Light Treatments

Select Treatments:
  • What is it and how does it work?
  • Who is it for?
  • Who is it not for?
  • How well does it work?
  • What are the possible side effects?
  • Will it inconvenience me?
  • How much does it cost?

Light Treatments

What is it and how does it work?

Ablative Laser

Ablative lasers remove skin thereby can reduce skin thickening of phyma.

Electrosurgery

Electrosurgery is used to stop bleeding or destroy abnormal skin lesions using electric currents to generate heat in the skin.

Who is this for?

Ablative Laser

Non-inflamed skin thickening.

Electrosurgery

Inflamed skin thickening.

Who is this not for?

Ablative Laser

Patients with active skin infection/inflammation, those at increased risk of scarring, prior radiation therapy to the treatment area, connective tissue disease, chemical peel/dermabrasion are not ideal candidates. Check with your health care professional to make sure this treatment is right for you.

Electrosurgery

Electrosurgery should be used cautiously by patients with cardiac pacemakers or implantable cardiac defibrillators. Talk to your health care professional for details.

How well does it work?

Ablative Laser

While these treatments are widely used, current studies are small and evidence is limited. Ablative laser resurfacing is supported by clinicians based on experience. Efficacy depends on the expertise and training of the treating professional (case reports; very low certainty).

Electrosurgery

While these treatments are widely used, current studies are small and evidence is limited. Surgery can have great benefits, with strong support by clinicians based on experience. Efficacy depends on the expertise and training of the treating professional (case reports; very low certainty).

What are the possible side effects?

Ablative Laser

Severe: localized infection, delayed skin lightening, ongoing redness, prolonged healing, thick/raised scarring.

Other: transient skin darkening/redness, white bumps (milia), inflammation around mouth, acne and/or rosacea worsening, irritation.

Pregnancy: Use with caution in pregnancy due to possible pain and stress to mother during treatment.

Electrosurgery

Burns, bleeding, scarring with skin lightening.

Pregnancy: Facial electrosurgery could be safely used during pregnancy but should be used with caution due to possible pain and stress to mother during treatment.

Will it inconvenience me?

Ablative Laser

Requires visits to a trained professional, time consuming, may require lifestyle changes post treatment, potential for temporary side effects.

Electrosurgery

Requires visits to a trained professional, time consuming, may require lifestyle changes post treatment, potential for temporary side effects.

How much does it cost?

Ablative Laser

$$$$$. Cost may vary by frequency and location.

Electrosurgery

$$$+. Cost may vary by frequency and location.