Laser dermatology FAQ

LASER is an acronym for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation”. Laser dermatology involves using a laser system to produce highly focused light, heat or acoustic energy to target specific depths of skin layers without causing damage to surrounding tissues.


EXCEL V + 532nm wavelength is adept at targeting abnormal blood vessels in the skin, while the 1064nm wavelength can extend to deeper vascular and pigmented lesions.


ENLIGHTEN III 532nm, 670nm and 1064nm wavelengths provide versatility in targeting various depths of pigment-causing cells in the skin.

Laser machines are not all the same. Different laser platforms are used to treat various types of skin conditions. The laser system can also be ablative or non-ablative. The effectiveness, safety and recovery period of laser systems also vary widely. The choice of picking the right machine is crucial. At Skin & Medical Northbridge, we prioritise two state-of-the-art laser machine developed by Cutera, the EXCEL V+ vascular laser system and ENLIGHTEN III Picosecond laser system.

Yes, laser dermatology is considered safe when performed by trained professionals. Both EXCEL V+ vascular laser system and ENLIGHTEN III Picosecond laser system are non-ablative laser systems developed by Cutera with extremely good safety profiles. At Skin & Medical Northbridge, our experienced doctors and nurse practitioners ensure your safety and comfort.

At Skin & Medical Northbridge, you will find the pricing of our laser dermatology treatment is very competitive. As a general rule, laser treatment represents good value for money in the long run. Most of the treatment provided by laser dermatology is more effective and lasts much longer compared to other measures.

Laser Dermatology can effectively treat various dermatological and aesthetic conditions, including:

  • Pigmentation conditions such as age spots, sun spots, melasma, Hori’s naevus, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
  • Acne and Rosacea-related conditions such as acute acne flare-ups, acne and rosacea preventions, reducing general redness and vascularity, acne red scars, and acne hyperpigmentation. It is also useful for post-acne and rosacea skin tone rejuvenation and brightening
  • Removal of lesions such as simple moles, seborrheic keratosis, solar lentigo, skin tags, warts and sebaceous hyperplasia.
  • Vascular conditions such as facial telangiectasia and spider veins, superficial leg veins and spider veins.
  • Facial overall skin rejuvenation to improve skin tone, and texture, tightening and reducing fine lines and wrinkles
  • Removal of tattoo
  • Removal of hair

Yes, our clinic offers laser dermatology treatments that are safe and effective for all skin types. Our experts customise treatments to match your unique needs.

As a general rule, any laser treatment cannot completely resolve your skin problems in one sessions. It is a gradual process and everyone responds differently to the treatment, depending on the condition to be treated, underlying skin nature, the severity of the condition, genetics, age, skin sensitivity, pain tolerance and underlying medical conditions.

On the contrary, non-ablative laser treatment from Enlighten III and Excel V+, not only do not thin out the skin, but the facial rejuvenation function is designed to improve the skin texture and contour, restoring the volume of collagen, reduce the sagging skin around the cheek and jaw while improving the appearance of wrinkles and lines around the forehead, eyes and lips, correcting the pigmentation, tone and skin discolouration and improving pore sizes and skin roughness.

Yes, our clinic offers laser dermatology treatments that are safe and effective for all skin types. Our experts customise treatments to match your unique needs.

Laser dermatology treatment with ENLIGHTEN III and EXCEL V+ are generally not painful. Compared to other laser systems, these genesis treatment provides a relatively comfortable experience that is well tolerated by most patients. During the sessions, most describe the treatment as a warm and tingling snapping of rubber bands against their skin. There is no painful sensation. There is no burning sensation. To improve the comfort level, at Skin & Medical Northbridge, our doctors and nurse practitioners can also provide topical anaesthetic gel prior to the treatment.

Both EXCEL V+ vascular laser system and ENLIGHTEN III Picosecond laser system are non-ablative, carefully controlled photoacoustic and heat energy laser system therapy and hence considered a very low-risk procedure. There is no peeling or ablation on the skin surfaces and hence no risk of bleeding or infections.

Some patients, due to the nature of their skin can sustain a histamine response in the treated area. This presents as itchiness, urticaria or rashes, very similar to allergic reactions to other triggers. These effects are self-limiting within two days and can be controlled by antihistamines and sometimes steroidal cream prescribed by our doctors and nurse practitioners.

It is common to have some area of redness and swelling following laser treatment, and occasionally bruising appearance on the skin. This is sometimes considered as a desired effect. Most will last for 1 to 2 hours and is self-limiting.

It is also common for any treated pigmented area to appear darker within 1 to 2 days before the desired effect of pigment reduction is achieved.

Both EXCEL V+ vascular laser system and ENLIGHTEN III Picosecond laser system are very well-tolerated procedures.

Most patients, especially with subsequent laser treatment, just feel a warm and spongy feeling on the face. With initial treatment and with some patients during subsequent treatment, it is common to have some area of redness and swelling following genesis treatment, Most will last for 1 to 2 hours and is self-limiting. Some white head or milia-type bumps may appear within days of treatment. This is a normal reaction to skin glands and is self-limiting.

Occasionally there can be a bruising appearance or darkening of the pigmented area on the skin. This is sometimes considered a desired effect and can occur within hours to 2 days after the treatment. These effects are also self-limiting.

Before any Laser treatment, please talk to our doctors or nurse practitioner for instructions. Consider doing the following:

  • Avoid tanning or sunburn at least 6 weeks before the first treatment and throughout the entire treatment process
  • Avoid treatment that may irritate the skin within 2 weeks such as waxing and certain topical therapy
  • Some topical skin products may need to be ceased 1 day prior to the treatment
  • Do not wear makeup on the day of treatment
  • Excess hair may need to be shaved on the day of treatment
  • Some patients may require to take cold sore therapy 1 day prior to or on the day of treatment
  • Some patients may be required to stop certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding on the day of treatment

After any Laser treatment, please talk to our doctors or nurse practitioner for instructions. Consider doing the following:

  • Apply simple moisturiser or sun protection cream immediately after the treatment
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure, or strenuous exercise and heat for 1 to 2 days
  • Avoid skin irritant for 1 to 2 days
  • Talk to our doctor or nurse practitioner about when to restart your usual facial topical products
  • Schedule a follow up treatment every 4 to 6 weeks

Schedule a consultation with Skin and Medical Northbridge. Our experts will assess your skin concerns, discuss your goals, and recommend suitable laser dermatology treatments.

Contact Skin &  Medical Northbridge to schedule a consultation. Our experienced team will guide you through the process, address your questions, and create a customised treatment plan for your unique needs. Let us be your partner in achieving healthier, more vibrant skin through laser dermatology. dermatology.