Laser Skin Rejuvenation, Resurfacing & More

Whether it comes from the sun, body chemistry or the aging process. life takes its toll on your skin. Fortunately, you can diminish or correct these skin issues with our wide range of laser treatments. Many people are self-conscious about the appearance of their skin and want a safe, effective treatment with no anesthesia and minimal downtime. Fortunately, medical technology has come a long way. Whether you have wrinkles, acne scars, or brown spots, we have a solution for you.

 

We use ablative, non-ablative, and fractional lasers to perform skin rejuvenation & resurfacing treatments at varying depths depending on your goals. Learn more about our laser skin rejuvenation and resurfacing options and how they can benefit you. Laser skin rejuvenation and resurfacing are both safe, effective treatments which use laser energy to target various skin types and concerns. Laser skin rejuvenation and resurfacing technologies have been proven to address common issues, including acne scars, discoloration, and fine lines or wrinkles. We provide cutting-edge techniques and individualized care to help you reach your aesthetic goals.

LASER SKIN REJUVENATION & RESURFACING FAQS

WHAT IS LASER REJUVENATION & LASER RESURFACING?

Ablative laser treatments, non-ablative laser treatments, and fractional laser treatments are ideal for people who are not quite ready for cosmetic surgery but want to treat the most common signs of aging on the face.

Ablative lasers remove the thin outer layer of skin while heating up the underlying skin. As the skin heals and regrows, it appears smoother and tighter. The depth that the laser penetrates is customizable based on your skin condition and the results you want to achieve. These lasers may involve some social downtime, but can often produce significant results with a single treatment session.

Non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, heat up the underlying tissue without causing harm to the surface. For this reason, non-ablative laser resurfacing is less invasive than ablative lasers and requires less recovery time. These devices work by gently heating the targeted area to stimulate collagen from within. Non-ablative treatments can help restore firmness, as well as even out skin’s tone and texture. They typically offer a gradual improvement over multiple sessions and involve no downtime.

Fractional lasers treat microscopic sections of the skin while leaving the surrounding area untouched. This approach allows for dramatic results with less downtime. Fractionated lasers can be ablative or non-ablative.

WHICH LASER IS BEST FOR ME?

During your consultation at Sona Dermatology, your experienced provider will assess your cosmetic goals in order to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs. Each procedure at Sona Dermatology is meant to generate long-lasting benefits for the health and appearance of the skin. When patients arrive at our office for their consultation, we perform an assessment to understand your skin type and learn about your issues.

The best candidates for laser skin resurfacing are individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of their skin and suffer from fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, and acne scars. Individuals who are in good general health and have realistic expectations are most likely good candidates for any laser procedure. Your provider will assess your skin concerns and your individual goals to develop a personalized treatment plan for you.

At Sona Dermatology, we actively research new products and technology, and are committed to providing our patients the most effective, safest options in cosmetic dermatology. We provide treatments for the correction of a variety of conditions, and our providers will help you decide which approach is right for you. Please read more about the many laser treatments we offer our patients below.

WHAT MACHINES DO YOU USE?

Sona Dermatology proudly offers the newest and safest laser technologies to help our patients with a wide range of skin concerns.

We offer the following laser technologies to treat a wide range of concerns including sun spots, wrinkles, skin texture, vascular lesions, & more:

 

  • Motus AY
  • *Halo™
  • *Excel® V
  • *BBL (Broadband Light Therapy)
  • AFT (Advanced Fluorescence Technology)
  • Pixel®

*Only available at our Bethesda & Germantown Locations

HOW MANY TREATMENTS DO I NEED?

During your consultation at Sona Dermatology, your experienced provider will assess your cosmetic goals in order to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs. Most patients can see a significant improvement in the appearance of their skin after the first treatment. Depending upon the condition of your skin and the body location being treated, the average patient requires 2-5 treatment sessions for best results.

