LaseMD: What You Need to Know

Pros

• LaseMD is FDA-cleared for a wide variety of skin concerns.
• Because it leaves the surface layer of skin intact, downtime is minimal, and the risk of side effects (beyond a few days of redness and dry skin) is low. This makes it an especially good option for younger patients who aren't ready for a more intense laser treatment like Fraxel. 
• Your provider can customize the intensity of the treatment to your skin type, tone, and concerns.
• You may experience tingling during the treatment, but your provider will first apply a numbing cream to minimize discomfort.
• It can be used anywhere on the body that has sun damage or signs of aging. 

Cons

• Two to three treatment sessions are recommended for the best results.
• While it is helpful for rejuvenating sun-damaged skin, it doesn't have the same anti-aging power as ablative lasers in treating deep wrinkles or skin laxity.
• You'll need annual maintenance treatments to keep up your results (though you may be able to extend them by minimizing sun damage). 

A treatment typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size of the area.

First, your provider will apply a topical anesthetic to the treatment area. Once you're fully numb, you’ll put on eye protection. 

Then your provider will move the LaseMD handpiece across the treatment area. Its laser energy will penetrate the dermal layers via microchannels. You'll feel tingling, and possibly some mild discomfort, depending on the intensity level of your treatment:

• LaseMD Glow is a gentle option for treating acne and improves tone and texture. 
• LaseMD Refine, the next step up, treats sun damage, such as sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines. 
• LaseMD ULTRA is powerful enough to treat acne scarring, wrinkles, and mild laxity.

After your treatment, your provider may apply topical serums with antioxidants and other potent ingredients, which will penetrate into the lower layers of your skin via the microchannels. They may also apply a moisturizer, since the heat from the laser tends to dry out skin. 

Talk with your provider about whether you'll need two or three treatments to see the results you want.

While you'll be able to go about your normal activities, you may want to take a few days to a week of social downtime, depending on the intensity level of your LaseMD treatment plan.

• LaseMD Glow: You can expect a few hours of redness, similar to that of a mild sunburn.
• LaseMD Refine: Redness can last up to three days. Light flaking is possible.  
• LaseMD ULTRA: You'll have five days to a week of redness, likely with some flaking. Resist the urge to pick off the flakes.  

There’s not much to do by way of aftercare, other than keeping your skin moisturized and protected from the sun.