What to Expect During a Medspa Laser Treatment

1. Your Initial Visit: Assessment Before Any Laser Is Turned On

A laser treatment should never begin with “Which package would you like?” It should begin with a medical and cosmetic evaluation. At our Sherman Oaks medical spa, this includes:

Medical history and medication review
You’ll be asked about:

• History of cold sores, keloids, or poor wound healing
• Tendency to scar or pigment (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation)
• Autoimmune conditions, active infections, or recent procedures
• Medications that increase photosensitivity or bleeding risk (e.g., certain antibiotics, isotretinoin, blood thinners)

Skin type and pigment evaluation
We assess:

• Fitzpatrick skin type (how your skin responds to sun)
• Tendency toward melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Presence of redness, broken capillaries, rosacea, or active acne
• Prior laser or resurfacing treatments and how your skin responded

Clinical judgment that matters
This is where physician oversight is critical. In our practice, we may:

• Avoid aggressive resurfacing on melasma-prone or deeply pigmented skin and instead favor more conservative or staged approaches.
• Suggest IPL Photorejuvenation, Laser Genesis, or vascular-focused lasers (such as Cutera Excel V or Lumenis Stellar M22) when redness and broken capillaries dominate rather than texture.
• Defer treatment altogether if you have a fresh tan, active infection, or are not in a position to avoid sun exposure afterward.

Sherman Oaks–specific insight
Because of the year-round sun in the San Fernando Valley, we see many patients with a mix of sun damage and pigment instability. It’s common for us to postpone or modify laser settings if we see recent tanning, self-tanner, or uneven pigment that may react unpredictably to energy-based treatments.

2. Treatment Planning: Matching the Laser to Your Goals

Once we understand your skin and history, we match the device and settings to your concerns and tolerance for downtime. In a physician-led setting, this step is not rushed.

You can expect a discussion around:

• Primary goals:
  • Brown spots and sun damage
  • Redness, visible vessels, rosacea
  • Fine lines, pores, mild scarring
  • Laxity and collagen support
• Types of laser/energy options:
  Examples may include:
  • IPL Photorejuvenation for brown spots and diffuse redness
  • Laser Genesis or similar non-ablative rejuvenation for texture, glow, and redness with minimal downtime
  • Vascular laser (e.g., Excel V) for broken capillaries and more stubborn redness
  • Fractional resurfacing for fine lines, scars, and deeper texture issues
• Downtime and social/work schedule:
  We frequently see patients who work in entertainment, healthcare, and service industries locally. Many prefer “no one can tell tomorrow” options (like gentle Laser Genesis or low-density resurfacing) for weekdays, and reserve higher-downtime treatments for long weekends or holidays.

We will outline not just the first session, but usually a series—most meaningful laser results come from multiple treatments, strategically spaced and sometimes combined with other modalities such as microneedling, radiofrequency, or medical-grade skincare.

3. Pre-Treatment Preparation: How to Get Your Skin Ready

What you do in the weeks and days before treatment is as important as the session itself.

You can typically expect instructions such as:

• Sun avoidance:
  • Avoid tanning (including self-tanner) for at least 2–4 weeks before most laser treatments.
  • Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily, reapplying if you’re outdoors.
• Topical skincare adjustments:
  • You may be asked to pause retinoids, exfoliating acids, and products with strong fragrances or irritants a few days prior.
  • For some pigment-prone patients, we may add a pre-treatment pigment-control regimen (e.g., gentle brightening agents) to reduce the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Medications and medical safety:
  • If you have a history of cold sores, we often prescribe antiviral prophylaxis before treatments near the mouth or face.
  • You may receive instructions regarding blood thinners, aspirin, or certain supplements that increase bruising—always coordinated with your prescribing physician when needed.
• Lifestyle considerations:
  • Plan to avoid intense workouts, saunas, hot yoga, and swimming pools for a period after treatment; arranging your week accordingly makes recovery smoother.

If your provider does not give you clear, customized pre-care instructions, that is a red flag for safety and quality.

4. Day of Treatment: Check-In and Skin Prep

On the day of your laser appointment, expect the process to feel more like a medical visit than a casual spa session.

Arrival and consent

• You’ll review and sign a consent form outlining risks, benefits, alternatives, and post-care.
• The provider confirms your recent sun exposure, skincare changes, and overall health since the consultation. Any new medications or tanning can alter the plan, and in our practice, we are comfortable rescheduling if it protects your skin.

Skin cleansing and photography

• Your skin will be thoroughly cleansed to remove makeup, sunscreen, and oils.
• Standardized before photos are typically taken to track improvement accurately and guide future settings.

Eye protection and marking

• You’ll wear protective eye shields or goggles selected for the device being used.
• The provider may mark specific treatment zones, vessels, or pigmentation patterns.

For facial lasers, this pre-treatment process usually takes longer than the actual laser passes—and that’s appropriate when safety is prioritized.