WHAT ARE THE PRE-TREATMENT AND POST-TREATMENT CARE INSTRUCTIONS

PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Two weeks prior to treatment, discontinue using all alpha hydroxyl acid products (those containing glycolic or lactic acid), salicylic acid products, retinoids (Retin A, Renova, Differin, and Tazorac) and other topical acne medications such as benzoyl peroxide. If in doubt about using any product, please discontinue it and discuss with us at your appointment. No antibiotics and/or any photosensitive medications may be used during the time of treatment.
  2. Do not have Botox injections, dermal filler injections, chemical peels or microdermabrasion in the treatment area for at least 14 days before your laser treatment.
  3. Laser treatments are not recommended for tanned patients until the tan has faded. Sun exposure must be avoided between treatments for a minimum of four weeks before treatments. This includes sun exposure and tanning booths. Artificial tanning products must be discontinued two weeks prior to treatments. Be sure to avoid tanning or sunless tanners and to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen for up to six weeks prior to treatment. Patients are instructed to avoid sun exposure and to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 between treatments.
  4. Patients with a history of cold sores should be take an oral antiviral medication (Zovirax or Famvir) the day before treatment. Laser heat can trigger and/or reactivate the virus in the same way as sun, stress, and fever. Consult with your physician if you need a prescription.
  5. At the time of treatment, laser protective glasses MUST be worn.

POST-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Avoid sun exposure to the treatment area, and do not use UV tanning beds at all for three weeks after treatment. Use a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of 30 or above on a daily basis (rain or shine).
  2. DO NOT TOUCH, RUB, and SCRATCH OR PICK the treated area.
  3. Cleanse the area treated gently. The treated area may be washed gently with a mild soap. Skin should be patted dry & not rubbed during the first 48 hours.
  4. No makeup/lotion/moisturizer for the first 24-72 hours. Keep the treated area clean & dry, if further redness or irritation persists, skip your makeup & moisturizer, until the irritation has subsided.
  5. It is imperative that you avoid excessive heat in the treatment area, such as hot tubs, saunas or working out for 24 hours to avoid swelling.
  6. Do not use any topical products that cause photosensitivity (e.g. hydroxy acids, salicylic acid, retinols, and benzoyl peroxide) in the treatment areas for three days after treatment. Use a gentle cleanser and lotion on treated areas.
  7. Do not have Botox injections, dermal filler injections, chemical peels or microdermabrasion in the treatment area for at least 14 days.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The cost of your laser treatment will depend on a few factors, including the size of the area being treated and the number of treatments needed to achieve the desired results. During your consultation at Sona Dermatology, your experienced provider will assess your cosmetic goals in order to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs. At this point, we will be able to provide you with the exact cost of treatment. Please see here for more pricing information.


At Sona Dermatology, we actively research new products and technology, and are committed to providing our patients the most effective, safest options in cosmetic dermatology. We provide treatments for the correction of a variety of conditions, and our providers will help you decide which approach is right for you.


MOTUS AY FAQS

WHAT IS MOTUS AY LASER REJUVENATION?

A Laser Rejuvenation Treatment is a non-invasive laser treatment that restores skin tone and treats fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, redness, and large pores. This technology works by delivering thousands of micro-pulses of light into the dermis causing an increase in collagen production which will result in visibly smoother, more vibrant, and healthier-looking skin.

Our 1064 Nd:YAG Laser Facial is a non-invasive laser treatment that restores skin tone and treats fine lines and wrinkles, scars, large pores and active acne. We utilize the 1064 Nd:YAG wavelength to heat and kill bacteria on and under the skin, preventing future acne outbreaks. The heat also penetrates deep enough into the skin, to stimulate the natural production of collagen, which shrinks pores, evens skin tones, and increases the speed of cell turn over. This laser treatment is completely painless and allows you to return to your normal lifestyle immediately following your treatment.

WHAT SKIN CONDITIONS CAN A LASER REJUVENATION FACIAL TREAT?

The Motus AY addresses concerns of:

 

  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Large pores
  • Acne
  • Uneven skin tone and texture
  • Acne marks and mild scarring
  • Redness or rosacea

WHAT OTHER SKIN CONDITIONS CAN MOTUS AY TREAT?

Benign Vascular Lesions
Our NdYag 1064 laser targets a vast array of vascular lesions — including hemangiomas, port wine stains, birthmarks and telangiectasis — and do so with no incisions, no downtime, and minimal discomfort. The laser light works to constrict blood vessels without harming the surrounding tissue. Telangiectasia and spider veins visibly disappear and vascular imperfections on the face, including rosacea, are erased.

 

Benign Pigmented Lesions
Discoloration of the skin is an inevitable reality which can be brought on by age, sun exposure, or environmental factors. Pigmentation issues come in many shapes and sizes. Age spots, brown spots, birthmarks, and darker pigmented lesions are just a few of the most common challenges. Our 755 Alexandrite laser provides an easy way to refresh skin and eliminate a range of imperfections. Treatments are quick and have minimal downtime, making them great alternatives to peels, microdermabrasion, and invasive surgery.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

During your consultation at Sona Dermatology, your experienced provider will assess your cosmetic goals in order to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs. On average, a series of 4 to 6 treatments spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart are recommended to achieve optimal results.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE TREATMENT?

