Essential Factors to Consider While Choosing a Laser Spa
Whether someone is looking to resolve acne, desires an improved complexion, or wants to slow the aging process, a laser skin care center in NY can assist. However, before racing to book an appointment, do your homework. Not all centers are the same in terms of their services and skill. Let’s discuss!
Learning About the Procedures
The staff will educate the patient before the procedure or treatment and share information about the benefits and side effects. If people aren’t asking questions, though, they won’t receive information about the specifics of the lasers, among other details.
Therefore, before booking a visit for a specific treatment, research. Educate yourself about the equipment used and the potential side effects. Understand the expected results to make an educated decision about the desired treatment. After researching, think about any preliminary information. Jot down any questions the content didn’t answer that need to be discussed at the consultation.
Understand the Lasers Used
As noted, a person needs to understand the equipment used by the laser skin care center. For instance, if someone is receiving a treatment using resurfacing lasers, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and other skin imperfections, make sure to research the different options. There are two main types: carbon dioxide (CO2) and erbium.
For instance, a CO2 laser uses carbon dioxide and is the first laser to be used. It’s been around since the 1980s, although advancements in technology have improved the efficiency of these lasers immensely. The laser uses targeted beams of light to address skin conditions. It has electricity running through the carbon dioxide-filled tube. It then triggers the light to emit short, concentrated beams of specific wavelengths.
Erbium lasers, on the other hand, use metal. These lasers can target an area more accurately than CO2. Rather than using CO2 to generate light, they use the metal erbium and other metals to cause a reaction that stimulates light energy production. Keep in mind that some lasers use a combination of both types.
These are both ablative forms of skin resurfacing, meaning the laser removes the skin cells on the epidermis surface. A new layer of skin is then exposed. The CO2 laser penetrates the dermis layer of the skin to trigger new collagen production. As a result, the skin is smoother and firmer. Both are used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, and sun damage. Bear in mind that darker skin tones respond better to erbium than CO2.
Understand the Treatments Have Limitations
Although the treatments have been proven to reduce the appearance of aging and other skin imperfections, they have limitations. Those with severely aged or sun-damaged skin won’t notice a tremendous difference. It’ll still cause a noticeable one, however.
Moreover, for people with active acne, the lasers won’t help clear the breakout; they’re only used to address acne scarring and surface damage.
Choosing a Laser Skin Care Center in NY
When searching for laser skin care centers in the area, a person will notice a long list of results. This makes comparing the options essential for the results received and the treatment’s safety.
Specialty
Firstly, look for practitioners who specialize in your particular skin condition. Those individuals are knowledgeable about the problem and can pair you with the treatment that’ll provide the maximum results.
Services
Identify which practices offer the types of skin treatments desired. For instance, does the clinic use lasers, or do they only use facials and microdermabrasion? Or do they provide a broad spectrum of treatment options?
Credentials of Practitioners
Next, evaluate the credentials of the practitioners. Know their highest level of education and any special certifications they possess. Look into the number of years they’ve been practicing. It helps to read reviews from previous patients.
Experience
Contact different centers, and ask about the number of procedures they’ve conducted. If a clinic doesn’t specialize in that area, they may have limited experience with lasers or other similar beneficial treatments no matter the years they’ve practiced. Look for a practice that has performed numerous of the desired treatments.
Skin Types
Diversity of the treatments is another factor to consider. Some practices focus on treating certain skin types, tones, or colors because of the treatments they offer. If the center doesn’t work with your specific type, they may not be able to address the condition effectively, or you could have a higher risk of side effects.
Distance From Home
Although it’s better to drive the extra distance to achieve optimal results, consider that the treatment may require multiple visits. Therefore, think about whether the time is worth it. Ideally, search for a place in the general vicinity to ensure it’s feasible to make all the necessary appointments.
Portfolio
While there is patient confidentiality, some patients will provide their consent to offer images of the before and after as samples. Some will allow the practitioner to use them as a reference. Therefore, ask the facility if they have either one available to help in the comparison process.
Cost
Price is often a concern since insurance typically does not cover the price of aesthetic treatments. Considering your budget is vital, but the lowest price treatment might not be in your best interest. Also, don’t assume the higher-priced spas rank as top-notch. Make your decision based on reputation, consumer reviews, and research.
Choosing a Treatment
Work with the practitioner to develop a treatment approach most suitable for you. It helps to understand the practitioner’s options before arriving at the office, in any case. This means doing the research before the appointment.
Success Rate
Understand the success rate of the procedure. This will provide a realistic idea of the potential results. It also helps to know how people with your skin tone respond before, during, and after. If not enough research is available online about the subject matter, inquire with a practitioner upon your visit.
Side Effects and Complications
Before undergoing the procedure, always be aware of the potential side effects. Certain ones are known to cause side effects, while some people have an increased risk based on their skin type.
For example, with CO2 laser skin resurfacing, skin bumps may develop. Swelling or a rash could appear as well. These subside over time. Some people experience hyperpigmentation, which is usually temporary but can be permanent. The treatment area could become infected, but this is preventable by taking care of the skin well after the procedure. Healing, in general, tends to take three to 10 days, though it may take longer if a large area was treated or the laser targeted a deeper layer of skin.
With erbium laser skin resurfacing at our laser skin care center in NY, side effects are possible, such as redness, swelling, and bruising. These subside during the healing process. The average length of the healing time is the same for an erbium laser treatment as CO2 laser resurfacing. However, it affects less of the surrounding tissue, and the side effects tend to be milder.
Photosensitive drugs may cause a negative reaction because they cause sensitivity to the sun and other forms of light. The compounds will damage the skin cells as a result. If you’re on a photosensitive drug, let the practitioner know. You may need to contact your primary care physician to discuss if it’s safe to hold the medication for a few days before the treatment. On the other hand, another treatment may be necessary that doesn’t expose the skin to light energy.
Inquire About How Modern is the Equipment
Evaluate how advanced the equipment is before making a selection. Outdated lasers won’t provide effective treatment and may even be more likely to cause side effects. In some cases, the side effects may be more intense with an outdated device. Generally, the most high-tech ones supply the best experience possible.
Often, information regarding the equipment is available on the center’s site. If the information isn’t available on the practice’s website, contact the office before the consultation. From there, do research about the laser. Understand if it’s a previous or recent model and how it compares.
When looking for a laser skin center in NY, consider everything from the practitioners to the equipment and various factors. A patient deserves the highest results and reassurance that only a skilled professional can provide.
Book a consultation with Bared Monkey today by calling 212-256-9777. You may also contact us with any questions about our staff, equipment, or services to help with decision-making.
