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Laser treatments: Five effective and pain-free options

There have been many advancements in the use of this technology for both aesthetic and medical treatments

Laser skin resurfacing replaces damaged skin with new, fresh skin. Photograph: iStock
Laser skin resurfacing replaces damaged skin with new, fresh skin. Photograph: iStock

Lasers have been used for many years in a range of aesthetic and medical treatments, with innovations and advancements happening all the time. We take a look at five.

Hair removal

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective way of permanently removing unwanted hair. With this treatment, which has been available and widespread in Ireland for many years, hair can be removed from any part of the body over the course of a number of treatments. Light from Cynosure medical grade lasers is absorbed by melanin, the pigment in the hair follicle, the light energy heats the pigment and destroys the hair follicle. It only affects the specific structures of the hair and follicle, leaving the surrounding skin undamaged. Thérapie Clinic in Dublin provides this treatment using the most advanced technology available, with a highly trained team.

Vein removal

Cynosure’s Yag Laser Vein Removal treatment to minimise vascular skin concerns such as facial redness and facial veins, also known as thread veins or spider veins, is also a highly effective treatment for rosacea, venous lake on lip area, poikiloderma on the neck area and cherry angiomas on body areas. This laser targets the vein with energy pulses, leaving the surrounding area untouched. The haemoglobin inside the vein absorbs the energy and causes the blood to vaporise and the vein simply collapses. The treated blood vessels will in time disappear naturally as the body dissolves the vein fragments away. Vascular skin concerns such as facial veins are often a result of genetics, sun exposure and other factors such as rosacea. This treatment is available at The Laser and Skin Clinic on Baggot St Lower.

Teeth whitening

Teeth get stained by numerous everyday liquids such as coffee, tea and red wine, as well as from cigarette smoke. Or teeth often just lose their whiteness over time. With laser teeth whitening, years of stains can be removed in a one-hour treatment, using dental grade teeth whitening. This treatment is pain free and results can be up to three shades brighter. White Smile Clinic provides this treatment across Ireland.

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Skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing replaces damaged skin with new, fresh skin and can address a wide range of concerns, such as pigmentation, acne scars or just for rejuvenation of the face. At The Laser and Skin Clinic Dublin, they use the Ultrapulse Encore machine by Lumenis which allows different levels of intensity for light, moderate or deep laser resurfacing. One setting creates a "controlled wound" to the skin, in turn triggering the body's natural healing processes, accelerating collagen production renewal and cell renewal. This can effectively reduce pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles and pore size. It can also achieve skin tightening. The second setting penetrates deeper into the lower part of the skin, stimulating collagen production to help improve the appearance of damaged skin and is mainly used to treat scarring and acne scars.

Laser treatment for vaginal atrophy and rejuvenation

Lasers have been used for many years in the aesthetic industry but Candela now offers the first laser procedure for the treatment of vaginal atrophy and rejuvenation. CO2RE Intima is a simple non-surgical treatment that promotes vaginal wellness amongst a broad array of women.

The laser relieves the effects of childbirth and aging by stimulating healing responses in the vaginal canal to enhance moisture levels, while also remodelling the tissue fibres in the vaginal and vulvar areas to restore their flexibility and shape. It is also used to address changes and symptoms associated with painful intercourse. This treatment, which takes about 15 minutes and requires no anaesthetic, is not yet available in Ireland.

See https://candelamedical.com/uk/physician-finder for a physician in the UK.