Immediately after your treatment, you may notice mild facial reddening associated with a sensation of heat that should disappear within a few hours. Results are typically seen immediately but can take 3-4 weeks to appear as the new cells reach the surface of the skin and the body’s collagen production increases. Individual results do vary depending on your skin condition.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECOVER AND WHAT AFTER-CARE INSTRUCTIONS SHOULD I FOLLOW?

There is no downtime required for this treatment. Most patients report few or no side effects, making this the perfect lunchtime or on-the-go treatment. Your provider will discuss aftercare plans to follow that will involve avoiding direct sun exposure and using sunscreen.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The cost of your laser treatment will depend on a few factors, including the size of the area being treated and the number of treatments needed to achieve the desired results. During your consultation at Sona Dermatology, your experienced provider will assess your cosmetic goals in order to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs. At this point, we will be able to provide you with the exact cost of treatment. Please see here for more pricing information.

Halo™ Laser Facial FAQS *Only available at our Bethesda & Germantown Locations

WHAT IS HALO™?

The advanced HALO™ hybrid fractional laser combines two different wavelengths to improve skin tone, texture, and discoloration, treat fine lines, improve melasma and acne scarring, minimize pores, and stimulate collagen production for all skin types. In reference to downtime, it is typical to see red and irritated skin for up to 5 days, however, makeup can be applied gently after just 24 hours.

The Halo™ hybrid fractional laser combines deep dermal rejuvenation with epidermal renewal for a combined synergistic effect you can’t get with any other treatment. Halo creates beautiful results without the downtime of more aggressive treatments.

The difference between ablative and non-ablative treatments is that ablative lasers remove the top layer of skin, while non-ablative lasers work by heating up the underlying skin tissue (without harming the surface) so that your body will produce new collagen.

WHAT SKIN CONDITIONS CAN A HALO™ TREAT?

It is most commonly used for:

 

    • Treating fine lines and wrinkles
    • Reversing sun damage/dyschromia
    • Resurfacing skin texture irregularities
    • Revising scars, including acne scars
    • Diminishing signs of aging
    • Treating pigmented lesions
    • Shrinking the appearance of enlarged pores

 

HALO™ is safe for all skin types. Because the device offers hybrid fractional technology, the laser treats the skin evenly. With other types of laser resurfacing, darker skin colors can be negatively affected. The hybrid fractional laser HALO™, however, avoids this problem, so it is great for all skin types.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

During your consultation at Sona Dermatology, your experienced provider will assess your cosmetic goals in order to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs. Everyone has different needs for their unique skin. At Sona Dermatology, we customize your Halo™ treatments to fit with your busy lifestyle. We can provide a light treatment to create smooth, vibrant skin that’s ready for makeup the very next day. Or, we can go with a more intense treatment that will give your skin a youthful glow with just a few days of downtime.

Your provider will discuss your needs with you. You can then choose to have one or two more aggressive treatments or have multiple treatments that are less aggressive and achieve a similar goal over a longer period of time. On average, a series of 3 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart are recommended to achieve optimal results.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE TREATMENT?

It is typical to see red and irritated skin for up to 5 days. You are able to put make-up on 24 hours after the procedure if you need to return to your daily activities. After two to three days, you will develop a light bronzing appearance. By day three or four, your skin will peel, revealing your new skin beneath. This is the response from the melanin in the spot. It will break up and the surface skin will shed over the next week or so. The wound healing mechanism of increased collagen and elastin production will ramp up in about 1 week and this will continue for a few months.

The downtime for the Halo™ Pro is 5-7 days. Sona Dermatology recommends not putting on make-up for 72 hours after the procedure to help optimize the results. A person can anticipate varying degrees of red inflammation, swelling, and rough texture for a few days.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The cost of your laser treatment will depend on a few factors, including the size of the area being treated and the number of treatments needed to achieve the desired results. During your consultation at Sona Dermatology, your experienced provider will assess your cosmetic goals in order to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs. At this point, we will be able to provide you with the exact cost of treatment. Please see here for more pricing information.

BBL FAQS *Only available at our Bethesda & Germantown Locations

WHAT IS BBL?

Our skin can become dull and wrinkled for many reasons. Sun exposure, harsh chemicals, pollution, and the aging process all impact our skin’s appearance and health.