5. Anesthesia and Comfort: How Much Will It Hurt?

Your comfort plan depends on the laser type, depth, and area treated.

Common options include:

• No anesthesia for very gentle treatments (e.g., Laser Genesis-type protocols) that feel mildly warm or like a series of gentle flicks.
• Topical numbing cream applied 20–45 minutes prior for more intense resurfacing or higher-fluence treatments.
• Cooling air (e.g., Zimmer Cryo) directed at the skin during pulses to reduce heat sensation and protect the epidermis.
• Local injections or nerve blocks for select high-intensity resurfacing or small, very sensitive areas.

In our Sherman Oaks practice, we spend time balancing comfort with efficiency—enough numbing for you to tolerate the procedure well, but not so much that it distorts anatomy or prolongs the visit unnecessarily.

6. During the Laser Session: What You Will Feel and Hear

The exact sensation varies by device, depth, and settings, but there are some common experiences across most treatments.

You can typically expect:

• Sounds and light:
  • A beeping tone or “snap” with each pulse.
  • Bright flashes of light (your eyes are protected, but you’ll still perceive flashes).
• Sensations:
  • Mild warmth or a quick, hot “rubber band snap” sensation with each pulse.
  • With vascular or pigment lasers, some pulses may feel sharper than others, especially over bony areas or dense pigment.
• Smell:
  • A faint smell similar to singed hair or skin is normal with many resurfacing or higher-energy protocols.
• Duration:
  • A focused facial treatment can take 15–30 minutes once numbing is complete.
  • Larger areas (neck, chest, hands, or body) may take longer.

Throughout, a trained provider should continuously check in on your comfort and skin response, adjusting energy, pulse duration, and cooling as needed. Under physician-directed protocols, we are careful not to “chase” every visible vessel or dark spot in a single session if it requires excessive energy that increases complication risk.

7. Immediately After Treatment: How Your Skin Will Look and Feel

What you see in the mirror right after a laser session depends on the type and strength of treatment, but some responses are very common and expected:

• Redness (erythema):
  • Most patients look as if they have a moderate sunburn right after treatment.
  • Redness may last a few hours to a couple of days depending on intensity.
• Swelling (edema):
  • Mild swelling, especially around the eyes and cheeks, is common.
  • Vascular and more aggressive resurfacing treatments may cause more noticeable swelling for 1–3 days.
• Darkening of pigmented spots:
  • Brown spots and sun damage may darken and look like “coffee grounds” or peppery specks before they flake off over 5–10 days.
• Skin sensation:
  • Warmth, tightness, or mild tenderness is typical for several hours.
  • We often apply a cooling gel or compress immediately afterward for comfort.

You should receive printed or digital post-care instructions before leaving, including what to do and what to avoid over the next several days.

8. Post-Treatment Care: Protecting Your Results and Your Skin

Post-care is where good results can become excellent—or complications can develop if instructions are ignored.

You can expect guidance such as:

Cleansing and skincare:

• Use gentle, non-foaming cleansers and avoid scrubs, washcloths, or exfoliating brushes.
• Moisturize frequently with bland, fragrance-free products approved by your provider.
• Do not pick at flaking or darkened pigment; let it fall off naturally.

Sun protection:

• Strict sun avoidance is non-negotiable after laser.
• Use a broad-spectrum, mineral-based SPF 30+ and reapply every 2 hours outdoors.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and seek shade; car windows, patio dining, and quick errands can still contribute to pigment rebound.

Activity restrictions:

• Avoid hot showers on the treated area, saunas, steam rooms, and intense workouts for 24–72 hours (varies by treatment).
• Avoid pools, hot tubs, and oceans until the skin barrier is clearly intact again.

Makeup:

• For milder treatments, makeup may be allowed after 24 hours if skin is intact and not abraded.
• For more aggressive resurfacing, you may be asked to avoid makeup for several days.

In our local patient population, we pay special attention to outdoor habits—frequent driving between Sherman Oaks, Studio City, and the broader Valley, plus outdoor workouts, often requires reinforcing realistic sun-protection strategies that fit how patients actually live, not just written instructions.

9. Downtime and Recovery Timeline

Downtime is not one-size-fits-all. Different laser approaches have very different recovery expectations:

• Minimal-downtime treatments (e.g., Laser Genesis-type protocols):
  • Mild redness for a few hours.
  • Makeup typically allowed the next day.
  • Socially and professionally “normal” within 24 hours.
• Moderate downtime (many IPL or mid-strength fractional treatments):
  • Redness and swelling for 1–3 days.
  • Darkening and flaking of pigment over 5–10 days.
  • Easily covered with makeup once surface integrity is restored.
• Higher-downtime resurfacing:
  • Intense redness, swelling, and a sandpaper-like texture for several days.
  • Peeling or crusting as the skin renews over 5–10+ days.
  • Redness may linger for weeks, gradually improving, even as skin quality is visibly better.

We help patients schedule around life events—weddings, filming, important meetings—so the peak redness or peeling does not coincide with important dates.

