Laser and Light Therapy: How It Works and What to Expect

Age, sun exposure and medical issues can wreak havoc on our skin — and these are just a few reasons some of us may appear older than we really are. Here's the good news: Technologies in laser and light therapy treatments may help reduce some premature signs of aging, such as the appearance of facial lines, wrinkles, blemishes and scars. Here's an overview of different laser and light therapy procedures.

What Is Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy works by using lasers to send concentrated beams of light to areas of the skin.¹ This stimulates the growth of new collagen fibers and elastin that appear stronger and firmer.² The exact treatments may vary in terms of how deeply they penetrate the skin, but all can help reduce the signs of aging.

Recent technologies allow providers better precision and control, resulting in a more targeted approach. The treatments are all outpatient and don't require overnight stays.¹

Some treatments may only take 30 minutes, with some immediate results.² Other treatments that penetrate the skin more deeply may take up to 90 minutes per session, with results taking several months to be fully apparent. These deeper treatments may also require a few days off work to recover, while many of the shorter treatments won't require any time off work.

What Does Laser Therapy Target on the Body?

Today, laser therapy can be done on almost any part of the body. It can be used to treat wrinkles, acne scars, hyperpigmentation and other blemishes by using beams of light to remove small layers of skin, encouraging healing and collagen production.¹

Other mild laser treatments may tighten the skin by simply heating the collagen beneath, which also stimulates its production. These techniques can be used on any part of the body but often focus on the following areas:³

• Stomach
• Neck
• Face
• Buttocks
• Arms

Types of Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is typically divided into two main categories: laser skin tightening and laser resurfacing.³ Tightening focuses on heating the collagen beneath the skin to promote new collagen growth, strengthening and tightening the area. Results can be seen quickly and continue to improve over time, helping promote a more youthful appearance.

Laser resurfacing, in contrast, is intended to smooth the outer skin, diminishing wrinkles and the appearance of sun damage, scars and more. This is why it often uses a deeper treatment that removes skin cells, so new cells can grow and replace them.³

Aestheticians may also refer to laser therapy as ablative or non-ablative.⁴ Ablative is more intrusive and slightly damages the skin to promote healing, while non-ablative simply heats the collagen beneath. Laser tightening is more often non-ablative, while laser resurfacing is typically ablative.

Here's a closer look at laser tightening vs. laser resurfacing therapies.

1. Laser skin tightening

Laser skin tightening may use different techniques, such as:⁵

• Ultrasound. This may take 30 to 90 minutes per session and is ideal for the chest, neck and face regions. It may require topical numbing or over-the-counter pain medications, but it has little recovery time.
• Radiofrequency. This is an in-office treatment with little downtime or pain. It takes about 30 to 90 minutes per session. If used with microneedling, it may require some recovery time.
• IPL and radiofrequency. This treats deeper skin layers and brings more gradual results. It takes about 30 to 90 minutes per session. People with darker skin may experience post-inflammatory pigmentation. This treatment requires little recovery time.

Preparation for skin tightening procedures is usually simple. You may be advised to avoid the sun before and after treatment and keep your skin moisturized.² You'll need to tell your aesthetician if you have any skin irritations or outbreaks before your session.

2. Laser skin resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing typically uses a more aggressive ablative technique that removes outer layers of skin, especially if treating wrinkles or fine lines.⁴ But it can sometimes use non-ablative techniques if it's being used to improve pigmentation.⁴

Resurfacing may cause swelling at first or peeling after about a week.¹ Depending on how deep the treatment was, redness may slowly fade over two to three months. Some ablative therapies may be more damaging to people with darker skin.⁶

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy — also known as LED therapy — is a less expensive, milder alternative to laser therapy.⁷ The process includes sitting or lying in front of a red light source, which energizes mitochondria to enhance cell growth, potentially stimulating collagen and fibroblast production and reducing inflammation.⁸ It's gentler than laser therapy and doesn't damage the skin.

One of the major benefits of red light therapy is that treatment can take as little as 30 minutes, with no downtime.⁷ Depending on your desired results, you may need six to eight treatments. It may take up to a few weeks to notice results, which generally last from six months to a year.

What Does Red Light Therapy Target on the Body?

LED therapy is great for milder issues and can be used on almost any skin tone or skin type.⁷ Red light therapy can be used for reducing age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, scars, acne, stretch marks and help with wound healing.⁸

The downside is that red light therapy won't be able to tighten sagging skin, and it won't be able to resurface and smooth skin.⁷ So depending on your circumstances, you may or may not have noticeable results.

Types of Red Light Therapy

There's really only one type of red light therapy, though the devices used may range from handheld to full-body beds, depending on the focus of the treatment.⁹ Home devices tend to have milder effects. The only real preparation you'll need before light therapy is wearing eye protection during the treatment.

Red light therapy may sometimes be referred to as soft laser therapy, cold laser, low-level or low-power laser, or non-thermal LED.⁸

Average Costs of Laser and Light Therapy

Laser treatment is the most expensive of the therapies. It can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands. Laser skin tightening can cost $600 to $1,000 per session.⁵ Resurfacing may run $300 to $1,500 a treatment.¹⁰ Most laser therapy requires multiple treatments.

Light therapy is the least expensive option.⁷ Home devices may range from $65 to $600. At a provider's office, treatment may cost about $25 if it's a facial add-on or up to $200 for a specialized session.⁹

If you want to tighten your skin, reduce fine lines or minimize scars, you have a lot of choices. From laser resurfacing to laser tightening and red light therapy, each can provide noticeable results. Consult with your doctor or dermatologist to help determine which treatment is best for you.

CareCredit Financing for Laser and Light Therapy

When getting laser and light therapy or another cosmetic procedure, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts, and videos.

Author Bio

Stephanie Dwilson specializes in science journalism, breaking news, and animal health and is a business owner, non-practicing attorney and writer.