Laser treatments
Aesthetic medicine now offers a wide range of different laser systems to improve the appearance of the skin. We distinguish between ablative and non-ablative lasers.
Whilst ablative lasers remove layers of the skin, non-ablative lasers work by heating the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen growth and skin tightening. Both types have their own specific indications and advantages, depending on which skin conditions, signs of ageing, diseases or pigmentation issues are to be treated.
In aesthetic dermatology, laser methods are mainly used to treat skin conditions such as wrinkles, acne, pigmentation marks and scars. Laser systems can also be used for skin tightening and to reduce cellulite. The various types of laser have different wavelengths and penetration depths, which are specifically tailored to the different skin problems.
In conventional dermatology, laser methods are used to treat skin conditions such as warts, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis and acne. Overall, the use of lasers offers a safe and effective way to treat a wide range of skin problems. Please seek personalised advice from our doctors to discuss your individual treatment plan.
Laser treatment in Munich: An overview of the various options
In our overview, we present the most common laser systems that we use at our practice in Munich, to give you a better idea of the laser treatment options available for various skin concerns.
Laser treatments in Munich: Be inspired!
Laser treatment in Munich: Ablative vs. non-ablative lasers
The fundamental difference between ablative and non-ablative lasers lies in the way they act on the skin and which layers of the skin they affect. Ablative lasers work by specifically removing or damaging the outer layer of skin (the epidermis) and, in some cases, parts of the underlying layer (the dermis). This is achieved by emitting high-energy light, which vaporises or removes the skin. Ablative lasers have the advantage of being able to produce deep thermal effects that stimulate collagen production and can lead to an improvement in skin texture. They are used to treat skin problems such as scars, wrinkles, pigmentation disorders and skin lesions. The recovery time following an ablative laser treatment may be longer and require some downtime, as the skin needs time to heal.
Non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, aim to reach the deeper layers of the skin without removing or damaging the outer layer of skin. These lasers generate thermal energy which is absorbed by specific target structures in the skin, such as pigments or blood vessels. By selectively heating these structures, various skin problems can be treated, such as pigmentation changes, rosacea, fine lines and wrinkles. Non-ablative lasers are generally less invasive and require less downtime. They can be described as ‘lunch-time’ treatments, as they can be carried out relatively quickly and patients are able to resume their daily routines afterwards.
It is important to note that both ablative and non-ablative lasers have advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of the appropriate laser depends on various factors, including the nature of the skin condition, the desired results, the patient’s skin type, and the patient’s individual needs and preferences.
Our experienced doctors will be happy to advise and explain everything to you during a face-to-face consultation to draw up your personalised treatment plan.
FAQ
Questions?
Pulses are delivered to your skin at short intervals (fractional), causing micro-perforations either on or beneath the skin, whilst microscopically small ‘islands’ of intact skin remain in between. The body then naturally produces new collagen and elastic fibres as it seeks to heal these tiny injuries. This results in the skin becoming firmer, smoother and of improved quality. The skin improves naturally. Unlike the older, non-fractional laser technology, the healing process is faster due to the ‘uninjured islands’, and the recovery time is reduced.
Ablative laser treatments remove the superficial layers of the skin. This process creates a minimal wound, which triggers the body’s own production of new collagen and fresh elastic fibres. This can result in a significant reduction in the depth of wrinkles, accompanied by an overall tightening of the skin.
Ablative laser therapies are suitable for treating shallow to deep wrinkles. They can also help with mild to moderate sagging of the skin. Furthermore, they are effective for treating acne scars. As ablative laser procedures remove the superficial layer of skin, they can also remove any pigmentation changes such as age spots.
In many cases, a single treatment is sufficient. If the wrinkles are deeper or the acne scars more pronounced, two to three treatments spaced several months apart may be advisable.
Following ablative laser treatment, you should expect a recovery period of a few days to a week.
Unlike ablative laser procedures, in which the superficial layers of the skin are removed, the skin’s surface remains intact during non-ablative laser treatment. The skin is therefore not ‘damaged’.
With this approach, the laser beams penetrate the outermost layer of the skin – without damaging it in any way. They reach directly into the dermis. This second layer of skin consists mainly of connective tissue fibres. Non-ablative laser treatment creates individual, pinprick-like micro-injuries beneath the skin. This stimulates the surrounding tissue to heal these minimal injuries, encouraging the body to produce new cells and fresh collagen.
Non-ablative laser treatments are particularly well suited to creating a fresher complexion and a more radiant glow. They can also help reduce superficial wrinkles and pigmentation spots. The procedure is also suitable for reducing the appearance of stretch marks and improving the appearance of scars following surgery.
The term ‘skin resurfacing’ originates from American English and literally means ‘skin surface renewal’. Skin resurfacing involves the treatment and removal of, for example, facial wrinkles using laser treatment. For this reason, the term ‘laser skin resurfacing’ is often used in this context. Ablative laser techniques are employed for this procedure.
Sub-surfacing is another term for non-ablative laser technology, i.e. the type of treatment in which the skin’s surface is not removed.
LaseMD™ is a specialised combination of a non-ablative laser treatment followed by the application of associated cosmeceuticals. Using a thulium laser, we create tiny, invisible channels directly beneath the outermost layer of skin. We then infuse cosmeceuticals – highly concentrated cosmetic active ingredients developed specifically for this procedure (known as LaseMD ampoules) – into these channels. This stimulates the skin’s natural healing process and accelerates it from within.
The LaseMD laser treatment can rejuvenate and tighten the skin. At the same time, it helps prevent new wrinkles from forming. The treatment is also suitable for skin brightening, treating melasma and pigmentation spots, reducing scarring, and caring for the décolleté.
The 1540-nm erbium glass laser is used in a fractional, non-ablative laser procedure. The various lenses allow us to penetrate up to a depth of 1.9 mm beneath your skin. We apply heat in small micro-columns, which stimulates the regeneration of connective tissue fibres and hyaluronic acid.
In this way, we can achieve mild to moderate tissue tightening, smooth out fine lines and improve the appearance of stretch marks and surgical scars.
The eCO2™ laser is a fractional, ablative laser technique. It is used for skin resurfacing. We use the laser to remove the superficial layers of skin, thereby heating the surrounding tissue. In this way, we achieve a significant tightening of the tissue. Even deep wrinkles, such as those that often appear around the mouth, can be smoothed out with this laser treatment.
This is a state-of-the-art and highly efficient IPL flash lamp. Using the MaxG laser treatment, we can sclerose visible spider veins – such as those associated with couperose – and thus remove them.
This works because the light energy is absorbed by the red blood pigment haemoglobin. This causes the vessels to collapse and be replaced by skin-coloured connective tissue. The spider veins are then no longer visible. MaxG laser treatment can also be used to treat unsightly age spots on the face and hands. It can also be used to rejuvenate the décolleté.
With all laser and IPL procedures, the treated skin becomes sensitive to light and UV rays. Please ensure you consistently use a high sun protection factor as part of your daily skincare routine and avoid sunbathing.
