Laser Therapy

At UT Southwestern Medical Center, our dermatology and plastic surgery specialists use the most advanced laser technology for safe, effective skin rejuvenation and correction. Our board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons perform several types of laser therapy to address skin concerns such as wrinkles, scars, and rosacea.

State-of-the-Art Skin Treatment with Laser Therapy

Laser therapy uses a narrow beam of high-intensity light to treat minor skin issues on the face to improve appearance. Some types of lasers remove thin layers of skin, and others pass through the outer layers of skin to deliver energy to blood vessels, causing them to shrink.

Our knowledge of the latest advances in laser research, combined with our experience in patient care, provides the best treatments available. Our dermatologists and plastic surgeons work closely with patients to decide which laser therapy will work best for their individual needs.

Options for Laser Therapy

New laser technologies are available each year. Knowing how to select the appropriate laser and the most effective means of delivery requires the expertise of a specialized physician. Our dermatologists and plastic surgeons carefully evaluate each patient’s medical history and current condition. We recommend safe, effective options tailored to each patient’s specific needs and treatment goals. 

At UT Southwestern, our laser therapy options include:

Pulse Dye Laser Therapy

Uses

• Treats vascular lesions or broken blood vessels
• Minimizes the appearance of facial redness
• Treats vascular birthmarks and angiomas
• Treats pigmentation and melasma
• Improves skin wrinkles and lines

How it works

The type of laser used and the target area determines the tissue that will be affected.  Lasers work in a number of ways. They can:

• Heat the blood vessels at the surface layer of the skin causing them to shrink
• Apply heat to pigmentation in the skin, facilitating exfoliation
• “Sand” or obliterate the surface, stimulating new growth of skin

Results can take up to two weeks and may require more than a single treatment. Treatment can be associated with some bruising or puffiness of the skin that can usually be covered with makeup, minimizing downtime. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after treatment.

Photorejuvenation

Uses

• Corrects benign skin issues such as blemishes and skin imperfections
• Reduces superficial pigmentation such as dark spots from sun-damaged skin, aging, or other biological factors
• Minimizes pore sizes
• Decreases redness from rosacea and flushing
• Eliminates unattractive small veins
• Evens out skin discoloration
• Improves the skin’s appearance on the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, and back

How it works

• Intense pulsed light or broadband light (IPL/BBL) technology reaches below all levels of the skin to target pigment and vascular issues that are causing damage.
• Treatment may be a series of 2 to 5 treatments initially, followed by one or two yearly treatments for maintenance.
• Results can appear in five to 10 days after initial treatment.
• Patients can go back to regular activities the same day, with no downtime.

Microlaser Peel

Uses

• Removes the skin's outer layer to reveal younger skin beneath
• Promotes the growth of newer skin cells while removing superficial, damaged skin layers
• Brightens the complexion dramatically

How it works

• Laser technology removes a controlled 30 to 50 millionths of an inch of skin tissue at a time.
• The removed thin layers of skin are replaced by newer skin growth.
• Patients can go back to work or light activities with makeup in one to two weeks and more strenuous activity in two to three weeks.
• Complete recovery time takes one to two months for swelling and redness to completely subside.

Fractional and Full Ablative Resurfacing  

Uses

• Restores the skin to a more youthful appearance
• Treats wrinkles, scars, acne marks, pigment problems, and other skin issues
• Provides effective treatment for women and men of all skin colors

How it works

• Laser resurfacing skin treatment technology improves skin texture, tone, and firmness in just one treatment.
• The procedure removes thin layers of skin that are replaced by newer skin growth.
• Heat causes collagen deposition. Results continue to evolve over the next three to six months.
• Patients can go back to work with makeup in seven to 10 days and more strenuous activity in two to three weeks.
• Complete recovery time takes one to two months for swelling and redness to go away completely.

Levulan Photodynamic Therapy

Uses

• Treats acne scars
• Rejuvenates the skin
• Reduces pore size
• Rejuvenates sun-damaged skin on the face, neck, and shoulders

How it works

• Levulan therapy works in conjunction with intense pulsed light (IPL).
• The specialist first applies a topical solution to the skin, then treats the area by exposing it to a blue light, which destroys the actinic keratoses.

Skin Tightening Procedures

Uses

• Treats early skin laxity involving the lower face and neck region.

How it works

• Uses energy to heat small areas of the skin for controlled stimulation and skin tightening.
• Procedures are done under a local anesthetic and may require a few days of recovery for swelling to resolve. 
• Results generally take 3 to 6 months to be achieved.