Laser & Energy Archives - Cleveland, Ohio | The Laser & Skin Surgery Center

How to Choose the Right Laser Treatment for Your Skin Tone

Laser treatments are popular for skin rejuvenation, treatment of blood vessels in the skin, hair removal, and pigmentation correction. However, choosing the right laser treatment for your skin tone is essential to achieve safe and effective results. Darker skin types (like FItzpatrick skin types 4, 5, and 6) which include darker Asian and African American complexions require specialized approaches to avoid complications.

Understanding Skin Types 4, 5, and 6

The Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin tones from type 1 (very fair) to type 6 (highly pigmented). Skin types 4, 5, and 6 are characterized by medium to deep tones, often found in individuals of Asian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, African, and South Asian descent.

These skin types have more pigment (melanin) which protects against UV rays. However, it can also make them more sensitive to laser treatments that are not specifically designed for darker skin. This is why choosing the right option among different laser types is important.

The Nd YAG Laser

The Nd YAG laser is often the safest choice for darker skin tones because it has a wavelength that has very little absorption by the melanin in the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). By bypassing the melanin in the epidermis, it reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation, making it an ideal option for darker skin types 4, 5, and 6. An Nd YAG laser can be used to treat discoloration, tattoos as well as blood vessels in darker skin types.

Diode Laser

The Diode laser is another laser which is an excellent option for hair removal in medium to dark skin tones. It offers a good balance between safety and effectiveness. It can target the hair follicles without excessively heating the surrounding skin and causing discoloration.

Picosecond Laser

A picosecond laser is a non-ablative laser that uses extremely short pulses that are a trillionth of a second long. A longer wavelngth picosecond laser can be effective for pigment issues, acne scars, and overall skin rejuvenation in Asian skin and other darker skin types. Its super short pulses minimize heat damage, reducing the risk of pigmentation changes.

Tips for Choosing the Right Laser Treatment

Always consult a board certified dermatologist experienced in treating darker skin tones, for a recommendation of the most suitable laser treatment for your skin type and specific concerns, to achieve the best outcome with the least risk.

Request treatment of a test area before undergoing full treatment to see how your skin reacts. This helps identify potential risks and ensures the laser is safe for your skin.

Book Your Laser Treatment in Westlake, OH

Choosing the right laser treatment for your skin tone will help you see the best results in the safest way. If you want to enjoy the benefits of laser treatments, call us at (440) 871-9832 and book an appointment with Dr Diwan at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center.

Pre-Wedding Planning for Cosmetic Treatments

Whether you are the bride, mother-of-the-bride, or a member of the bridal party, you want to look your best on the big day. At The Laser & Skin Surgery Center, Dr. Renuka Diwan can help you look and feel your best for the wedding with a variety of treatment options depending on your timeline. Like other aspects of the wedding, it’s best to plan ahead. Here’s a guide to give you an idea of how much time it may take for various treatments.

4 Days

If you are looking for a quick way to exfoliate dry, rough skin, remove peach fuzz for soft, smooth glowing skin or improve uneven skin tone, dermaplaning is a great choice. This non-invasive treatment rejuvenates your skin with no downtime. For a flawless red carpet-ready finish that celebrities have before big events, Dr. Diwan offers Aquagold microneedling with microinfusion. Make time for this at least 3 days (preferably 7 days) before your big day.

2-4 Weeks

For those who are on a short timeline and want to reduce the appearance of oiliness, pores, wrinkles or scars, we offer AQUAGOLD® microneedling treatments and dermal fillers like Juvéderm®.

6-8 Weeks

If you have a couple of months to prepare, there are a few more options. Non-invasive facial treatments that provide best results with a series of 6 treatments such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels. BOTOX® for wrinkles and excessive perspiration is ideal in this time frame, allowing time for a second visit for any touch up.

For longer eyelashes, we recommend Latisse®, which helps stimulate hair growth. Finally, if you want to address loose skin, Dr. Diwan can perform a mini facelift. A minimum of 8 weeks is recommended for planning a mini facelift.

3-6 Months

If you have a few months before the wedding day visible veins or sunspots can be significantly reduced with laser treatment, IPL treatment, or sclerotherapy. Excess skin on your upper or lower eyelids, can be removed with a blepharoplasty. Laser resurfacing or a series of microneedling treatments

can provide significant improvement of wrinkles and skin texture and allow time for complete recovery.

