Laser Treatments

Advanced Laser Treatment for Skin, Hair and Aesthetic Concerns

Laser dermatology uses carefully selected wavelengths of light to target specific structures within the skin. Depending on the device, laser energy may act on hair follicles, pigment, blood vessels, water within the skin or damaged tissue.

At Skin Life Clinic, laser procedures are planned under the supervision of Dr. Tahir Kamal, Consultant Dermatologist, Aesthetic Physician and Dermatosurgeon. Every patient receives an appropriate assessment so that the diagnosis, laser type and treatment settings can be selected according to the condition and skin type.

What Can Laser Treatment Improve?

Laser and energy-based procedures may be used for:

• Unwanted facial and body hair

• Acne scars

• Enlarged pores

• Uneven skin texture

• Fine lines and photoageing

• Melasma and selected pigmentation

• Freckles and sunspots

• Post-inflammatory pigmentation

• Birthmarks and selected pigmented lesions

• Facial redness and visible vessels

• Tattoos

• Warts and selected benign growths

• Surgical and traumatic scars

• Stretch marks

• Skin resurfacing and rejuvenation

• Certain nail and dermatological conditions

Not every skin concern should be treated with a laser. A clinical diagnosis is essential before treatment, particularly for moles, unexplained pigmentation and changing skin lesions.

Laser Hair Reduction

Laser hair reduction uses light energy to damage active hair follicles and progressively reduce hair growth. Because hair grows in cycles, several sessions are normally required.

Common treatment areas include:

• Upper lip and chin

• Full face

• Neck

• Underarms

• Arms and hands

• Chest and abdomen

• Back and shoulders

• Bikini area

• Legs and feet

• Beard shaping

• Excess hair associated with hormonal conditions

Long-Pulse Nd:YAG Laser

Long-pulse Nd:YAG technology may be particularly useful for hair reduction in medium-to-darker skin types when appropriate settings and cooling are used. It penetrates more deeply and has less interaction with superficial epidermal pigment than some shorter wavelengths.

Expected Results

The aim is long-term hair reduction rather than a guarantee of permanent removal of every hair. Treated hair generally becomes:

• Finer

• Lighter

• Softer

• Slower growing

• Less dense

Maintenance sessions may occasionally be required, particularly when excessive hair growth is influenced by hormonal conditions.

Hormonal Hair Growth

Women with sudden or excessive facial hair, irregular periods, acne, weight changes or scalp hair thinning may require assessment for an underlying hormonal condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Laser treatment can reduce hair growth, but medical management may also be necessary.

Laser Treatment for Acne Scars

Acne scars can differ in shape and depth. They may be classified as ice-pick, boxcar, rolling, tethered, hypertrophic or keloidal scars. No single laser or procedure is suitable for every scar.

Treatment options may include:

• Fractional CO₂ laser

• Fractional Er:YAG laser

• Radiofrequency microneedling

• Subcision

• Microneedling

• Chemical reconstruction techniques

• Platelet-based procedures

• Dermal filler for selected depressed scars

• Surgical scar revision

Combination treatment is often required. Active acne should be controlled before intensive scar treatment is started.

Fractional CO₂ Laser Resurfacing

Fractional CO₂ laser creates microscopic treatment columns within the skin while leaving surrounding areas relatively intact. This stimulates controlled tissue remodelling and collagen formation.

It may be considered for:

• Acne scars

• Surgical or traumatic scars

• Uneven skin texture

• Enlarged pores

• Fine lines

• Selected wrinkles

• Photoaged skin

• Certain benign skin lesions

Recovery depends on the treatment intensity. Redness, swelling, crusting and peeling may occur. Post-treatment sun protection and skincare are essential, particularly in skin types prone to pigmentation.

Er:YAG Laser Treatment

Er:YAG laser is strongly absorbed by water in the skin and can remove very thin layers of tissue with precision. Depending on the device and settings, it may be used for superficial resurfacing or deeper fractional treatment.

Possible indications include:

• Fine lines

• Uneven texture

• Superficial acne scars

• Photoageing

• Selected benign growths

• Skin resurfacing

• Scar refinement

Compared with more aggressive CO₂ resurfacing, some Er:YAG treatments may produce less surrounding thermal injury and a shorter recovery. However, treatment selection depends on the indication and desired depth.

Laser Treatment for Pigmentation

Pigment-targeting lasers may help selected epidermal or dermal pigmentation by breaking pigment into smaller particles that are gradually cleared by the body.

Conditions that may be assessed include:

• Freckles

• Sunspots

• Lentigines

• Post-inflammatory pigmentation

• Certain birthmarks

• Nevus of Ota

• Selected cases of melasma

• Tattoo pigment

• Other localized pigmented lesions

Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser

Q-switched Nd:YAG laser delivers energy in very short pulses and may be used for selected pigmentation and tattoo colours. The 1,064 nm wavelength can reach deeper pigment, while frequency-doubled settings may target more superficial pigment in appropriately selected patients.

