laser genesis | Laser skin rejuvenation

Laser Genesis kick-starts new collagen production, to repair signs of aging and sun damage. A nonablative vascular laser (meaning that it doesn’t remove the skin’s top layer), it uses micropulse technology at a wavelength of 1064nm, firing short bursts of energy so quickly that it doesn’t damage the skin’s surface.

In the hands of an experienced provider, it can safely treat fine lines, uneven texture, dullness, redness, rosacea, large pores, and acne scars, all without downtime.

The Laser Genesis device can safely treat skin anywhere on the face or body, and it’s often combined with other procedures, for optimal results. One of the major benefits of this laser treatment is that it’s much less likely to trigger hyperpigmentation in patients with dark skin, unlike many other lasers.

There’s little to no downtime after a treatment. You may look mildly flushed for a few hours.
The treatment has minimal pain.
Laser Genesis complements a wide variety of other treatments and can be performed on the same day as facials, chemical peels, more aggressive lasers, radiofrequency (RF) skin-tightening treatments and RF microneedling, and dermal fillers.
Because it’s a vascular laser, Laser Genesis can help treat rosacea and symptoms of rosacea—like irritation, swelling, pain, and sensitivity—by targeting the broken capillaries, diffuse redness, flushing.
Many say it’s been a life-changing treatment for their rosacea, melasma, acne, or excess pigmentation.
It’s considered very low-risk.
Any skin tone can handle this treatment, even those that are prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Who's a good candidate for Laser Genesis?

Laser Genesis is gentle enough for all skin types and tones. If you’re pregnant or nursing, avoid all laser treatments. Additionally, if you have any irritation in the treatment area, such as a wound, cut, or rash, skip the lasers until you’re healed.

Does Laser Genesis work?

A study from 2011 reported that 98% of test subjects were satisfied with their Laser Genesis procedure. After 30 days, these same volunteers had biopsies to determine that elastin had increased in the dermis, improving the look of dilated pores, acne scarring, skin texture, and fine lines.

How do you prepare for Laser Genesis treatment?

Prior to your appointment, your dermatologist will request you do the following:

If you have hair growth in the treatment area (even “peach fuzz”), shave or dermaplane 24 hours before your appointment. Waxing and/or using a depilatory is not recommended.
Stop using alpha and beta hydroxy acid or retinol products a week beforehand.
Two weeks before your treatment, you’ll want to stop tanning or avoid sun exposure, to avoid hyperpigmentation.
Because a laser procedure can trigger cold sores or a herpes outbreak, talk to your doctor about antiviral medication that you can take before your session.

What happens during Laser Genesis treatment?

The Laser Genesis procedure starts with a thorough skin cleansing in order to remove makeup, oil, and dirt.

Numbing cream is usually unnecessary and ill-advised: It affects the blood vessels, so you may not get as much of a redness-reducing benefit from Laser Genesis if you apply it beforehand.

You’ll be given protective eyewear before the treatment starts. As the laser’s handpiece glides over the skin, you’ll feel subtle warmth and tingling. After the treatment, your technician may apply a moisturizer, hydrating serum (ideally with hyaluronic acid), or growth-factor skin peptide, followed by sunscreen.

What should you expect during Laser Genesis recovery?

Typically, you won’t need any downtime or experience any of the burning or peeling that’s associated with more aggressive resurfacing lasers. You can expect a little redness and mild swelling, but there’s no need to take time off work, and you can resume normal activities, as long as you feel up to it.

If you wear makeup, you can apply it immediately following your treatment. Just skip any potentially irritating active skin-care products that contain acids, retinoids, or benzoyl peroxide for at least 24 hours. Use a moisturizer generously, if your skin feels particularly tight or dry. Avoid sun exposure right after the procedure as well as steam rooms, saunas, and heavy exercise.

If your skin is still red or feels painful by the third day, contact your doctor.

When will you see Laser Genesis results?

You’ll see brighter skin immediately, along with reduced facial redness, pores, and fine wrinkles. If you’ve had active acne outbreaks, you should see reduced inflammation, less deep congestion, and a decrease in the number of active cysts.

For optimal results, a series of Laser Genesis treatments is recommended, since the effects are cumulative.

After four to six sessions (spaced as closely as a week or two apart), you’ll start to see some improvement in the skin.

How long do Laser Genesis result last?

Results from an initial series of treatments can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months.

Some people have Laser Genesis treatments as frequently as once a month in order to maintain their results, but this depends on your skin and the issues you’re tackling. Fading of acne scars and age spots should be long-lasting, if the treatment is combined with medical-grade skin care, sunscreen, and regular facials. Staving off other pigmentation issues may require monthly follow-up visits.

Your lifestyle plays an important part in your skin’s health and upkeep. You can extend results from the Laser Genesis treatment by limiting sun exposure and wearing an SPF 50 sunscreen year-round, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and committing to a medical-grade skin-care regimen.

What are the risks and potential side effects of Laser Genesis?

Occasionally, a hive-like rash may occur in the days following your treatment, but it should clear in a day or two. And while long-term side effects are rare, RealSelf members have also reported blistering, peeling, and unevenly textured skin, likely the result of a poorly trained technician.

The biggest risk is for men who have facial or body hair covering treatment areas, says Dr. Emer. Similar to intense pulsed light (IPL), Laser Genesis targets hair, so treatments in hair-covered spots can be painful or lead to patchy, permanent hair loss.