6-8 Months

If you’ve started planning even sooner, you’ll have enough time for body sculpting options. Dr. Diwan recommends either liposuction or CoolSculpting® for stubborn fat. Kybella® injections improve a double chin and fullness of jowls. If you’re going to bare your legs, we highly recommend Apollo Radiofrequency TriPolar treatment and other treatments for cellulite.

1-2 Years

Patients who plan far in advance can address most, if not all of their needs. You have enough time for laser hair removal, and tattoo removal.

If you need help preparing for a wedding, call The Laser & Skin Surgery Center today at 440-871-9832 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Diwan. We welcome patients living in or around Westlake and Cleveland, Ohio.

How Permanent Is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is among the most popular cosmetic treatments available today, and for good reason. Using advanced, state-of-the-art technology, laser hair removal destroys hair follicles to prevent them from growing back.

But is laser hair removal permanent?
Continue reading How Permanent Is Laser Hair Removal?

Do Laser Skin Treatments Hurt?

Dr. Renuka Diwan provides many types of laser and IPL treatments, which correct an array of skin problems: Continue reading Do Laser Skin Treatments Hurt?

Is Laser Treatment Good for Your Skin?

The short answer is, yes. Laser skin treatments can help refresh the skin and improve many skin conditions, including age spots, veins, wrinkles, scars, sagging skin, unwanted hair and tattoos. Lasers can target different structures in the skin. Pigment in the outer layer of the skin is targeted for treating sun spots caused by sun damage. Redness and veins are improved by lasers selectively treating veins. Wrinkles and scars are enhanced by the treatment of deeper dermal tissues with lasers. Tattoos are lightened and cleared by selective absorption of laser energy that reaches the tattoo ink particles below the outer layer of the skin. Unwanted hair in various areas is also selectively targeted by lasers that impact the root of the hair deeper in the skin.

At the Laser and Skin Surgery Center, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon Dr. Renuka Diwan has more than 25 years of experience using lasers to help address her patients’ skin issues. She is committed to delivering natural-looking results that give you the confidence that comes with ridding yourself of wrinkles, unwanted veins, discoloration, tattoos, and hair.

Dr. Diwan is dedicated to helping her patients. This blog explains the benefits of laser treatments and is intended to help patients make informed decisions about the procedures they’re considering.

How Do Laser Treatments Work?

The number of lasers manufactured has multiplied. Any given skin problem can be treated by lasers made by different vendors for the same problem. Each vendor has its own brand name for the laser, which is said to be the best. This is a source of confusion for patients looking for a specific laser. It’s better to ask if the physician has a laser that treats the particular problem you want to have treated. It’s important to remember that it’s not the laser that takes care of a problem but the specialist physician who knows how to use the laser who treats the problem. What patients need to know is the specialist’s training experience and skin as demonstrated by results.

Just as there are multiple lasers that can address a given problem, there is no single laser that can treat all problems. Dr. Diwan has invested in five lasers, intense pulsed light, and other devices for treating different skin problems, giving her the right tools to address various issues.

Resurfacing lasers are used to carefully remove layers of the skin. Fractional resurfacing lasers treat a fraction of the skin surface. Fractional resurfacing lasers create microscopic injuries to a controlled depth. The microscopic columns of treated skin are eliminated (seen as peeling) and are replaced by new healthy skin with more elastin and collagen. The new collagen and elastin cause an improvement in wrinkles and scars.

Preparing for Laser Skin Treatment

Many laser treatments are performed after simply cooling the skin or after numbing the skin with an anesthetic cream. Anesthetic injections and oral medications are needed for deeper laser resurfacing. Before your treatment, these steps can help set you up for success:

Tell Dr. Diwan if you get cold sores or fever blisters around your mouth. These can be activated by laser treatments around the mouth and need to be prevented with an antiviral medication started before your laser procedure.
Stop taking any medications or supplements that affect blood clotting, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E, 10 days before a laser resurfacing procedure.
If you smoke, quit smoking at least two weeks before and at least two weeks after a deeper laser resurfacing procedure.
Avoid a tan before your treatment by using adequate sun protection. Sun protection is essential after all laser treatments to ensure the success of the procedures and prevent complications.

What to Expect from Laser Skin Treatments

Depending on the problem being treated, the treated skin may be pink and slightly swollen, have darker pigmented spots, have peeling, or crusting. The skin needs to be handled and cleansed gently and treated as recommended. After laser tattoo removal, the treated area is covered with a bandage.