Melasma and Laser Treatment

Melasma is a chronic and recurrent pigmentation disorder influenced by sun exposure, heat, hormones and genetic factors. Laser treatment is not the first or only treatment for every patient.

Management may include:

• Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen

• Appropriate topical medicines

• Trigger reduction

• Chemical peels

• Selected low-energy laser protocols

• Long-term maintenance treatment

Excessive or inappropriate laser energy can worsen melasma or cause rebound pigmentation. Conservative treatment planning is therefore essential.

Tattoo Removal

Tattoo-removal lasers target pigment particles while attempting to preserve the surrounding skin.

The number of sessions depends on:

• Tattoo colour

• Type and depth of ink

• Professional or amateur application

• Age of the tattoo

• Treatment area

• Patient’s skin type

• Previous removal attempts

• Individual immune response

Black and dark-blue pigments often respond more predictably than certain green, yellow, white, red or skin-coloured pigments. Complete removal cannot be guaranteed. Residual colour, texture change or a visible outline may remain.

Laser Treatment for Facial Redness and Blood Vessels

Vascular lasers and selected light-based technologies target haemoglobin within visible vessels.

They may be considered for:

• Facial telangiectasia

• Persistent facial redness

• Rosacea-associated vessels

• Spider veins

• Selected vascular birthmarks

• Certain red scars

• Small superficial blood vessels

The appropriate wavelength depends on the colour, depth and diameter of the vessel. Several sessions may be required.

IPL Treatment

Intense pulsed light is a broad-spectrum light treatment rather than a true laser. Filters are used to target selected pigment, redness or hair follicles.

IPL may be considered for:

• Selected pigmentation

• Sun-related skin changes

• Facial redness

• Superficial visible vessels

• Photo-rejuvenation

• Hair reduction in suitable patients

IPL is not appropriate for every skin type or pigmentation disorder. Incorrect settings may cause burns, blistering or pigment changes.

Laser Skin Rejuvenation

Laser rejuvenation aims to improve overall skin quality by targeting uneven pigmentation, rough texture, enlarged pores or fine lines.

Depending on the condition, a plan may include:

• Non-ablative laser

• Fractional laser resurfacing

• Er:YAG or CO₂ laser

• Q-switched laser

• IPL

• Radiofrequency microneedling

• Chemical peels

• Medical-grade skincare

• Injectable skin-rejuvenation procedures

A combination approach may be recommended when several components of skin ageing are present.

Laser Treatment for Scars

Laser treatment may help selected:

• Acne scars

• Surgical scars

• Traumatic scars

• Burn scars

• Hypertrophic scars

• Red or pigmented scars

• Stretch marks

The treatment depends on whether the main concern is redness, pigmentation, thickness, tightness or textural irregularity. Additional treatment such as injections, silicone therapy, surgery, subcision or microneedling may be required.

Laser treatment can improve the appearance of a scar, but it cannot completely erase it.

Treatment of Warts and Benign Skin Growths

Selected warts and benign growths may be treated using ablative laser or other procedural methods.

Conditions that may be considered include:

• Resistant warts

• Skin tags

• Seborrhoeic keratoses

• Certain benign raised lesions

• Selected oil-gland growths

• Some superficial benign growths

Any uncertain, changing or pigmented lesion should be examined before removal. A biopsy or histopathological examination may be recommended if the diagnosis is not completely clear.

Laser Treatment for Nail Conditions

Certain laser systems may be used as an additional option for selected nail problems, including some cases of fungal nail infection. However, nail changes should first be properly diagnosed.

Management may also require:

• Nail microscopy

• Fungal culture

• Topical medicine

• Oral antifungal treatment

• Nail care

• Treatment of associated skin infection

Laser treatment should not automatically replace appropriate medical therapy.

Laser Treatment for Darker Skin Types

Patients with medium-to-dark skin have a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and, less commonly, loss of pigmentation following laser treatment.

Risk reduction involves:

• Correct diagnosis

• Selection of a suitable wavelength

• Conservative energy settings

• Effective cooling

• Test spots when appropriate

• Pre-treatment skincare in selected patients

• Strict sun protection

• Appropriate intervals between sessions

• Careful post-treatment monitoring

The same settings should not be used for every patient.

Your Laser Consultation

Before recommending treatment, we assess:

• Diagnosis and treatment objective

• Skin colour and sensitivity

• Depth and type of pigmentation or scar

• Hair colour, thickness and distribution

• Previous laser procedures

• Current medicines

• History of cold sores

• Tendency to develop keloids

• Recent sun exposure or tanning

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Previous reactions or pigment changes

• Expected benefits and limitations

Clinical photographs may be taken with consent to document the condition and monitor improvement.

