-reducing benefit from Laser Genesis if you apply it beforehand,â says Dr. Emer.Â
Youâll be given protective eyewear before the treatment starts.Â
As the laserâs hand piece glides over the skin, youâll feel subtle warmth and tingling, âlike someone is touching you with their fingernails or pouring warm water on your face,â says Dr. Emer.Â
After the treatment, your technician may apply a moisturizer or hydrating serum (ideally with hyaluronic acid), followed by sunscreen.Â
RealSelf Tip: This procedure is often combined with Fractora RF or other radiofrequency microneedling treatments that penetrate the skinâs surface, delivering energy into the underlying tissue to boost collagen production and tighten skin.
Intense pulsed light (IPL), commonly called a photofacial, is a light-based treatment that uses high intensive visible light to tackle skin conditions like brown spots and facial redness.Â
Most people require a series of IPL treatments, spaced three to four weeks apart, and you can expect a few daysâ downtime.Â
Because the light therapy targets pigment, itâs not ideal for people with olive or brown skin, which has an increased risk of burning, scarring, and discoloration.
Laser Genesis, on the other hand, is a viable option for all skin tones.
Which treatment is best for you depends on the severity of your skin issues and your aesthetic goals. An experienced dermatologist who offers a range of treatment options can recommend the best one for you.
Ideally, you wonât need any downtime or experience any of the burning or peeling thatâs associated with more aggressive resurfacing lasers. If you wear makeup, you can apply it immediately following your treatment.
Expect some mild inflammation and swelling, but thereâs no need to take time off work, and you can resume normal activities the next day. âWe will often recommend LED light therapy that night, with red light to speed up the redness reduction and healing time,â says Dr. Emer.
You can also speed healing in a few other ways.
If your skin is still red or feels painful by the third day, contact your doctor.
You should start to notice improvements in your skin after 4 to 6 treatment sessions (spaced about a week apart).
The effects are cumulative. âItâs like a workout for the skinâsomething you have to do consistently over time in order to see substantial differences,â says Dr. Emer. âIt slows down the aging process and reverses signs of aging.â
Results from an initial series of treatments can last from 6 to 12 months.
Some people have Laser Genesis treatments as frequently as once a month to maintain their results, but this depends on your skin and the issues youâre tackling.Â
Fading of acne scars and age spots should be long-lasting, if treatment is combined with medical-grade skin care, sunscreen, and regular facials.Â
Staving off other pigmentation issues like rosacea may require monthly follow-up visits.Â
Your lifestyle plays an important part in your skinâs health and upkeep. You can extend results from the Laser Genesis treatment by limiting sun exposure, wearing high-SPF sunscreen year-round, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and committing to a medical-grade skin-care regimen.
Occasionally, a hive-like rash may occur in the days following your treatment; it should clear in a day or two.Â
Long-term side effects are rare, but RealSelf members have also reported:Â
All of these potential side effects are more likely if youâre treated by a poorly trained technician, your treatment is too aggressive, or you have Fitzpatrick skin typeÂ
The biggest risk is for men who have facial or body hair covering treatment areas, says Dr. Emer. This laser targets hair, so treatments in hair-covered spots can be painful or lead to patchy, permanent hair loss.
Some reviewers on RealSelf have also reported fat loss, though doctors on RealSelf say that fat loss isnât a potential complication of laser resurfacing.
If your goal is a brighter, younger-looking, more even complexion without much downtime, there are several other good options.
Updated August 16, 2023