To get the best results of Laser Skin Treatments

Laser skin treatments are incredibly safe and effective, in the right hands and especially with the appropriate specific precautions and post-laser care. After laser resurfacing, follow these steps to maximize your results:

Avoid picking any crusting or scratch your skin. Apply icepacks to help reduce any discomfort or swelling.
Avoid strenuous exercise during this recovery period, as well.
Cleanse your skin two to five times per day using a cleanser recommended by Dr. Diwan.
Practice sun protection methods daily including the application of a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and a minimum SPF 30. This is important after any laser treatment.

Contact Our Westlake Dermatologist Today

Dr. Diwan strives to give her patients elegant results that give them back their self-confidence. She relies on her extensive experience and continuing education and recognizes every detail and nuance that can help give you a natural, age-appropriate look. Dr. Diwan serves Westlake, Cleveland, and nearby areas of Ohio. Call (440) 871-9832 today to schedule a consultation.

Fractionated Laser Resurfacing

Laser resurfacing has evolved from the traditional CO2 laser resurfacing to fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing. Fractionated CO2 laser resurfacing achieves high levels of improvement with a a series of treatments with shorter recovery time and fewer side effects, making it more compatible with today’s busy lifestyles.

The CO2RE Laser (Syneron/ Candela) is a fractionated CO2 laser (greater capability than the Fraxel Restore laser) used to improve wrinkling and pigmentation caused by sun damage, acne scars, and melasma (also called pregnancy mask).

How is fractionated laser resurfacing performed?

Our fractionated CO2RE laser treatments are performed in-office by Dr. Diwan with anesthetic cream and surface cooling or, if needed, anesthetic injections (nerve blocks), with or without oral medication for reducing discomfort and/or anxiety. Dr. Renuka Diwan then carefully uses the CO2RE laser to treat the problem areas. A pre-treatment consultation is required to determine a specific plan for your procedure.

Laser resurfacing is often followed by Botox® injections to prevent the reappearance of facial expression lines. You will be able to discuss your options with Dr. Diwan in detail prior to your laser treatment.

How long is recovery after fractionated laser resurfacing?

By the end of the treatment, the treated areas have a sunburnt appearance with pinkness, swelling, and peeling for about 7 days. The recovery time can be shortened by performing a lighter treatment. For the individual who wants a more noticeable effect, this can be achieved with a more aggressive treatment. This adds 3-4 days to the recovery time but the final result is achieved with fewer treatments. Moisturizer, sunblock, and make-up can be applied minutes after the treatment. The treatment may be repeated in six to sixteen weeks to achieve further improvement in the skin.

These photos are from a specific patient. Results may vary. Schedule a personalized consultation with our doctor to learn more.

Fractionated Laser Resurfacing Reviews from Real Patients

"Very much so. I had core laser to reduce wrinkles and I am very pleased with the out come. On a personal level I just feel better about my looks and have lost that feeling of “I look older than I am”. Have had many compliments, would do it again even with the 14 day down time and would highly recommend for anyone considering this procedure."

"I went to Dr Diwan for laser treatments on my eye lids for xanthelasma. I am very happy with the results she achieved! The office staff was very friendly and listened to my concerns. Dr Diwan was also very personable and friendly, and also called me later that night after the procedure to make sure I wasn’t having any problems or if I had any concerns. As xanthelasma can be a recurring problem, I will definitely be going back to Dr Diwan."

"I’ve suffered from acne since I was a teen. It left me with scarring and discoloration, which left me horribly insecure. I received laser dermabrasion and it improved my complexion tremendously. I’ve never second guessed or regretted my decision or investment. Dr. Diwan and staff did a great job!"

"I had the laser resurfacing with Dr. Diwan in March. The results are amazing. The fine lines have been removed."

Fractionated Laser Resurfacing Results

The best results are obtained after four to six treatments. Non-facial areas such as the neck, chest and the back of the hands can also be treated safely with the CO2RE laser. Once your treatment sessions are completed, your skin will appear smoother and more even. Patients are often thrilled with a more youthful appearance and experience a boost in their self-confidence.

You can maintain younger, healthier-looking skin by having periodic maintenance treatments with Dr. Diwan, or by combining your laser resurfacing treatment with other non-surgical options.

To see Before and After Pictures please click here

Schedule a Fractionated Laser Consultation in Cleveland

Call 440-493-1242 or use the form on this page to schedule a Fractionated Laser Resurfacing consultation with Dr. Diwan. She will listen to your goals, examine you and determine the best approach to meet your goals. We serve patients in Cleveland, Westlake and surrounding areas of Ohio.