Patch Testing

A test spot may be recommended before certain laser treatments, particularly in darker skin types or when treating an unfamiliar area.

A patch test can help assess:

• Immediate skin reaction

• Tolerance of selected settings

• Risk of blistering or pigment change

• Preliminary response of the target

A successful test spot reduces uncertainty but cannot eliminate every potential risk.

Preparing for Laser Treatment

Instructions depend on the procedure but may include:

• Avoid tanning and unnecessary sun exposure

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen regularly

• Stop waxing, threading or plucking before hair-reduction sessions

• Shave the treatment area when advised

• Avoid applying perfume, deodorant or irritating products to the area

• Inform the doctor about all medicines and supplements

• Mention any history of cold sores

• Do not use bleaching creams, retinoids or acids unless medically advised

• Avoid treatment over an active infection or open wound

• Follow any prescribed pre-treatment skincare programme

Do not discontinue a medically prescribed medicine without consulting the prescribing doctor.

What Happens During Treatment?

The area is cleaned and protective eyewear is provided. Depending on the procedure, cooling, topical anaesthetic or local anaesthetic may be used.

Patients may experience:

• Warmth

• Mild stinging

• A snapping sensation

• Temporary redness

• Mild swelling

Treatment time depends on the size of the area and the type of procedure.

After Laser Treatment

Aftercare may include:

• Cooling the treated area

• Applying prescribed soothing or healing products

• Using broad-spectrum sunscreen

• Avoiding direct sun exposure

• Avoiding heat, steam and strenuous exercise temporarily

• Avoiding rubbing, scratching or picking

• Delaying makeup until advised

• Avoiding active skincare ingredients during healing

• Allowing crusts or flakes to separate naturally

• Attending the recommended follow-up visit

Patients should contact the clinic if they develop increasing pain, extensive blistering, pus, spreading redness, unusual colour change or delayed healing.

How Many Sessions Are Required?

The number of sessions varies according to:

• Condition being treated

• Type and depth of target

• Laser technology used

• Skin type

• Treatment intensity

• Patient’s biological response

• Treatment area

• Adherence to aftercare

Some superficial lesions may improve after one session, while hair reduction, acne scars, tattoos and complex pigmentation usually require multiple treatments.

Possible Side Effects and Risks

Expected temporary effects may include:

• Redness

• Mild swelling

• Tenderness

• Dryness or peeling

• Temporary darkening of pigmentation

• Crusting

• Mild bruising

Less common risks include:

• Burns

• Blistering

• Infection

• Prolonged redness

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

• Loss of skin pigmentation

• Scarring

• Reactivation of cold sores

• Incomplete or uneven response

• Worsening of certain pigmentation disorders

The individual risks and expected recovery are discussed before treatment.

Who May Not Be Suitable for Laser Treatment?

Treatment may need to be delayed or modified in patients with:

• Active skin infection

• Open wounds

• Recent tanning or sunburn

• Active herpes infection

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding, depending on the procedure

• Certain photosensitive conditions

• Use of medicines that increase light sensitivity

• Poorly controlled medical illness

• Abnormal scar formation

• Unrealistic expectations

• An undiagnosed or suspicious skin lesion

Suitability can only be confirmed after assessment.

Why Choose Skin Life Clinic for Laser Treatment?

• Dermatologist-led evaluation

• More than 30 years of clinical experience

• Selection of treatment according to diagnosis and skin type

• Expertise in laser dermatology and dermatosurgery

• Experience treating Asian and darker skin tones

• Personalized energy settings and treatment intervals

• Combination treatment for complex scars and pigmentation

• Clear pre-treatment and aftercare guidance

• Emphasis on patient safety and natural-looking improvement

• Follow-up and management of treatment-related concerns

About Dr. Tahir Kamal

Dr. Tahir Kamal is a Consultant Dermatologist, Aesthetic Physician and Dermatosurgeon with more than 30 years of experience in medical dermatology, laser procedures, aesthetic medicine, hair restoration and reconstructive dermatologic surgery.

Qualifications and appointments:

• MBBS

• FCPS Dermatology

• D.D.Sc. UK, Gold Medalist

• MAACS USA

• CHPE, Gold Medalist

• Professor and Head of Dermatology, Al-Aleem Medical College and Gulab Devi Teaching Hospital

• CPSP Supervisor for FCPS, MD and MCPS

• CPSP Examiner for FCPS and MCPS

Book a Laser Consultation

A proper diagnosis is the first step toward safe and effective laser treatment. Arrange a consultation to determine which laser or combination treatment is appropriate for your skin type and concern.

WhatsApp: +92 333 433 8883
Clinic: Skin Life & Aesthetic Clinic, Lahore

Book an Appointment

Information on this page is provided for general education. Treatment suitability, expected improvement, recovery time and risks vary between individuals and can only be assessed during a medical consultation.