Text - (432) 529-4711

Cosmetic Laser Treatment Specialist

FoxHall Dermatology

Dermatologists located in Washington, DC

Spider veins or age spots on your face can make you feel really embarrassed about your appearance. Fortunately, there’s a simple nonsurgical solution in the form of cosmetic laser treatments at Foxhall Dermatology in Washington, DC. Susan Elliott, MD, a highly experienced and skilled dermatologist, helps Foxhall Dermatology patients get the clear skin they deserve. Use online booking or call to schedule your appointment now.

Cosmetic Laser Treatment Q & A

What is laser treatment?

Laser treatment is a nonsurgical treatment to remove lesions. Dr. Elliott uses lasers to remove damaged, dead, and unnecessary surface skin, clearing the way for the undamaged skin beneath it.

Some laser treatments have a steady beam of light while others work in short pulses. The most common reasons for cosmetic laser treatment at Foxhall Dermatology are vascular lesions and pigmented lesions.

What are vascular lesions, and how can laser treatment help?

Vascular lesions are visible capillaries, veins, or arteries, for example, spider veins or port-wine-colored birthmarks. Although vascular lesions aren't typically harmful, many men and women find them distressing in terms of appearance.

Laser treatment sends light to the middle of the lesion to cause agitation and force it to close. This leaves the vascular lesion without a blood supply, and it dies off for your body to reabsorb and eliminate.

What are pigmented lesions, and how can laser treatment help?

Pigmented lesions are spots, blotches, freckles, and moles that are darker than the rest of your skin. Usually, pigmented lesions are brown, although their darkness can vary. Although pigmented lesions usually aren't harmful, they may make you feel self-conscious or unhappy with your appearance.

Pigmented lesions appear when your body overproduces melanocytes, the melanin-making cells. Laser treatment seeks and destroys melanin in the targeted area, fracturing it into many tiny particles that your body absorbs and eliminates.

What does laser treatment feel like?

The state-of-the-art laser treatments at Foxhall Dermatology are proven safe and effective, and in the hands of expert dermatologist Dr. Elliott, they're virtually painless.

Before your treatment, Dr. Elliott may apply either an anesthetic cream or an ice compress to numb your skin and enhance your comfort during the laser treatment. During treatment, you may feel some heat and mild snapping sensations, but it's not painful or difficult for most patients.

How many cosmetic laser treatments do I need?

The number of laser treatments you need depends on your specific case, particularly the size of the lesion. Spider veins are among the quickest problems to treat, usually taking only a session or two. For deep-colored lesions, especially if they're large, you may need six or more treatments. Each session occurs one to two months apart, and you'll notice a steady improvement between treatments.

Book your appointment with Dr. Elliott at Foxhall Dermatology online or by phone now.