Facial Veins | Red Spots | Cleveland, OH | Westlake, OH |

“Broken” blood vessels gradually appear on the face as a result of sun-exposure, Rosacea, heredity, or a combination of these factors. Patients are often self-conscious about the appearance of these veins, and are sometimes concerned about giving the impression of being heavy drinkers. Camouflage of the blood vessels with make-up becomes increasingly time-consuming and difficult. Fortunately, these veins can be effectively treated with a sophisticated laser treatment by Dr. Renuka Diwan.

Other blemishes such as blue-purple venous lakes on the lips, blue veins under the eyes, red angiomas on the face or body, red spider angiomas, redness of the face from Rosacea, redness of the neck from sun damage, and portwine stain birthmarks, that are related to blood vessels, can also be treated.

How are facial veins treated with lasers?

The blood vessels can be significantly improved, if not completely removed, by non-invasive treatments with a state-of-the-art laser. Dr. Diwan uses expert laser techniques to selectively target the blood vessels in the skin without breaking the skin’s surface.

How long is recovery after facial vein treatment?

The in-office treatment is followed by mild swelling and pinkness for 1-2 days. You should still feel well enough to return to work and be able to cover up any signs of treatment using makeup. Dr. Diwan will provide you with detailed care instructions after your facial vein treatment. It is important to avoid sun exposure as your skin heals, and thereafter.

Recovery from treatment of other individual problems related to blood vessels is similar and specific details will be explained in detail before your laser treatment.

These photos are from a specific patient. Results may vary. Schedule a personalized consultation with our doctor to learn more.

Facial Vein Treatment Reviews

Read what our patients are saying!

“I had laser under eye treatment for blue veins and I am very pleased with the outcome.”

“I had many small red spots on my scalp, which as a bald man, were very noticeable. Dr. Diwan was able to completely remove these with one quick and painless laser treatment. I’m perfectly happy with the results and wish I would have come to her long ago for this treatment.”

“I had laser treatment for veins on my face and am very happy with the results. I had laser treatments twice before at other facilities and this was a much better experience.”

Click here to read more reviews.

When will I notice the results of my facial vein treatment?

By the end of the laser treatment the veins become invisible. There is significant improvement after a single treatment. Further improvement is achieved with additional treatments, which are spaced at least six weeks apart. With the blood vessels removed, the original appearance of the skin, without the broken blood vessels, is restored.

Some other problems such as venous lakes and angiomas can take about three weeks to resolve.

To see Before and After Pictures please click here

Apollo Radiofrequency

This non-invasive, tripollar, radiofrequency treatment is FDA approved. Dr. Renuka Diwan uses the Apollo Radiofrequency device for the successful improvement of wrinkles, sagging skin, cellulite, and circumferential reduction.

How does Apollo Radiofrequency work?

The treatment works by tightening your skin’s existing collagen and stimulating the production of new collagen. The radiofrequency energy also shrinks fat cells. This tripollar treatment is a simple and effective in-office procedure that does not require any anesthetic or pain medications because it uses significantly less energy than older devices. Our Apollo Radiofrequency tripollar treatment can tighten sagging skin near the eyes, the rest of the face and neck, the arms, hands, thighs, flanks and abdomen. It can also be used for the treatment of cellulite on the thighs and buttocks, or to reduce the circumference of the thighs, flanks, abdomen and arms. Patients describe the Apollo radiofrequency treatment as being similar to a hot stone massage. Apollo can be used for the safe and effective treatment of the face and body and all skin types.

How long is recovery after Apollo Radiofrequency?

This is truly a lunch time procedure, with individual treatments taking less than an hour and no recovery time.

When will I notice the results of my Apollo Radiofrequency treatment?

Results are sometimes visible after the first Apollo treatment, but at a minimum, six treatments at approximately weekly intervals are generally needed for the full result. A one-on-one consultation with Dr. Diwan will allow her to make a professional recommendation for the most effective treatment plan.

These photos are from a specific patient. Results may vary. Schedule a personalized consultation with our doctor to learn more.

While the use of radiofrequency in medicine is not new, the Apollo Radiofrequency tripollar treatment utilizes new technology which makes it possible to achieve results without discomfort. Call now to schedule a consultation to find out how the tripollar treatment can help you.

To see Before and After Pictures please click here

Tattoo Removal in Westlake & Bay Village, OH

Tattoos may be “permanent,” but it’s not unusual to change your mind about body art. Many individuals choose tattoo removal as a step towards new personal or professional beginnings. The reasons vary from fading designs, unintended outcomes, or a shift in personal beliefs. At the Laser & Skin Surgery Center, we understand that each tattoo has a story, and when that story changes, we’re here to help you with the next chapter. Dr. Renuka Diwan uses advanced removal techniques that not only achieve your aesthetic goals, but also protect the health of your skin.

