The Spectra laser treatment is a skin resurfacing procedure known as the “Hollywood peel” or the “Spectra laser peel” because it yields similar results to a chemical peel [1]. However, it does so with a safer, more controlled outcome and without the potential risk or adverse reactions that often accompany harsh chemicals peels. This top-of-the-line technology (pronounced Spectra laser) is the ideal solution for individuals struggling with years of sun damage, acne scarring, aging, and many other cosmetic concerns. At Dr. U Skin Clinic, your Spectra laser procedure will unveil the more beautiful and youthful skin you desire.
Article Update July 2022
Does Spectra laser help the skin produce new collagen?
It is a little-known fact that Spectra laser simultaneously heats deep tissue, causing the tissue to contract. This contraction stimulates collagen production, and as collagen production increases, the skin becomes increasingly smooth and firm. Thus, Spectra laser is gentle on the skin but also effective in reducing the appearance of aging, such as fine lines.
Additionally, collagen-boosting mechanisms help the skin achieve a radiant and youthful glow.
Continue below to see if Spectra laser is the right choice for you and what results can be expected from it.
Ideal Candidates for Spectra Laser Treatment
Spectra levels out uneven texture, smooth blotchy skin tone, and tightens slightly sagging tissue for any prospective candidate with:
- Hyperpigmentation
- Melasma
- Age spots/Sun spots and sun damage
- Rosacea
- Dull texture
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Acne and acne scarring
- Enlarged pores
- Sagging jowls or cheeks
- Unwanted tattoos
Laser Spectra is Among the Best for Darker Skin Tones
Many lasers are inadvisable for use on people with darker skin tones due to the heat energy absorbed by highly active melanocyte cells. However, if you have a medium to dark complexion and are seeking a chemical peel via laser, Spectra is a safe treatment. Spectra’s light technology makes it resistant to melanin absorption outside the treated tissue. For this reason, spectra laser applies to all skin types and all skin tones. This is crucial in Southern California, where most people get a skin tan.
How Spectra Laser Treatment Works
This powerful, state-of-the-art technology uses a nonablative method to send quick light pulses straight into the skin. Its highly advanced Q-switch modality enables Dr. Umar to use a 1064nm, 532nm, 585nm, or 650nm wavelength setting, making the treatment highly customizable, controllable, and safe for the patient. Spectra laser treatment is a good asset in a wide range of skin damage and resurfaces texture and pigmentation gently, quickly, and effectively.
Spectra’s heat energy is absorbed by the humidity in the air, which dissipates the light. To prevent this, Dr. Umar applies a carbon-based lotion to the treatment area before your procedure. This helps to focus the laser energy, so it is absorbed by the skin only. As the carbon-based lotion works synergistically with Spectra’s pulses of light, tiny explosions occur on the skin’s surface. These miniature explosions dissolve or “burn away” years of unwanted damage to resurface.
What Results Can Be Expected with the Spectra Laser
Once the damage to your top layers of skin is removed, new collagen cells begin to grow [2], renewing the skin’s outer appearance while fortifying the dermal tissue deeper. Tighter and more even skin is the final result.
Spectra’s laser light energy eliminates uneven texture and pigment and helps mitigate acne. The peeling process works not only on the skin’s surface but also on the outer layer of the sebaceous glands. The sebaceous glands are responsible for producing oil, which can clog pores. So, a Spectra laser treatment will unclog blocked pores and create less oily skin.
The benefits of Spectra laser include:
- More even, less bumpy skin texture
- Fine lines and wrinkles smoothed
- Active acne cleared up
- Acne scarring and other scars reduced
- Blotchy pigment and skin tone evened out
- Tighter, firmer skin
- A youthful “glowing” look
- Unwanted tattoo ink removed or dramatically faded
The Spectra Laser Peel Procedure by Dr. Umar in Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles
Pain Management
Due to Spectra technology’s nonablative, gentle nature, you will experience nominal to no pain. You will most feel a hot sensation on your skin and a mild prickling feeling. Topical anesthesia is not generally applied with this treatment.
Length of the Session
Before starting the Spectra laser treatment, Dr. Umar will apply a carbon-based lotion to the entire treatment area. He will then move the laser slowly across the areas where skin resurfacing is desired. The entire process should take no longer than 15-20 minutes.
Post-Treatment Recovery
Part of the beauty of Spectra is that you can immediately resume your normal activities post-procedure. With lasers that target cosmetic issues requiring more aggressive treatment, there can be weeks of downtime. Spectra typically requires no downtime or recovery. If skin appears red afterward, this should subside within a few hours.
At most, and only in rare cases, patients may experience visible redness, mild swelling, slight bruising, and itching at the treatment site. If this is the case for you, icing the area will speed up the recovery process.
Following your session, applying an SPF 30 or above is recommended when exposed to direct sunlight and wearing a hat or other protective clothing whenever possible. Aside from having a skin resurfacing procedure, it is always wise to use sun protection as general skin care and anti-aging practice.
How Much Time is Needed Between Spectra Sessions
Many patients see improvement in just one or two sessions. Your skin will need approximately two weeks to heal and recover before your next session.
Spectra Levels Out Texture and Pigment Almost Anywhere on the Body
Dr. Umar can perform the Spectra laser peel on almost any body region where skin resurfacing is desired. The most commonly indicated areas for this treatment are:
- Face
- Neck
- Chest
- Backs of the hands
Dr. U Skin Clinic Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles: Spectra Laser Before and After Photos
The patient below struggled with years of sun damage to her skin. This resulted in age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, chapped or dry-looking skin, and a blotchy overall appearance. Her results are from one treatment using the Spectra peel in combination with one Fraxel Dual session; the difference is remarkable. Family and friends have noticed the improvement, and even strangers have complimented her on her glowing and youthful skin.
Full Video of Spectra Laser Patient
Fraxel Dual Laser and Spectra Laser treatment of wrinkles and Age Spots
For more information visit http://www.finetouchdermatology.comThe patient visited Dr. Umar at Finetouch Dermatology for treatment of her sun/age spots, wrink…
Contact Dr. U Skin Clinic for a Free Consultation on Spectra Laser Treatment
To attain tight, smooth, glowing skin, despite textural or pigmentation concerns, get in touch with Dr. U Skin Clinic to schedule your complimentary consultation–no commitment required. Dr. Umar will talk to you about your specific cosmetic needs and desires to plan your best course of treatment.
FAQs for Spectra Laser in Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles
How quickly can I expect to see results with Spectra laser?
Many patients see results a couple weeks after their first session with Spectra. Depending on the severity of your cosmetic issue, it may take up to three sessions to see optimal improvement. This would require a period spanning approximately eight weeks.
How do I prepare for my Spectra peel session?
Protect your skin from the sun and avoid tanning for as long as two weeks before your session. Arrive at the clinic with a clean, makeup-free face.
Have more questions about Spectra laser treatment? Use the button below to ask Dr. U.
Further Reading:
Find out how to get rid of acne with laser treatments.
References:
- Chemical Peel: Purpose, procedure, risks, results. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-chemical-peel-treatments#1. It was accessed on July 20, 2022.
- Collagen. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collagen. Published May 24, 2022. Accessed July 20, 2022.