10. Results: When You’ll See Changes and How Long They Last

Laser treatments can deliver both immediate and progressive improvements.

Short-term changes (days to weeks):

• Brightening of sun spots and discoloration
• Reduction in diffuse redness and broken vessels
• Smoother texture and more even tone
• “Glow” or radiance, especially with gentle collagen-stimulating protocols

Longer-term improvements (weeks to months):

• Gradual collagen remodeling leading to firmer, smoother skin
• Softer fine lines and shallow scars with repeated sessions
• More even pigmentation when combined with appropriate skincare and sun habits

Results are influenced by:

• Your skin type and baseline damage
• The device and settings selected
• How many sessions you complete
• How consistently you protect your skin from sun and inflammation afterward

We emphasize maintenance and realistic expectations: in high-UV environments like Sherman Oaks, laser results are best preserved with ongoing sun protection and, for many patients, periodic maintenance sessions rather than one-time treatments.

11. Risks, Side Effects, and When We Avoid or Modify Laser Use

Any energy-based treatment carries risk. In a physician-directed medspa, the goal is to minimize those risks with appropriate patient selection, conservative settings when warranted, and honest communication.

Common, expected side effects:

• Redness, swelling, warmth
• Temporary darkening of brown spots
• Mild crusting or flaking
• Short-term sensitivity or dryness

Less common but more serious risks:

• Burns or blisters
• Infection
• Scarring
• Prolonged redness
• Worsened pigment (hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation)

Scenarios where we may avoid or delay laser treatments:

• Recent tanning or sunburn
• Active infection (herpes lesions, bacterial or fungal infections)
• Certain autoimmune conditions flaring in the skin
• Inability to avoid sun or follow post-care instructions
• Pregnancy (for many devices, we choose to defer unless there is a compelling medical indication and safety data)

In darker skin types or in patients with a history of pigment instability or melasma, we often use different modalities (e.g., gentler settings, alternative wavelengths, or non-laser options) and may emphasize topical regimens, microneedling, or other strategies instead of or in addition to lasers.

12. How Laser Fits into a Comprehensive Treatment Plan

Laser is powerful—but it is not a solution for everything. In our practice, laser often works best as part of a broader, physician-guided plan that may also include:

• Wrinkle relaxers for expression lines
• Dermal fillers or biostimulators for volume loss and contour
• Laser combined with medical-grade skincare to maintain pigment and texture results
• Energy-based tightening, microneedling, or chemical peels for specific issues lasers alone do not fully address

We avoid over-relying on any single modality. Instead, we match each tool to the problem: lasers for pigment and vessels, neuromodulators for movement lines, fillers for structure, and collagen-stimulating or resurfacing options for texture and quality.

13. What to Watch For After Treatment – When to Call

While most laser recoveries are straightforward, you should contact your provider promptly if you notice:

• Increasing pain, rather than gradual improvement
• Spreading redness, pus, or foul odor (possible infection)
• Large blisters or skin that looks white, gray, or blackened
• Vision changes or eye discomfort after periorbital treatments
• Severe swelling that does not improve within expected timelines

In a physician-led setting, there should be a clear plan for follow-up, emergency contact, and in-person re-evaluation if something does not look or feel right.

14. Combining Laser with Injectables, Threads, and Other Treatments

Laser is often one part of a broader medical aesthetic plan, not the entire solution.In our practice:

• Wrinkle relaxers like Botox can soften movement lines that no amount of resurfacing can fully erase.
• Hyaluronic acid fillers and biostimulators (such as Sculptra) can restore volume and structure, allowing resurfacing lasers to “polish” the surface rather than overworking deeper tissue.
• Collagen-building treatments such as Morpheus8 or Smooth Threads may be sequenced with laser for tightening or textural improvement.

We customize the order and spacing of these procedures to protect your skin barrier, avoid overlapping inflammation, and maintain a practical schedule for your work and family life.

Clinical positioning: how laser fits into long-term planning

• For early aging and redness: laser often serves as a maintenance backbone, with occasional injectables for specific lines or volume.
• For moderate to advanced photoaging: we often plan a staged approach—resurfacing plus volume restoration and ongoing pigment control.
• For patients with high UV exposure (common in Sherman Oaks): we rely on ongoing, milder treatments and strict SPF rather than repeated aggressive resurfacing.

15. Who Is Not an Ideal Candidate for Laser?

Laser can be powerful and transformative, but it is not right for everyone at every moment.We may postpone or avoid laser if:

• You have a recent tan or cannot commit to sun protection
• Your melasma is unstable, or you have a history of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation without adequate pre-treatment
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding (depending on the device and indication; we’ll discuss specifics)
• You have an active skin infection or open lesions in the treatment area
• Certain medical conditions or medications increase your risk of poor wound healing or light sensitivity

In these cases, we will discuss alternative medical aesthetic procedures that may be safer, or focus first on stabilizing your skin before introducing laser.