Category
Fractional CO2, IPL, HIFU, RF microneedling, Morpheus8, Q-Switched laser and energy-based skin treatments.
5 terms
Laser and light therapies are a broad technology family that delivers specific wavelengths of energy to create selective photothermal effects on target tissue. Common platforms include ablative fractional CO2 (10,600 nm) and Er:YAG (2,940 nm) lasers; non-ablative fractional 1,550-1,927 nm devices; Q-switched and picosecond (1,064 / 532 / 755 nm) lasers; 532 nm KTP and long-pulse 1,064 nm Nd:YAG lasers for vascular lesions; Alexandrite 755 nm and Diode 808 nm for hair removal; and broad-band intense pulsed light (IPL) systems. Each wavelength has selective affinity for a specific chromophore — melanin, haemoglobin, water or tattoo pigment — which allows hyperpigmentation, vascular lesions, acne scars, photoaging, tattoos, unwanted hair and overall skin rejuvenation to be addressed through a single underlying principle of selective photothermolysis. Visible improvement begins after a single session, but most indications require 1-3 sessions spaced 4-12 weeks apart depending on the target. At Dr. Hamza Gemici’s clinic the laser decision always considers Fitzpatrick skin type (I-VI), season, concurrent medications (isotretinoin, photosensitisers), active skin infection, pregnancy and the patient’s realistic target outcomes. Strict sun protection, mineral SPF 50+ and a planned tanning calendar are an integral part of the protocol. This category covers ablative vs non-ablative concepts, fractional technology, picosecond pulses, IPL, vascular and hair-removal lasers, post-laser care and the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Device choice and session plan are determined at consultation.
Fractional CO2 laser; Carbon dioxide laser beam with a wavelength of 10,600 nm is fractionated to form heated microthermal zones (MTZ) and provides ablation (evaporation) and deep dermal remodeling on the skin surface. It is the laser treatment with the strongest indication for acne scars, signs of aging and skin texture improvement.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) is a device that uses non-coherent, polychromatic (420-1200 nm wide spectrum) beam produced by xenon flashlamp and is a non-laser photoenergy source that targets certain chromophores (hemoglobin, melanin, water) with the principle of selective photothermolysis; Medical device used in the treatment of pigmentary and vascular lesions, photorejuvenation, hair removal and rosacea.
Laser epilation; Based on the principle of selective photothermolysis, it is a medical aesthetic procedure that targets the hair follicles containing melanin and causes thermal damage to the bulb, bulge and stem cells through the laser beam, providing permanent hair reduction.
Pico-laser (picosecond laser) is a laser technology that works with an ultra-short pulse duration of 10⁻¹² seconds (one billionth of a second), breaks down melanin and tatu pigment with photomechanical fragmentation (light-induced mechanical breaking), is injected without passing the thermal time thanks to the pulse interval as short as 1/1000 of Q-switched nanosecond lasers, collagen remodeling and laser-induced optical breakdown. (LIOB) is used for acne scars, benign pigmentary lesions, tatu removal and skin rejuvenation via dermal plasma formation mechanism.
Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is a high-energy laser system that sends ultrashort nanosecond (5–20 ns) beam pulses at wavelengths of 1064 nm and 532 nm. Based on the photomechanical ablation and selective photothermolysis mechanism, it breaks down melanin, hemoglobin and tattoo pigments and removes them from the body through macrophages. It is used for tattoo removal, melanin lesions, melasma and vascular diseases. It is an FDA approved medical device for the treatment of lesions.
Ablative fractional CO2 laser is one of the best-documented technologies in the literature for acne and atrophic scars, periorbital and perioral wrinkles and photoaging. The laser creates microscopic treatment zones (MTZ) that produce immediate thermal contraction and trigger long-term collagen remodelling. Visible improvement starts after a single session, but 1-3 sessions spaced 8-12 weeks apart are typically recommended depending on skin type and scar depth. Expecting 100% scar erasure is not realistic; typical improvement for deep scars is in the 50-70% range. Darker skin types (Fitzpatrick IV-VI), active acne, isotretinoin use within the last 6 months, pregnancy and a tendency to keloid scarring are contraindications. The treatment plan is finalised at consultation.
Laser hair removal works by selective photothermolysis of hair follicles in the anagen (growth) phase. Only about 20-30% of body hair is in anagen at any given time, so a single session is never enough. Face and sensitive areas usually require 6-10 sessions, while body areas average 6-8. Sessions are spaced 4-8 weeks apart depending on region. Patients with hormonal drivers (PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, hyperandrogenism) often need additional sessions and maintenance treatments. For darker skin types (Fitzpatrick IV-VI) Diode 808 nm or long-pulse 1,064 nm Nd:YAG is preferred; Alexandrite 755 nm suits lighter skin. The realistic target is long-term hair reduction rather than 100% permanent removal.
Picosecond lasers (532 / 755 / 1,064 nm) fragment tattoo pigment into smaller particles than Q-switched nanosecond technology, which is particularly advantageous for resistant colours (green, blue, yellow) and re-treatment cases. Black tattoos still respond best, but picosecond technology can reduce session count and lower the PIH risk for coloured tattoos. Complete clearance can require 4-12 sessions depending on ink density, depth, tattoo age, the technique of the original artist, skin phototype and colour palette. Professional tattoos require more sessions than amateur ones. Sessions are spaced at least 6-8 weeks apart. We discuss in consultation that 100% clearance is not guaranteed and a faint residual shadow may remain.
No — strict sun protection is mandatory after laser. UV sensitivity is temporarily increased after both ablative and non-ablative procedures and unprotected exposure can trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), particularly in Fitzpatrick III and above. We recommend avoiding direct sun for at least 4 weeks, using a wide-brimmed hat and applying a broad-spectrum mineral SPF 50+ sunscreen reapplied every few hours. Tanning beds and self-tanners are off-limits. For hair removal lasers the same rules apply: laser is not performed on freshly tanned skin and patients are asked to let any tan fade for at least 4 weeks before treatment. Seasonal timing and UV index considerations are reviewed at consultation.
Laser pricing depends significantly on the device used (CO2, Er:YAG, picosecond, Q-switched, IPL, Diode, Alexandrite, Nd:YAG and others), the size of the treated area, the number of sessions required, the type of anaesthesia needed (topical vs local infiltration), clinic standards and physician experience. For example, 1-2 Q-switched sessions for a small pigmented spot are very different from a full-face fractional CO2 resurfacing package. The price range is therefore personalised to region and patient anatomy. At our clinic the suitable laser and session plan is determined at consultation, after which the full package price is shared in writing. When evaluating "single-session trials" or campaign packages, the critical question is whether the number of sessions will be clinically sufficient.