Which laser for your skin concern ?
No single laser can effectively treat every skin concern. For example, two people with similar skin ageing may need different treatments. Each technology uses a specific wavelength that targets a precise structure in the skin : water within tissues, melanin responsible for certain spots or blood vessels.
The aim of laser treatment is to stimulate the skin's natural repair mechanisms to achieve gradual, harmonious improvement.
The choice of laser mainly relies on several criteria :
- The medical indication : scars, wrinkles, enlarged pores, spots, uneven texture.
- The depth of the skin concern.
- The skin phototype.
- Tolerance for a possible recovery period.
- The patient's aesthetic aims.
Which laser should be chosen to treat acne scars ?
Acne scars are among the most common indications for medical lasers. They appear when acne-related inflammation has permanently changed the structure of the dermis.
Scars can take several forms : depressed scars, boxcar scars, rolling scars, uneven texture and enlarged pores.
Fractional lasers are generally preferred for this indication. Their principle involves creating tiny stimulation zones in the skin while preserving intact areas around them, encouraging skin repair.
Fractional laser treatment works by stimulating new collagen production. Gradually, the skin becomes more even and denser.
Laser treatment improves skin quality but cannot completely erase a scar.
The best candidates are patients with stable scars, controlled inflammatory acne and realistic expectations of gradual improvement.
When scars are very deep, other treatments may be combined, such as deep peels or targeted injections, depending on the medical assessment.
Which laser should be chosen for wrinkles and skin ageing ?
Over time, the skin produces less collagen and elastin. It gradually becomes thinner and less firm, and wrinkles appear.
Skin rejuvenation lasers improve skin quality by stimulating a process called neocollagenesis : the production of new collagen.
They can act on superficial fine lines, skin texture, firmness, radiance and signs of sun-related ageing.
Ablative fractional lasers act deeply and produce significant skin remodelling, but generally require a longer recovery period.
Non-ablative photorejuvenation lasers offer more gradual stimulation, often with milder after-effects. They are better suited to patients seeking natural improvement without prolonged social downtime.
Laser treatment does not replace all anti-ageing treatments. For example, it does not directly act on the muscle contraction responsible for expression lines, for which botulinum toxin is more appropriate. Nor does it restore lost facial volume, for which hyaluronic acid injections are more appropriate.
An overall rejuvenation strategy often combines several treatments to address the different causes of ageing.
Which laser should be chosen to remove pigmentation spots ?
Pigmentation spots often appear after years of sun exposure. They are common on the face, hands and décolletage : areas regularly exposed to UV rays.
Certain lasers specifically target melanin, the pigment responsible for many brown spots. Light energy gradually fragments or vaporises the pigment, which is then naturally eliminated by the body.
The choice of treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis of the pigmentation.
Not all spots respond to the same treatment. A solar lentigo, melasma or post-inflammatory pigmentation requires a different approach.
Treating a spot without an appropriate diagnosis may produce an inadequate result or sometimes worsen pigmentation, particularly on certain sensitive skin types.
A medical skin assessment is therefore essential before laser treatment targeting pigmentation.
Which laser should be chosen for overall facial rejuvenation ?
Some patients do not wish to correct a specific concern but to improve their overall skin quality.
The most common requests concern : a less radiant complexion, tired-looking skin, visible pores, loss of evenness and the first signs of ageing.
In these situations, gentle resurfacing or skin stimulation lasers may be offered.
The aim is to achieve more even skin, with a gradual improvement in texture and radiance.
A laser rejuvenation protocol may require several sessions depending on the skin's age, its initial condition, sun exposure habits and natural capacity for skin regeneration.
How many aesthetic laser sessions are needed ?
The number of laser sessions depends greatly on the indication.
A superficial spot may sometimes require one session, whereas longstanding scars require 4-5 sessions.
Several factors influence the response : the depth of correction needed, the age of the lesions, initial skin quality, phototype and adherence to aftercare.
Consistency in following the protocol plays an important role. Results linked to stimulation of collagen synthesis appear gradually, as the skin needs time to produce new fibres.
What are the risks and limitations of laser treatments ?
The risk depends on the type of laser used, the power selected and the skin's characteristics. Side effects of medical lasers may include :
- Temporary redness.
- A feeling of warmth.
- Dryness.
- Peeling.
- Pigmentation changes in some cases.
Laser treatment cannot :
- Stop natural ageing.
- Remove all wrinkles.
- Erase scars.
- Replace facial volume correction when it is needed.
- Treat wrinkles caused by muscle contraction
How should you choose your doctor for laser treatment in Geneva ?
The choice of laser treatment should not depend solely on the machine used. Medical experience, skin assessment and selection of the right settings directly influence safety and the quality of the result.
During a consultation, several factors must be assessed : skin type, medical history, current treatments, sun exposure, the patient's goals and previous treatments.
A personalised medical approach allows the technology to be adapted to the patient, rather than the other way round.
What is the best aesthetic laser ?
The best laser is the one that precisely meets the skin's needs :
- Scars often require deep stimulation of collagen synthesis.
- Wrinkles require appropriate skin remodelling.
- Spots require technology targeting pigment.
- Overall rejuvenation relies on gradual improvement in skin quality.
A medical diagnosis remains the first step in determining the most appropriate treatment and achieving a visible result without side effects.
Article written by Dr Valeria Romano
Dr Valeria Romano supports each patient with a comprehensive approach to the aesthetics of the face, body and intimate areas, and to skin and hair quality. Every treatment is based on a personalised medical assessment.
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