Everything You Need to Know About Laser Treatments

Laser technology has transformed aesthetic medicine, offering precise, effective solutions for a wide range of skin concerns — from fine lines and sun damage to acne scarring and unwanted hair. Yet the sheer variety of laser treatments available can be overwhelming. At Axiom Aesthetics, we invest in the most advanced laser platforms available, and our specialist team is here to help you navigate your options. This comprehensive guide explains the different types of lasers, what they treat, and what you can expect from your treatment journey.

How Do Aesthetic Lasers Work?

The word LASER stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. In aesthetic medicine, lasers emit highly focused beams of light at specific wavelengths that target particular structures in the skin — whether that is water (for skin resurfacing), melanin (for pigmentation), haemoglobin (for vascular lesions), or the hair follicle (for hair removal).

When the laser energy is absorbed by its target chromophore, it generates controlled thermal damage. This damage triggers the body’s natural healing response, which includes the production of new collagen, the clearing of pigmented or damaged cells, and the regeneration of healthier skin tissue. The precision of laser treatment means surrounding tissue is largely unaffected, leading to faster recovery and better outcomes than many alternative treatments.

Types of Aesthetic Lasers

Ablative Lasers

Ablative lasers remove the outer layers of skin (epidermis) and heat the underlying dermis, stimulating significant collagen remodelling. They deliver the most dramatic results but require the longest recovery time. The two most common ablative lasers are:

• CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Laser: The gold standard for skin resurfacing. Highly effective for deep wrinkles, acne scarring, and significant sun damage. Recovery typically involves 7-14 days of downtime, with redness that may persist for several weeks.
• Erbium:YAG Laser: Offers more precise ablation with less thermal damage to surrounding tissue. Recovery is faster than CO2, typically 5-7 days, making it a good option for moderate skin concerns.

Non-Ablative Lasers

Non-ablative lasers heat the dermis without removing or damaging the outer skin layer. They stimulate collagen production from within, with significantly less downtime than ablative treatments. Multiple sessions are typically required to achieve optimal results.

• Nd:YAG Laser (1064nm): Penetrates deep into the dermis, making it effective for skin tightening, vascular lesions, and laser hair removal on darker skin tones.
• Diode Laser (810nm): Primarily used for laser hair removal, offering an excellent balance of efficacy and comfort.
• Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL): Targets haemoglobin, making it the treatment of choice for rosacea, broken capillaries, port wine stains, and red acne scars.

Fractional Lasers

Fractional technology represents a breakthrough in laser medicine. Rather than treating the entire skin surface, fractional lasers create thousands of microscopic treatment zones (columns of laser energy) while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This “fractional” approach dramatically reduces recovery time while maintaining excellent results.

• Fraxel (Fractional Erbium): Available in both ablative and non-ablative modes. Excellent for sun damage, melasma, fine lines, and acne scarring. Typically requires 3-5 sessions.
• Fractional CO2: Combines the power of CO2 resurfacing with fractional technology. Ideal for more significant skin concerns with a more manageable recovery than full-field CO2.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

While technically not a laser (it uses broad-spectrum light rather than a single wavelength), IPL is often discussed alongside laser treatments. It is highly effective for treating sun spots, age spots, rosacea, and overall skin tone irregularities. IPL treatments are gentle, with minimal downtime — most patients experience slight redness for a few hours.

What Can Lasers Treat?

Modern laser platforms can address an impressive range of skin concerns:

• Fine lines and wrinkles: Ablative and fractional lasers stimulate collagen production to smooth and tighten the skin
• Acne scarring: Fractional lasers break down scar tissue and promote the formation of new, healthy skin
• Sun damage and age spots: Pigment-targeting lasers and IPL break down excess melanin for a more even complexion
• Rosacea and broken capillaries: Vascular lasers target and seal off dilated blood vessels
• Melasma: A challenging condition that responds well to low-energy fractional lasers and specific wavelengths
• Skin laxity: Deep-heating lasers stimulate collagen and elastin for a firming, tightening effect
• Unwanted hair: Laser hair removal targets the hair follicle to achieve long-term hair reduction
• Tattoo removal: Q-switched and picosecond lasers fragment tattoo ink for gradual clearance
• Stretch marks: Fractional lasers improve the texture and colour of stretch marks
• Surgical and traumatic scars: Various laser types can flatten, soften, and fade scars

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

The number of sessions required depends on the type of laser, the condition being treated, and the severity of the concern:

• Ablative resurfacing: Often a single session, though some patients opt for a second treatment 6-12 months later
• Fractional non-ablative: Typically 3-6 sessions, spaced 4-6 weeks apart
• IPL for pigmentation: Usually 3-5 sessions, spaced 3-4 weeks apart
• Laser hair removal: 6-8 sessions, spaced 4-8 weeks apart (depending on body area)
• Tattoo removal: 6-12+ sessions, spaced 6-8 weeks apart
• Vascular treatments: 1-3 sessions, depending on the extent of the condition

What to Expect During Treatment

Most laser treatments begin with the application of a topical anaesthetic cream, which numbs the skin for 20-30 minutes before the procedure. Some lasers also incorporate integrated cooling systems that further enhance comfort during treatment.

During the procedure, you will feel a series of rapid pulses — often described as a snapping sensation against the skin, similar to a rubber band being flicked. The intensity varies depending on the type of laser and the treatment area. Most sessions last between 15 minutes and one hour.

“Laser technology has advanced to a point where we can now achieve results in three non-ablative sessions that previously required a single, aggressive ablative treatment with significant downtime. Patients have more choices than ever before, and we can truly tailor the approach to their lifestyle and goals.” — Dr. Priya Sharma, Laser Specialist

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery varies significantly depending on the type of laser used:

Minimal downtime (IPL, non-ablative): Slight redness for a few hours. Makeup can usually be applied the same day. Resume normal activities immediately.

Moderate downtime (fractional non-ablative): Redness and mild swelling for 2-4 days. Skin may feel rough or sandy as microscopic treatment zones heal. Makeup can typically be applied after 2-3 days.

Significant downtime (ablative, fractional CO2): Redness, swelling, and weeping skin for 5-10 days. Skin will peel and flake as it heals. Full recovery takes 2-4 weeks, with residual pinkness fading over several months.

Regardless of the treatment type, strict sun protection is essential after any laser procedure. Treated skin is particularly vulnerable to UV damage, and sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation that may be difficult to resolve. We recommend SPF 50 sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sun avoidance for at least 4 weeks post-treatment.

Is Laser Treatment Right for You?

Laser treatments are suitable for most skin types, though certain lasers are better suited to specific skin tones. Darker skin tones require particular care and expertise, as some laser wavelengths carry a higher risk of hyperpigmentation in melanin-rich skin. At Axiom Aesthetics, we have invested in platforms that are safe and effective across all skin types, and our practitioners are trained to select the optimal settings for your individual complexion.

Ideal candidates for laser treatment are in good general health, have realistic expectations, and are committed to following pre- and post-treatment care instructions. Laser treatment may not be suitable during pregnancy, for patients on certain medications (such as isotretinoin), or for those with active skin infections in the treatment area.

Discover what laser technology can do for your skin. Book a laser consultation at Axiom Aesthetics, and our specialists will recommend the optimal treatment plan for your skin type and goals.