Laser Treatments
At Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco, we offer a thoughtfully chosen range of laser and light-based treatments to help improve both the look and overall health of your skin. Whether you’re dealing with sun damage, uneven pigmentation, redness, unwanted hair, or even an old tattoo, we take a personalized approach to finding the right solution for you.
We’re intentional about the technology we bring into our practice, as we’ve selected every device for its safety, reliability, and proven results. Your treatments are performed by an experienced registered nurse under physician supervision, with a focus on achieving natural-looking outcomes you can feel confident in.
To learn more about your options or to schedule a consultation, contact Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco today. We are happy to help you find a laser treatment (or another treatment) that can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal offers a long-term solution for reducing unwanted hair on the face and body. Using targeted light energy, the treatment safely disables hair follicles, resulting in smoother skin with less maintenance over time. This non-invasive procedure is effective on commonly treated areas such as the legs, underarms, bikini line, and face, and can be tailored to your skin type and hair characteristics.
Learn more about laser hair removal
Fraxel®
Fraxel® is a powerful laser resurfacing treatment designed to improve skin tone, texture, and overall quality. It works by targeting damaged skin cells while leaving surrounding tissue intact, promoting faster healing and stimulating collagen production deep within the skin. Fraxel® is commonly used to treat sun damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and acne scars for smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Clear + Brilliant®
Clear + Brilliant® is a gentle, non-invasive laser treatment that refreshes the skin and helps prevent early signs of aging. Often considered a lighter version of Fraxel®, it improves tone, texture, and radiance with minimal downtime. This treatment is ideal for maintaining healthy skin, addressing mild sun damage, and achieving a brighter, more even complexion.
Learn more about Clear + Brilliant®
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
IPL is a non-invasive light-based treatment that targets pigmentation and redness caused by sun exposure and aging. It works by delivering pulses of light energy to reduce brown spots, broken capillaries, and uneven skin tone. IPL is commonly used on the face, neck, chest, and hands to restore a clearer, more youthful appearance with minimal downtime.
Laser Tattoo Removal
Laser tattoo removal uses advanced technology to break down unwanted tattoo pigment safely and effectively. Over a series of treatments, the body naturally eliminates the fragmented ink particles, gradually fading the tattoo. This treatment can address a wide range of tattoo colors and sizes, helping patients achieve clearer skin or prepare for a cover-up.
Learn more about laser tattoo removal
V-Beam®
V-Beam® is a specialized laser designed to treat redness, visible blood vessels, and vascular skin concerns. It targets the red pigment in blood vessels without damaging surrounding tissue, making it highly effective for conditions such as rosacea, facial redness, and broken capillaries. The result is a more even, balanced complexion with minimal downtime.
Discover the Right Laser Treatment for You
Every patient’s skin is unique, which is why we take a personalized approach to treatment planning. During your consultation, we will evaluate your skin, discuss your goals, and recommend the most appropriate laser or combination of treatments to achieve optimal results.
Contact Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco today to schedule your consultation and take the next step toward healthier, more radiant skin.
Laser Treatments in San Francisco – FAQs
How do I know which laser treatment is right for me?
The best laser treatment depends on your specific concerns, skin type, and goals. For example, treatments like Fraxel® are ideal for deeper resurfacing and acne scars, while Clear + Brilliant® is better for maintenance and early signs of aging. IPL is commonly used for redness and pigmentation, while V-Beam® specifically targets vascular concerns like rosacea. A consultation allows us to evaluate your skin and recommend the most effective option.
What laser treatment is best for sun damage and dark spots?
IPL and Fraxel® are two of the most effective treatments for sun damage and pigmentation. IPL targets surface-level discoloration such as brown spots, while Fraxel® works deeper to improve both pigmentation and skin texture. In some cases, a combination approach may be recommended for optimal results.
Which laser is best for improving skin texture and fine lines?
Fraxel® is typically the most effective option for improving skin texture, fine lines, and acne scars because it stimulates collagen and resurfaces the skin. Clear + Brilliant® is a lighter alternative that helps maintain smooth skin and prevent early aging changes.
What is the difference between Fraxel® and Clear + Brilliant®?
Both treatments use fractional laser technology, but Fraxel® is more intensive and targets deeper skin concerns like scarring and significant sun damage. Clear + Brilliant® is gentler, with minimal downtime, and is ideal for maintaining skin health and treating mild concerns.
Which treatment is best for redness or rosacea?
V-Beam® is specifically designed to treat redness, broken capillaries, and rosacea by targeting blood vessels beneath the skin. IPL may also help with redness, but V-Beam® is typically more precise for vascular concerns.
Can laser treatments be combined?
Yes, many patients benefit from combining treatments. For example, IPL may be used for pigmentation while Fraxel® improves texture, or Clear + Brilliant® can be used between more intensive treatments to maintain results. A customized treatment plan often provides the best overall outcome.
How many sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on the treatment and your goals. Some treatments, like IPL or laser hair removal, typically require a series of sessions for best results. Others, like Fraxel®, may produce noticeable improvement after one treatment, with additional sessions enhancing the outcome.
Is there downtime after laser treatments?
Downtime varies by treatment. Clear + Brilliant® and IPL generally have minimal downtime, with mild redness that resolves quickly. Fraxel® may involve several days of redness and peeling. V-Beam® and tattoo removal treatments may also cause temporary redness or swelling.
Are laser treatments safe for all skin types?
Many modern laser treatments can be adjusted for different skin types, but not all lasers are ideal for every patient. During your consultation, we carefully assess your skin tone and sensitivity to choose a safe and effective treatment plan.
Does laser hair removal work for all hair types?
Laser hair removal works best on darker hair because the laser targets pigment in the hair follicle. While advancements have improved treatment options, lighter hair colors may respond less effectively.
How does laser tattoo removal work?
Laser tattoo removal uses targeted energy to break down ink particles beneath the skin. Over time, your body naturally clears these particles, causing the tattoo to fade gradually across multiple sessions.
When will I see results from laser treatments?
Some treatments, like IPL, can show improvement within a few days to weeks. Others, like Fraxel®, continue to improve over several months as collagen production increases. Results vary depending on the treatment and your skin’s natural healing process.
Are laser treatments painful?
Most patients tolerate laser treatments well. Depending on the procedure, a topical numbing cream or cooling device may be used to enhance comfort. Sensations are often described as mild heat, tingling, or snapping against the skin.
How long do results from laser treatments last?
Results can be long-lasting, especially when paired with proper skincare and sun protection. Maintenance treatments, such as Clear + Brilliant®, can help extend and enhance your results over time.
Can I return to normal activities after treatment?
In most cases, patients can resume normal activities shortly after treatment, especially with lower-downtime options like IPL and Clear + Brilliant®. More intensive treatments may require a few days of recovery.
