Light and Laser Treatments
A Range of Options is Available in Weymouth, MA
"LASER" stands for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation." Laser treatments at Weymouth's South Coast Dermatology involve sources of high-intensity, single-wavelength light applied to a variety of conditions. Uses include cosmetic dermatology (such as spots and fine lines) and medical dermatology (such as acne and chronic skin conditions). How each laser is used depends on its wavelength, pulse, and energy output, known as fluence.
The various types of lasers differ based on what produces the beam itself. This determines the wavelength of the laser, its depth of penetration, and which conditions it can treat. There are also intense light treatments (IPL) that are not laser treatments, but work in pulses to clear lesions and more.
Send a message online today to set up a consultation to discuss laser treatments in Weymouth, MA, on the South Shore. Patients in Braintree, Hingham, Quincy, and beyond can call South Coast Dermatology at 781.335.9700 for more information.
Laser Skin Resurfacing
ClearLift™, formerly known as Pixel Q-Switch, is a non-ablative treatment for laser skin resurfacing. These laser treatments can fade areas of hyperpigmentation, ease the symptoms of melasma and rosacea, and be applied to particularly challenging skin imperfections. Sessions are considered to be fast and comfortable, with no downtime necessary afterward.
Fractional Resurfacing
This laser treatment reduces the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, surgical scars, and stretch marks on any area of the body. Fractional resurfacing involves creating "columns" in the skin that trigger healing not just in the impacted area, but all around. Treatments are performed in a series, with sessions scheduled once a month for three to six months. Very little downtime is required after each laser treatment.
Meet Our Physicians
Heidi Anderson-Dockter M.D.
Dr. Anderson-Dockter is a highly trained dermatologist in general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She is also a faculty member at Roger Williams Medical Center.
Meet Dr. Heidi Anderson
Meet Our Physicians
Susan D. Decoste, M.D.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. DeCoste practices general, medical and surgical dermatology with a strong background and interest in laser and cosmetic dermatology.
Meet Dr. Susan D. Decoste
Meet Our Physicians
Teresa DeGiacomo, M.D.
Dr. DeGiacomo is a longtime fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, with a strong interest and experience in cosmetic dermatology.
Meet Dr. Teresa DeGiacomo
Meet Our Physicians
Courtney Csikesz, M.D.
Board certified in dermatology and pediatric dermatology, Dr. Csikesz practices general, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatology with clinical interests in acne, pediatric surgery, and lasers.
Meet Dr. Courtney CsikeszBlue Light Therapy
A versatile treatment, Blue Light Therapy is primarily used at South Coast Dermatology for clearing actinic keratoses (scaly patches considered to be pre-skin cancer) and treating acne.
Actinic keratosis treatment with Levulan PDT involves the application of a topical solution absorbed by AK cells in the skin. Exposure to a specific blue light destroys the now-sensitive cells.
For acne, controlled exposure to the blue light—for about 16 minutes per session, once or twice a week—is enough to kill the bacteria that can lead to the inflammation and infection visible as pimples, pustules, and nodules.
Excimer Laser
Excimer uses a focused beam of light to target psoriatic plaques and vitiligo. The ray of light is delivered via a handheld wand that focuses on the lesion rather than treating your entire body like narrowband UVB phototherapy. Advantages of these laser treatments include faster clearance of lesions because a higher dose can be delivered to the specific areas that need it without affecting healthy skin. It can also be used to treat areas that are difficult to treat in a phototherapy unit such as behind the ears and the genitals.
All patients seeking laser treatments should talk to the South Coast Dermatology team to learn about what to do before and after treatments to maximize results and minimize side effects. Avoiding sun exposure is important prior to and following any light-related treatment.
Beyond these choices, there are also laser treatments for hair removal, tattoo removal, and more.
Laser treatments at Weymouth, MA's South Coast Dermatology are ideal for residents of Braintree, Hingham, Quincy, and all the South Shore. Call 781.335.9700 for more information, or send a message online.