BroadBand Light Therapy (BBL) acts as a multi-tasking treatment that can help reduce the appearance of age spots to sun damage. BBL is a noninvasive laser treatment that improves and treats a variety of skin conditions. By utilizing light energy, BBL delivers pulses of light into the skin’s upper levels to stimulate collagen production and reduce pigmented lesions.

BBL stimulates cells to regenerate, and typically with the first treatment you will start to see smoother, more even and vibrant skin. The photothermal energy will eliminate fine vessels that cause redness and reduce unwanted melanin that produces age and sun spots. Your skin will feel smoother, pores will be less noticeable, and uneven pigmentation will fade.

BBL treatment is ideal for the face, neck, chest, and hands. However, it can be used on virtually any area of the skin.

WHAT SKIN CONDITIONS CAN A BBL TREAT?

BBL treats many skin concerns, primarily:

 

    • Age Spots
    • Sun Damage (Brown Spots)
    • Rosacea
    • Redness
    • Freckles
    • Skin Texture
    • Acne
    • Small Facial Veins

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

During your consultation at Sona Dermatology, your experienced provider will assess your cosmetic goals in order to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs. Depending on the condition treated and your skin type, we will personalize a treatment plan based on your needs and desired outcome.

The number of treatments varies from patient to patient - usually 3 to 4 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart are required for full correction, although additional treatments especially for rosacea and vascular sun damage, may be required.

BroadBand Light does not provide permanent results without commitment to aftercare from the patient; however, you can ensure your results last as long as possible by wearing sunscreen to avoid further sun damage. If you choose to receive multiple BBL treatments, every year, then your results are likely to persist.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE TREATMENT?

Once the session is over, the patient may experience some minor, temporary inflammation for a day or two. However, BBL therapy most often involves little to no downtime. In most cases, patients may even apply makeup directly to treated areas once the procedure is complete.

Immediately following treatment, you can expect to see redness, and it may feel like a slight sunburn in the treated area. Depending on the aggressiveness of your treatment, you may have swelling for a day or two. Pigmentation will turn darker and will slough off in 7-14 days. You may have bruising with vascular treatments.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The cost of your laser treatment will depend on a few factors, including the size of the area being treated and the number of treatments needed to achieve the desired results. During your consultation at Sona Dermatology, your experienced provider will assess your cosmetic goals in order to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs. At this point, we will be able to provide you with the exact cost of treatment. Please see here for more pricing information.

EXCEL® V Laser FAQS *Only available at our Bethesda & Germantown Locations

WHAT IS EXCEL® V?

Many people are affected with vascular skin conditions or pigmentation disorders that are either cosmetic or chronic. These conditions can have a serious effect on quality of life and/or well-being. To help treat and reduce these conditions, the Cutera Excel V laser precisely targets vascular concerns and benign pigmented lesions on the face and body. For pigment and vessels – reds, browns, blues and purples!

WHAT SKIN CONDITIONS CAN EXCEL® V TREAT?

Excel V can treat many skin concerns, including:

 

    • Rosacea
    • Angiomas
    • Port Wine Stains
    • Poikiloderma
    • Venous Lakes
    • Facial Veins
    • Leg Veins
    • Telangiectasia
    • Freckles
    • DPNs
    • Age/Brown Spots
    • Skin Tags
    • Acne Scars
    • Scar Reduction
    • Wrinkles

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

During your consultation at Sona Dermatology, your experienced provider will assess your cosmetic goals in order to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs. Depending on the condition treated and your skin type, we will personalize a treatment plan based on your needs and desired outcome.

Most treatments require only one to two treatment sessions. The number of treatments will vary based on your condition. During your consultation, we will discuss a customized treatment plan just for you.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE TREATMENT?

Redness and/or swelling can be expected following treatment and will resolve within a few days. Treated brown spots will darken and slough off within three to six days. For full face treatments, swelling will peak 24 to 48 hours post treatment and usually resolves within a few days. Typically, you can wear make-up and return to normal activities immediately. In some cases, you may receive a topical steroid to reduce swelling as needed.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The cost of your laser treatment will depend on a few factors, including the size of the area being treated and the number of treatments needed to achieve the desired results. During your consultation at Sona Dermatology, your experienced provider will assess your cosmetic goals in order to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs. At this point, we will be able to provide you with the exact cost of treatment. Please see here for more pricing information.

Sona Laser Rejuvenation Treatment
Sona AFT Before & After
Sona Motus AY Laser Facial Before and After