The Laser Facial, also called Laser Genesis, is one of our most beloved treatments. Initially we were skeptical of this treatment—it sounded like something crafted by laser sales representatives to overpromise on what their equipment could deliver. However, after owning an Nd:YAG laser (primarily used for laser hair removal) for some time, curiosity led to further research into the potential of this treatment.
Here’s a little bit of the science behind the Laser Facial: The long pulsed Nd:Yag laser doesn’t target melanin as efficiently as some other lasers like the alexandrite or diode and this property allows it to pass through the epidermis (melanin lives in the basal layer of the epidermis) into the dermis where collagen lives. The heat from the laser beam inflicts a wound which in turn stimulates collagen to grow. And collagen is what gives our skin it’s structure and it declines as we age. So, more collagen = more structure & strength, less wrinkles and younger looking skin!
After performing tons of these treatments over the past few years, we’ve learned a few things. First, it takes several sessions before you’ll really start to notice improvements. You may see some improvements a day or two following the treatment (which makes it nice to do a couple of days before a big event) but this is really due to minor swelling that plumps up your skin temporarily. We find it takes around 5 sessions before improvements start to become noticeable. Also, we’ve learned that once you stop the treatments, your skin starts its aging process again. It’s kind-of like exercising. You need to be consistent with it in order to maintain your results. Additionally, we've noticed that the results over several laser facial treatments rival the results of more invasive and expensive treatments. While we've seen this in practice, a look into the clinical studies shows that you don't have to just take our word for it!
In one study comparing the efficacy and safety of long pulse Nd:YAG laser versus fractional erbium:YAG (think Fraxel) for the treatment of facial skin wrinkles, both lasers significantly improved facial wrinkles, skin laxity, and pigmentation irregularities. Objective measurements showed comparable effectiveness between the two modalities in reducing wrinkles and improving skin tone. The Nd:YAG laser had a significant advantage in minimizing downtime, making it more convenient for clients seeking quick recovery. (1)
Another study compared long pulse Nd:YAG with radiofrequency in a split‐face study (radiofrequency is used in Thermage and Morpheus8) and showed that improvement was greater for wrinkles and laxity on the laser-treated side and essentially the same with both modalities for texture, pores, and pigmentation after just one treatment. (2)
There are so many things we love about the laser facial. You’ll notice improvements in skin laxity, fine lines and wrinkles and overall skin texture. You’ll notice that your skin has more “life,” more glow. Improvements are subtle and gradual but because this is a non-ablative laser treatment, there is absolutely no down-time. We love that this treatment is inexpensive! The combination of an inexpensive treatment with no downtime means that you can do this treatment every month and that means that you’re constantly making your collagen grow and constantly improving your skin!
We love to do this treatment as a membership, with one treatment each month over the year. Most clients tend to continue indefinitely. Think about it - every month your collagen gets another boost - unlike other treatments where you do one or two much more painful, invasive and expensive sessions and then your collagen degrades again.
Interested in learning more? Call/Text (703)356-3636 or email info@tlcmedispa.com
(1) Dadkhahfar S, Fadakar K, Robati Efficacy and safety of long pulse Nd:YAG laser versus fractional erbium:YAG laser in the treatment of facial skin wrinkles. Med Sci. 2019 Apr;34(3):457-464. doi: 10.1007/s10103-018-2614-6. Epub 2018 Aug 16.PMID: 30117052
(2) Taylor MB, Prokopenko I. Split-face comparison of radiofrequency versus long-pulse Nd-YAG treatment of facial laxity. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2006 Apr;8(1):17-22. doi: 10.1080/14764170600607285. PMID: 16581680.
