If you’ve heard of dermatologic treatments using lasers or injectables, it’s probably in relation to cosmetic enhancement, but laser therapies and injectables also offer options to address skin health concerns and non-cosmetic health solutions. Dr. Jacqueline Watchmaker of U.S. Dermatology Partners Scottsdale says, “While lasers and injectables are associated with cosmetic dermatology, we can also use these aesthetic tools to address and treat a variety of other skin conditions. In many cases, they help not only improve appearance, but reduce symptoms and support overall skin health.” In this blog, Dr. Watchmaker walks through how laser and injectable treatments can be used for scar treatment, symptom reduction, and so much more.
The Overlap Between Cosmetic & Medical Dermatology
Dr. Watchmaker says, “Many dermatologic treatments serve both a cosmetic and medical purpose. Lasers and injectables, for example, can be used to treat conditions like scarring, rosacea, and melasma while also improving the skin’s overall appearance. This dual benefit allows us to focus on both skin health and visible results.”
Melasma: When Topicals Aren’t Enough
Although topical therapies are first-line for treating melasma, they are not always sufficient. When used thoughtfully, laser and energy-based treatments can be helpful adjuncts. Melasma is a complex pigmentary condition, with involvement of the epidermis, dermis, and often a vascular component. Because of this, treatment typically requires a multimodal approach and ongoing maintenance rather than a one-time solution. Laser options could include the following:
- Picosecond lasers – these lasers use ultra-short energy pulses to break up pigment. These lasers deliver minimal heat, which reduces risk for triggering a melasma flareup.
- Non-ablative fractional lasers – these target pigment cells to reduce discoloration while improving skin texture and increasing absorption of topical treatments.
- Pulsed dye laser (PDL) therapy – for those with a prominent vascular component to their melasma, the pulsed dye laser may be helpful.
Rosacea & Persistent Redness
For those patients with redness, flushing, visible blood vessels, laser treatment for rosacea can be very helpful. Specifically, vascular lasers, including pulsed dye lasers and KTP lasers, may be recommended to target blood vessels. These treatments reduce redness, minimize skin flushing, and improve overall skin tone.
Immediately following treatment, patients may experience some increased redness, swelling, or tingling sensations, but this diminishes quickly. To optimize results, patients should avoid strenuous activities, very hot temperatures, and alcohol consumption for at least two days after laser therapy. They may also want to introduce skincare products or treatments that include oxymetazoline to reduce redness and azelaic acid to calm skin. Often a series of treatments is needed to achieve the desired outcome.
Treating Pigmentation & Sun Damage
Sun damage is one of the most common forms of skin damage. Over time, sun exposure causes rough texture, fine lines, uneven pigmentation, precancerous and cancerous growth formation, and other concerns. Non-ablative fractional laser therapy may be recommended to improve skin tone and texture and stimulate collagen production to reduce the appearance of sun damage. Laser therapy is often recommended as part of an overall skin rejuvenation plan for those struggling with the cumulative, long-term impact of sun damage.
Keloid & Hypertrophic Scar Treatment
A hypertrophic scar is a raised scar that stays confined within the boundaries of the original wound. In contrast, a keloid extends beyond the original injury into surrounding skin and tends to persist or even continue growing without treatment. Commonly recommended hypertrophic and keloid scar treatment approaches include:
- Intralesional injections – Medications are injected directly into the scar, most commonly a combination of corticosteroids (such as triamcinolone) to reduce inflammation and 5-fluorouracil to inhibit abnormal fibroblast activity and scar growth.
- Scar excision – This involves surgically removing the scar tissue. For keloids, however, excision alone is often not ideal, as the trauma of surgery can stimulate further keloid formation.
- Laser therapy – Different lasers target different components of a scar. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is used to reduce redness and vascularity, which can help flatten and soften hypertrophic scars and keloids. Fractional CO₂ laser targets scar texture and thickness by creating controlled micro-injury that stimulates collagen remodeling. These treatments are often used in combination with injections and typically require a series for optimal results.
Treating Atrophic Scars (Including Acne Scars)
Atrophic scars are indentations left behind after injury or acne. It can be difficult to reduce the appearance of these scars because they change skin’s structure, including collagen loss and fibrous band tethering that occurs during the healing process. Topical treatments alone are not enough to address atrophic scarring. In order to improve the appearance of atrophic scarring, the underlying structural tethering and lost volume both have to be addressed. When it comes to optimal acne scar treatment, dermatologists often recommend combined therapies, including:
- Subcision and hyaluronic acid fillers – subcision is a procedure that releases fibrous bands. Hyaluronic acid fillers are injected to lift and smooth skin and support collagen remodeling.
- Ablative fractional laser treatments – these lasers are used to create micro-injuries and stimulate natural healing processes. This leads to increased collagen production, reduced scar depth, and improved skin texture.
- Laser-assisted drug delivery – this procedure uses lasers to create small channels that allow topical treatments to be more fully absorbed.
- Supportive care – continuing to perform effective skincare daily is an essential part of the healing process. Applying broad-spectrum sunscreen reduces risk for discoloration as skin heals. A silicone scar gel treatment may also be recommended to improve healing.
Acne Scars: Accessible In-Office Treatments
While advanced dermatology laser procedures are often effective, they aren’t the only options to treat scars. Many patients can achieve the desired improvement with non-laser dermatology procedures, including:
- Subcision – this surgical technique is used to release tethered scar tissue and improve skin’s contour.
- TCA CROSS (Chemical Reconstruction of Skin Scars) – a targeted chemical treatment applied to deep scarring to stimulate collagen production.
- Topical retinoids – regular use of prescription-strength retinols increases skin cell turnover, stimulates collagen, and improves skin texture.
- Microneedling – this procedure uses needles to create microscopic injuries to trigger healing and smooth skin over time.
Why Dermatologist-Guided Treatment Matters
As Dr. Watchmaker explains, “Because many skin issues or conditions can look similar, it’s important to have an accurate diagnosis before starting treatment. A dermatologist can recommend the most appropriate therapies, whether that includes lasers, injectables, or other options, based on your specific needs.” Specifically, dermatologists have advanced training to:
- Diagnose skin conditions accurately.
- Identify underlying health conditions that trigger symptoms.
- Customize and combine therapies to achieve desired results.
- Perform advanced procedures safely and effectively.
Lasers & Injectables Offer More than Cosmetic Improvement
In conclusion, Dr. Watchmaker says, “Whether your goals are cosmetic or therapeutic, the first step is a consultation with a dermatologist. During this visit, we can evaluate your skin, discuss appropriate treatment options, and develop a personalized plan to support both skin health and overall appearance.”
Discuss Personalized Care with a Dermatologist
Whether you want to improve skin health, appearance, or both, the U.S. Dermatology Partners team has you covered. Take just a few moments to complete our online scheduling form to request a consultation visit. Once we hear from you, our team members will reach out to finalize the details.
Find a location near me
or
