We create some of our most fond memories under the glowing sun, but we are also unintentionally creating dark spots, sunspots, and other forms of skin damage at the same time. While we want to hold on to those special moments forever, we don’t necessarily want any skin damage to stick around. With Icon™ Laser treatments at Erwin Dermatology, we can safely and effectively eradicate these skin concerns while simultaneously restoring a more radiant and smoother facial skin complexion for glowing skin.
What Is Icon™ Laser?
Icon™ Laser is a skin revitalizing treatment that utilizes optimized pulsed light with many different wavelengths of light, each with a filter designed to target and treat specific concerns on the skin. A cooling handpiece is gently moved over the treatment area to address concerns such as:
- Age spots
- Brown spots
- Sun damage
- Facial veins
Icon™ laser treatments have additional benefits that encourage long-term improvement in the skin. These benefits include:
- Collagen stimulation
- Kickstarts the natural healing process
- Non-invasive treatments
- Little downtime
How the Icon™ Laser Works
The Icon laser is an industry-leading IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) and laser technology system designed to address multiple skin concerns with precision and versatility. This advanced device combines intense pulsed light (IPL) and fractional laser technology, making it a powerful solution for treating acne scars, surgical scars, facial veins, unwanted hair, and a variety of other skin imperfections.
At the core of the Icon laser treatment is its ability to deliver targeted laser energy to specific areas of the skin. This energy is absorbed by problem spots such as brown spots, age spots, vascular lesions, and pigmented lesions, triggering the body’s natural healing process. As a result, the skin ramps up collagen and elastin production, which helps to smooth fine lines, reduce wrinkles, and improve overall skin texture and tone. Over time, this process leads to a more even skin tone and a youthful, glowing complexion.
The Icon system features multiple specialized handpieces, each tailored to address different skin conditions. For example, the Icon 1540 fractional laser handpiece is used for non-ablative skin resurfacing, reaching deep into the skin to stimulate new tissue growth without damaging the surface. This makes it especially effective for minimizing the appearance of acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks. Meanwhile, the Icon MaxG handpiece utilizes intense pulsed light IPL technology to target unwanted hair, reduce facial veins, and treat pigmented lesions, helping to clear facial vessels and even out skin tone.
One of the standout features of the Icon laser is its suitability for all skin types and tones, making it a flexible option for anyone seeking to address multiple skin concerns. Whether you’re dealing with sun damage, aging skin, or other imperfections, the Icon laser can be customized to your unique needs.
Treatment sessions are typically quick, ranging from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the size of the treatment area and the number of concerns being addressed. Most patients require a series of treatment sessions to achieve optimal results, but the process is designed to minimize discomfort. A topical anesthetic may be applied to the targeted area, and the Icon system’s built-in cooling system helps to further reduce any sensation during the procedure, ensuring a comfortable experience.
Icon™ Laser Resurfacing Treatments
After attending a consultation wherein your cosmetic goals are discussed, you will arrive for your first Icon™ Laser treatment. To begin treatment, you will be given protective eyewear, and a protectant serum will be applied to the face. Next, your provider will carefully glide the Icon™ Laser handheld device across your face. The device will emit a cooling sensation to ensure you remain comfortable, but a slight rubber-band snapping feeling may occur. Depending on the size of the treatment area, the procedure can last for as little as a few minutes. Once your skin has been thoroughly treated, the protectant is removed before a cooling and soothing gel-like serum is applied.
Icon™ Laser Recovery
It is normal for the skin to feel warm after Icon™ Laser treatments. Patients may experience temporary redness and swelling after ICON laser treatment, which usually subsides quickly. Redness may appear after the ICON laser session but typically disappears within 1-3 days.
Patients can usually return to normal activities within days after ICON laser treatment due to minimal downtime. You will not need any bandages or healing ointments after treatment, as it is a non-invasive procedure.
Your skin may feel like it has a mild sunburn for a few days following treatment, but this should be no cause for concern. You will be advised to apply an SPF of 45 or higher during your recovery and beyond. You can expect light peeling and flaking for 7-21 days after treatment.
Please do not pick at your skin, as your body will take care of the shedding on its own. You can expect continued improvement in the radiance, smoothness, and youthfulness of your skin over the next 6 weeks.
Depending on your goals, you will need additional treatments to experience the best results possible. Most patients require around 1-3 treatments and can quickly return to their normal activities.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re seeking to undo the damage done by sun exposure, look no further than treatments using the Icon™ Laser. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Erwin at Erwin Dermatology, contact us by calling (979) 543-9933. You can also head to our website to start learning more about this, and our other, incredible rejuvenating treatments today!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What type of pigment can be treated?
Icon™ Laser treatments are designed to address a wide range of pigmentation concerns such as age spots, sun damage, and freckles on the face, neck, chest, arms, hands, legs, and feet.
- What type of vessels can be treated?
When it comes to treating pesky veins and blood vessels, Icon™ Laser is suitable for treating spider veins and broken vessels on the face, neck, and chest.
- Am I a good candidate for skin revitalization?
A variety of different factors go into deciding whether or not treatment is suitable for you. A consultation is the best way to determine if you are a candidate for Icon™ Laser treatments. Icon™ can be safely used on skin types I-IV.
- What type of results can I expect?
With the proper amount of treatments using Icon™ Laser, you can expect to see a decrease in the appearance of brown spots, sun damage, and vessels. You will also notice a more radiant and smoother complexion. Your skin will experience continued improvement over the course of 6 weeks following your treatment.
- How long does the treatment take?
Depending on the size of the treatment area and the severity of your skin concern, treatments can take anywhere from 5-30 minutes.
