Laser and Light Therapy

Lasers and other light-based therapies offer a wide range of benefits to the skin. Whether your goal is to remove an unwanted tattoo or smooth the look of wrinkles, Advanced Cosmetic Surgery can provide you the best possible results with our trailblazing technologies. Schedule a consultation today and discover why we’re the top destination in the Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson area for laser services and light therapy.

Lasers vs. Light Therapy

Lasers and light therapy use different wavelengths of light to achieve different skin goals. 

Lasers use a monochromatic, highly selective light source that penetrates deep into the skin. Lasers stimulate collagen and elastin production for powerful anti-aging benefits and can also eliminate surface irregularities. Generally, only one or a few laser sessions are necessary to achieve the results you want; each treatment can take up to 1 hour.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy uses a broader spectrum of pulsed light to address concerns on the skin’s surface. While these wavelengths don’t penetrate as deeply as lasers do, they cause less discomfort and are still highly effective for many purposes, including lightening dark spots and scars, and removing hair. IPL also requires more but shorter sessions than laser.

At your consultation, we’ll discuss your skin concerns to determine which kind of therapy is right for you. Your skin tone, pain tolerance and how quickly you want to achieve your goals are all deciding factors.

Services We Offer

Our laser and IPL services can eliminate or significantly improve the look of a wide range of unwanted marks and blemishes.

Acne scar treatment

Reduce or eliminate acne scars with laser or light-based acne scar removal. Based on your needs, we use one of two industry-leading lasers—the PicoSure FOCUS Lens Array and the Sciton Contour Profile—to stimulate the production of healthy, new cells. These new cells replace damaged tissue to reduce the look of atrophic (depressed) scars. In just a few sessions, you can achieve smoother, more even-textured skin.

Dark spot removal

Both laser and IPL treatments can remove dark spots on the face, neck, chest, arms or legs. Eliminate or lighten sunspots, birthmarks and other forms of hyperpigmentation within a few sessions. The PicoSure laser and Cynosure IPL system use controlled heat energy to destroy hyperpigmented cells to reveal clear, new skin.

Hair removal

Reduce or permanently remove unwanted hair with laser or IPL hair removal. It can be administered on most areas of the body, including the face, arms, back, underarms, legs, chest and bikini line. Based on your hair type and skin tone, we choose between the powerful Cynosure Apogee laser or Icon IPL. Both technologies injure and permanently destroy hair follicles, preventing your hair from growing back. 

Tattoo removal

Laser tattoo removal is a safe, effective means of getting rid of unwanted tattoos. The PicoSure laser from Cynosure is powerful enough to remove tattoos that have the full spectrum of ink colors. Most tattoos require only 4–6 sessions to completely and permanently remove.

Vein treatment

Get rid of unsightly spider and varicose veins with an Apogee laser or Icon IPL vein treatment. Over 2–5 sessions, we focus heat energy into enlarged blood vessels, causing them to collapse and be naturally absorbed by the body. Unlike sclerotherapy, laser vein treatment requires no needles or anesthesia. It’s most effective for small spider or varicose veins.

Antiaging Laser and IPL Treatments

These treatments address many of the common signs of aging to rejuvenate your appearance.

IPL photorejuvenation

Icon IPL photorejuvenation uses intense pulsed light to correct many common skin complaints, including dark spots, redness and wrinkles. This treatment is effective for the face, neck, chest, hands and arms, and is safe for most skin types. It has no downtime; side effects are usually limited to a sunburn sensation.

Skin revitalization 

Turn back the clock with laser or IPL skin revitalization. These procedures use the PicoSure FOCUS Lens Array or Cynosure Icon IPL system to treat fine lines and wrinkles. The heat triggers the production of new skin cells and promotes collagen and elastin production, smoothing your skin for a younger look. It involves no downtime and creates only minor redness and swelling. 

Forever Young Peel

This combination treatment includes a Cynosure IPL treatment followed by a Sciton MicroLaserPeel in the same session. A Forever Young Peel gives a more uniform skin tone and texture, and eliminates mild to moderate wrinkles. This treatment involves 3–4 days of downtime, and full results appear after 1–2 weeks.

Laser Skin Resurfacing

The Sciton Contour Profile resurfaces your skin for deep wrinkle correction and maximum skin rejuvenation. This ablative laser removes full layers of skin, prompting the body to generate collagen. Recovery time depends on the depth of treatment and ranges from 2–3 days to 2–3 weeks.

Related Treatments

We offer several other services that address many of the same concerns as lasers and IPL treatments. These treatments can be had on their own or in conjunction with laser or IPL treatments.

Consider the following:

• Chemical peels treat hyperpigmentation, uneven skin texture and fine lines
• Botox and other injectables treat wrinkles caused by repetitive movements
• Dermal fillers add volume to your face for a fuller, more youthful appearance

Laser and Light Therapy Services FAQ

Is laser therapy painful?

Some of our patients do experience discomfort during and after a laser or IPL treatment session. If you wish, a numbing cream can be applied to the treatment area. You may also experience transient redness and swelling in the hours after your appointment.

How long do laser therapy and IPL results last?

On average, you can expect the results of your course of treatment to last approximately 3 years. The biggest variable is whether you continue to care for your skin by diligently wearing sunscreen, limiting sun exposure and not smoking.

What are the risks of laser treatments?

When performed by a qualified laser technician, laser treatments are considered very safe. To mitigate your risk of blistering, scarring, infection and hypopigmentation, choose a reputable clinic staffed by experienced, certified laser technicians. 

Do laser treatments require anesthetic?

Our treatments require no anesthetic beyond an optional cooling cream. No needles are  involved.

Are laser treatments safe for darker skin?

Many, but not all laser treatments are safe for darker skin. To prevent discoloration or hypopigmentation, be sure to work with a skilled professional who has experience with your skin type.