[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/01\/cosmetic-laser-treatments\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/01\/cosmetic-laser-treatments\/","headline":"What You Need to Know About Cosmetic Laser Treatments","name":"What You Need to Know About Cosmetic Laser Treatments","description":"Can cosmetic laser procedures help with acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and hair removal? Here's what you need to know.","datePublished":"2022-01-28","dateModified":"2022-01-24","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/dermatology-regions","name":"Dermatology","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/dermatology-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/dermatology\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/iStock-1217581262.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/iStock-1217581262.jpg","height":325,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/01\/cosmetic-laser-treatments\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Skin Care"],"wordCount":483,"articleBody":"As you get older, you may notice unwelcome changes to your face, such as fine lines. If you have unwanted blemishes or hair, you may wonder if cosmetic laser treatments could help. Here’s what you need to know.What Are Cosmetic Laser Treatments?Cosmetic laser treatments can remove common blemishes like age spots. They can also minimize rosacea, wrinkles, and acne scars. Laser hair removal is another popular cosmetic laser treatment.Doctors do most of these procedures in the office.Do I need to see a doctor for cosmetic laser treatments?No, but it’s highly recommended. State regulations on licensing differ, and some states allow non-medical employees (i.e., estheticians at a spa) to perform laser treatments. Likewise, some general practitioners offer laser treatments.However, it’s always best to see a board-certified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist for your laser treatment. They understand how the layers of skin function and undergo rigorous training in cosmetic laser procedures.What Conditions Can Cosmetic Laser Procedures Treat?Doctors use cosmetic laser procedures to treat many common skin conditions. Some of them are:Unwanted hairLaser hair removal is an alternative to plucking, shaving, or waxing unwanted hair. It can also treat problems like ingrown hairs and razor burn. Both women and men can benefit from laser hair removal.You may need six sessions or more to remove all the unwanted hair. Many people remain hair-free for months and even years after laser hair removal.BlemishesCosmetic laser procedures can reduce wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, warts, skin tags, and other trouble spots on your skin. Dermatologists also use lasers to prevent precancerous growths from growing into cancerous ones.Spider veinsCosmetic laser treatments can diminish the appearance of broken blood vessels on the face and legs.What to Expect From Cosmetic Laser TreatmentsOne major plus to cosmetic laser procedures is that doctors can usually perform them in the office. Depending on the treatment, you may feel some minor discomfort.Will I need anesthesia?Yes, you’ll need anesthesia. For most treatments, you’ll receive a local anesthetic injection, which means you’ll be awake during the procedure. If you’re having your whole face treated, you may need a general anesthetic, meaning you’ll be asleep for the procedure.What is the recovery from cosmetic laser procedures?Your recovery time will depend on what kind of treatment you had. Things to keep in mind:Non-ablative laser procedures usually don’t require any downtime. You can return to normal activities like work and exercise right after having treatment.SourcesAmerican Board of Cosmetic Surgery, The Top 8 Things You Need to Know About Laser Resurfacing, LinkAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons, Laser Skin Resurfacing, LinkAmerican Academy of Dermatology, Laser Hair Removal Overview, LinkAmerican Academy of Dermatology, Cellulite Treatments, LinkAmerican Academy of Dermatology, Many Ways to Firm Sagging Skin, LinkAmerican Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Non-ablative Laser Rejuvenation, Link"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2022","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"01","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/\/01\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What You Need to Know About Cosmetic Laser Treatments","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2022\/01\/cosmetic-laser-treatments\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]