Laser Genesis Facial
Non-Invasive Facial Rejuvenation
What Is Laser Facial
Laser facial is a painless, noninvasive laser treatment that targets fine lines, uneven texture, dullness, redness, rosacea, enlarged pores, active acne, and acne scars, all without downtime.
Your skin will appear polished and bright after your first treatment, however, the results are cumulative, so a series of treatments, spaced 2-4 weeks apart is necessary for optimal results. Think of it as a workout for your skin- after several consistent treatments, you’re rewarded with beautiful, healthy skin! At WIFH, we use the Elite+ laser made by Cynosure.
How Laser Facial Works
Laser Genesis also known as Laser Facial works by heating up the underlying skin tissue while leaving the skin’s surface intact and uninjured.
The heat stimulates the natural production of collagen and increases cell turnover, which over time helps to make the skin smoother, brighter, and more youthful looking.
The heat also kills acne bacteria on and under the skin, making this a great option for anyone who struggles with breakouts or acne. Because this treatment leaves the surface of the skin uninjured, it is safe for all skin colors and there’s no downtime!
Laser Facial Risks/Side-Effects
Because this procedure is non-ablative, there are very few risks and side effects. You may experience some mild redness in the area treated which can last anywhere from 10 minutes to a few hours. You may also notice that your skin feels tighter and looks smoother immediately after each treatment. This is due to mild swelling that may occur.
If you have a history of cold sores, please let your clinician know so that we can arrange for you to pre-treat with a prescription antiviral. This will prevent a flare up. Occasionally, a hives-like rash may occur in the days following your treatment—but it should clear in a day or two. You are not a candidate for Laser Facial if you’ve taken the acne medication Accutane during the past year, if pregnant, or if you’re breastfeeding.
Preparing For Laser Facial
We ask that you avoid tanning (including unprotected sun exposure, tanning beds, self-tanner) on the area being treated for at least 3 weeks before your treatment.
Please arrive to your appointment with a clean face. If you’re coming from work, we’ll have you cleanse your skin prior to treatment.
Laser facials are completely painless, so numbing cream isn’t necessary.
We strongly recommend prepping your skin with a HydraFacial, microdermabrasion, or dermaplaning 1-2 weeks before your treatment to slough away the buildup of excess dead skin. This makes a huge difference by ensuring that the laser is able to deeply penetrate your skin, making your treatments as effective as possible. We can recommend which facial is best for your skin type during your consultation.
What To Expect During Laser Facial
Before your treatment the area will be cleansed removing any make-up and or lotions. You will be required to wear protective eyewear during treatment due to the light emitted from the laser.
Your clinician performs the treatment by slowly waving the laser handpiece back and forth over your skin, never actually making contact. You’ll feel the area gradually warm up, but not to the point that it is hot or uncomfortable. The goal is to bring the skin to a certain temperature and then maintain that temperature for a certain amount of time.
We will treat the entire area, but will also spend time targeting problem areas, such as redness, acne, scars, or fine lines. The entire procedure usually takes only 30-45 minutes, depending on the area being treated.
When finished, your clinician will apply skincare products appropriate for your unique skin, as well as SPF.
Laser Facial Recovery Time
As mentioned above, the Laser Facial is such a gentle procedure, so there is no real recovery period afterwards. Any mild redness you experience will dissipate quickly, and your skin will have a nice glow immediately after your treatment.
You should avoid any skin care products that contain acids, retinoids, and benzoyl peroxide for at least 24 hours.
If you exercise, plan on doing so before your appointment, otherwise wait 24 hours.
You must protect your skin by wearing SPF 30 or higher to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Get a Laser Facial Consultation
We believe consultations are very important when considering any skin treatment. Our consultations give us an opportunity to get to know you and understand exactly what you are looking to achieve with your unique skin.
At your consultation you will meet with one of our Medical Aestheticians, who will put together a treatment plan along with product recommendations for you to consider.
Laser Facial FAQs
Yes, the constant gentle warming of the skin kills acne bacteria on top and below the skin. Inflammation of the active acne is reduced and future breakouts are prevented. This constant warming reaches the dermis layer of the skin stimulating collagen production which heals and smooths acne scarring.
Patients will need at least 5 treatments 2-4 weeks apart depending on what they are trying to correct. Acne treatments are every 2 weeks and overall redness and anti-aging treatments are every 3-4 weeks. Depending on the degree of acne and amount of sun damage, additional treatments may be required.
Yes, alternating Microneedling and Laser Facial treatments are an excellent treatment for correcting acne scarring, rejuvenation and correcting scars and stretch marks. Alternating IPL and Laser Facials are an excellent treatment for correcting Rosacea and Poikiloderma on the neck and chest.
No, Laser Facial treatments usually take one hour and most patients fall asleep during their treatment. Laser Facial treatments feel like a warm, comfortable, therapeutic sensation, like the gentle warmth of the sun. Laser Facials are non-invasive and do not wound the skin’s surface. Numbing creams, gels and complicated post treatment care are not required.
Laser Facials anti-aging treatments are usually performed on Face, Neck, Décolleté. Scar and stretch mark revisions can be performed anywhere on the body.