Advanced Technology: The Picolaser Difference

Unlike traditional lasers, the Picolaser operates at speeds measured in picoseconds (trillionths of a second), allowing it to target the ink with high precision without the thermal damage associated with slower devices. This advanced technology is particularly effective on stubborn colors and intricate designs, can reduce the number of sessions required and promote faster healing. Patients typically experience quicker recovery times, making it a superior choice for tattoo removal.

What to Expect: The Laser Tattoo Removal Process

Consultation and Customization

The journey begins with a thorough consultation where Dr. Diwan evaluates the specifics of your tattoo, including its size, location and color saturation. Understanding these factors allows us to develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific needs while ensuring the highest safety standards.

Preparation and Procedure

To ensure maximum comfort, we offer a local anesthetic injection of the tattoo before the treatment. You’ll wear protective eyeshields during the laser tattoo removal session. After anesthetic injection patients typically do not feel any discomfort.

Post-Treatment Care

Immediately after the treatment, we apply an ointment and bandage to soothe and protect the skin. Swelling and redness are common but typically subside within a few days. We provide detailed instructions, including how to care for the treated area, signs of infection to watch for, and tips for aiding the healing process.

Questions about Tattoo Removal?

Laser Tattoo Removal Treatment Timeline

Laser tattoo removal is a gradual process in which each session breaks down more ink. The number of treatments varies. Treatments are generally spaced six to eight weeks apart to allow the body to remove the ink particles and heal adequately between sessions. Following this schedule maximizes the effectiveness of the removal process and reduces the risk of skin irritation or damage.

These photos are from a specific patient. Results may vary. Schedule a personalized consultation with our doctor to learn more. Tattoo removal is not covered by medical insurance. A pre-treatment consultation is necessary.

To see Before and After Pictures please click here

Read what our patients are saying!

I was really bothered by broken blood vessels on on my cheeks and around my nose, but after two treatments with the pulsed laser from Dr. Diwan, they are ALL GONE! The treatment was fast, painless (I returned to work immediately), and affordable. If you, too, are troubled by this issue, don’t wait another day. Call Dr. Diwan’s office and schedule a laser treatment.

Click here to read more reviews.

Ready to Start Over? Schedule Your Consultation Today

Whether you’re seeking removal for a change in lifestyle, career, or personal taste, the Laser & Skin Surgery Center offers a professional and supportive environment to achieve your goals.

Dr. Diwan is a very experienced, board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained dermatologic surgeon, passionate about helping her patients have healthy, good-looking skin. She adopts the latest technology like the Picolaser to achieve optimal results with minimal discomfort. Contact us in Westlake, OH at 440-493-1242 to schedule a consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

Or Call us at 440.871.9832

Laser Pigmentation Treatment

The even color of the skin can become interrupted by the appearance of light or dark brown spots or patches. The most common reason for such discoloration is sun-exposure and its effect on the skin. All sun-exposed areas are affected, including the face, neck, the “V” of the chest, back, arms, backs of the hands, and the legs. In time, the discolored areas become more numerous, larger and darker, giving the skin a worn, weathered look. Dr. Renuka Diwan can help to effectively restore an even pigmentation of these areas with a customized laser treatment.

How is laser pigmentation treatment performed?

Rejuvenation of the skin includes treatment of skin discoloration. Laser treatment of excess melanin in the skin is the most specific treatment for brown discoloration. Treatment is performed in-office by Dr. Diwan. Many patients tolerate the minor discomfort from the procedure very well. For those who prefer it, pre-treatment of the area with an anesthetic cream can help diminish any minor discomfort. A pre-treatment consultation is necessary to evaluate the areas to be treated and to ascertain that more serious problems such as skin cancer are diagnosed and properly treated.

These photos are from a specific patient. Results may vary. Schedule a personalized consultation with our doctor to learn more.

How long is recovery after laser pigmentation treatment?

Bruising, limited to the treated area, is expected to last 5-14 days (depending on the location on the body). Use of sun-protection measures is vital to achieve an optimal result.

When will I notice the results of my laser pigmentation treatment?

Follow-up treatments at six-week intervals are sometimes needed in order to complete the treatment. You will notice gradual improvements in the appearance of your skin with each individual session. Long-term sun protection is important to minimize further sun damage and future pigmentation. For your convenience, effective sunblocks are available at our office to help maintain beautiful, evenly toned skin.

To see Before and After Pictures please click here