An Evolution of Cosmetic Lasers

In the beginning lasers existed for port wine stains and for wart and crude tattoo removal yet not really for cosmetic purposes.  Scarring  was a big problem. In 1995 the UltraPulse CO2 laser by Coherent was introduced.  This was the first machine that produced dramatic improvement in wrinkles with low risk. Additional lasers came fast and furious as technology accelerated.  Photoderm was the original IPL  (Intense Pulse Light) and was sold as a treatment for veins and brown spots.  Later IPLs became much more user friendly and less likely to burn.   We used this machine for awhile and then abandoned it, waiting for something better to come along.

The something better was the VersaPulse laser.  This was actually 4 lasers in one box.  Facial veins could be easily treated with one, the other 3 were for pigmented lesions including all colors of tattoo.

Next came the Conbio Erbium laser, kinder and gentler wrinkle removal with less downtime.

The very first hair removal laser won FDA approval in 1995.  Within 6 months patients let me know they were not seeing the promised result. It took a long time before I looked at another hair removal laser. LightSheer by Lumenis came out in ’99.   It has been and still is the gold standard for permanent hair reduction.

In 2000 NLite non ablative laser and Thermage radiofrequency showed us that yes indeed, destruction (ablation) was not necessary to gain results. NLite was so gentle that there was no recovery.  It lessened fine lines around the mouth and eyes.

 Thermage provided skin tightening without downtime but this first model was pretty painful and the majority were not overwhelmed by results.  Thermage has been dramatically improved over the decade and we now see great results with much less discomfort.

The IPL made a comeback with the Quantum IPL in 2000.  Photofacial became the popular name for treatments that improved color and texture.

Within 3 years yet another advancement was achieved in IPL with the Lumenis One, a more user friendly machine with superior results in photodamage.

2005 was the year of the body.  Cynosure introduced the Smartlipo, the first laser to melt fat.

Thermage Body gave us a  weapon against cellulite in a single treatment. Triactive, low level laser plus suction and massage, is usedas maintenance after Thermage Body and as a multi-treatment standalone for cellulite.

In 2005 CO2 came alive again.  This time as a fractionated laser, the Active FX.  The benefit:  great results, a third of the recovery time and  no longer would we need to put patients to sleep to perform resurfacing of the face. And the neck and chest could be safely treated. Fraxel: ReStore resurfaces in 3 to 5 treatments with only 2 or 3 days of downtime.  Amazing improvement in scars as well as wrinkles and color and patients don’t have to miss a day of work.

Lumenis Light Sheer Duet for rapid hair removal came out in 2009. 

The Duet gave us the ability to treat 3 times faster (a man’s back in 20 minutes instead of an hour or more) with almost no discomfort!

In 25 years of practice I have seen the birth and maturation of a field of medicine: cosmetic dermatology.  I have used some of the best products and machines.  As 2010 unfolds there are countless indications for lasers with hundreds of machines from dozens of companies.  What the next 25 years will bring is hard to imagine but sure to be fantastic.  I will check back with you in 2035.

About Dr. Susan Van Dyke
Susan Van Dyke, M.D. is a board certified dermatologist who has performed more than 10,000 non-invasive cosmetic procedures.  She has served as a top consultant and national physician trainer for Medicis, Allergan, Lumenis and Solta (manufacturers of Thermage and Fraxel); on the advisory board for Valeant Pharmaceuticals; on the speakers’ bureaus for Valeant (Kinerase), RevaleSkin, Clinique Medical and Obagi; international lecturer for Solta, a “Platinum Plus” BOTOX Cosmetic and Juvederm Provider; and her practice is designated as a BOTOX Cosmetic National Training Center. Dr. Van Dyke has been honored as a faculty member by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. She has been featured in national publications such as Glamour and USA Today. Van Dyke Laser & Skin is celebrating its 25^th Anniversary on January 23^rd, 2010 with an open house.  For more information on Dr. Van Dyke, the open house and her practice, Van Dyke Laser & Skin, visit http://www.vandykelaser.com/ and her blog www.SkinEnvyMD.com

Hours of operation for Van Dyke Laser & Skin are Tues.-Fri. from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sat. from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. Consultations and appointments can be booked by calling 480.948.5045.

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