Laser skin treatments have transformed the way we approach skin rejuvenation, making it possible to improve tone, texture, and clarity with precision and minimal downtime. At Willow Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, our advanced laser platforms are designed to safely and effectively address a wide range of concerns. Whether you’re treating sun damage, acne scars, fine lines, or simply refreshing your glow, understanding what to expect before and after treatment is key to getting the best results.
Understanding Your Laser Options
Each of our laser treatments is uniquely designed to meet specific needs, from youthful maintenance to complete skin renewal.
BBL® HERO™ Face & Body
The next generation of BroadBand Light therapy, BBL HERO™ addresses sun damage, age spots, redness, and uneven skin texture across both facial and body areas. The HERO handpiece allows faster treatment of large zones like the back, chest, and arms, making it an excellent choice for total-body rejuvenation.
Forever Young BBL®
This treatment works on a cellular level, using light energy to activate genes linked with youthful skin function. With regular maintenance, Forever Young BBL® can help delay visible aging while enhancing tone, clarity, and radiance.
HALO® Laser
HALO combines two wavelengths (ablative and non-ablative) to resurface the skin at multiple depths simultaneously. This hybrid technology delivers dramatic improvements in texture, fine lines, and pigmentation with less downtime than traditional resurfacing.
MOXI® Laser
Ideal for early rejuvenation or maintenance, MOXI provides gentle “prejuvenation.” It creates tiny micro-columns in the skin to stimulate collagen and renewal without significant recovery time, making it perfect for busy patients who want to stay ahead of aging.
MicroLaser Peel
The MicroLaser Peel precisely removes the outermost skin layers for smoother, healthier-looking skin. Because depth can be customized, it can be a light weekend peel or a deeper resurfacing treatment, depending on your goals and schedule.
AviClear™ Acne Laser
AviClear is the first FDA-cleared laser to treat acne at its source by targeting the sebaceous glands. It’s completely drug-free, safe for all skin tones, and provides long-lasting oil and breakout reduction.
Laser Hair Removal & PicoWay® Tattoo Removal
From permanent hair reduction to the removal of unwanted ink, our advanced laser systems can safely treat a variety of skin types. PicoWay’s ultra-short pulses shatter tattoo pigment while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
Before Your Laser Appointment
Proper preparation helps promote a safe and effective treatment. During your consultation, we will design a plan tailored to your skin type, goals, and lifestyle.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Sun-tanned or recently sun-exposed skin is more sensitive to laser energy. Avoid direct sunlight, tanning beds, and self-tanners for at least two weeks before your appointment.
Discontinue Certain Products
Retinoids, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other exfoliating agents can make the skin more reactive. Your provider may recommend pausing these products five to seven days beforehand.
Stay Hydrated and Moisturized
Healthy, hydrated skin responds best to treatment. Use a gentle cleanser and rich moisturizer leading up to your session, and drink plenty of water.
Shave or Cleanse if Directed
If you’re having laser hair removal, shave the treatment area the night before. For facial treatments, arrive with clean skin free of makeup, sunscreen, or lotion.
Medications & Medical History
Be sure to disclose any medications, recent procedures, or skin conditions. Some antibiotics or supplements can increase photosensitivity, so your provider will determine if rescheduling is necessary.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. Most laser procedures at Willow take 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the area treated.
- Cleansing & prep: The area will be cleansed, and protective eyewear will be provided.
- Numbing (if needed): For deeper resurfacing (like HALO or MicroLaser Peel), a topical anesthetic may be applied 30 to 45 minutes beforehand.
- Treatment: We will glide the handpiece across your skin, delivering light or laser energy in controlled pulses. You may feel warmth, tingling, or a light snapping sensation.
- Cooling & protection: Many devices have built-in cooling to enhance comfort. Afterward, soothing ointment or a cooling mask may be applied to calm the skin.
Most patients describe the sensation as tolerable, comparable to a mild rubber-band snap, and find the procedure easy to complete.
Healing Timelines & Downtime
Every laser has a different recovery profile, and your provider will review what’s realistic for your skin.
- MOXI®: Mild redness and rough texture for a day or two. Makeup can usually be applied within 24 hours.
- Forever Young BBL® & BBL HERO™: Temporary warmth or redness for 24 to 48 hours. Pigmented spots may darken and flake off within a week.
- HALO®: Swelling and bronzing (a sandpaper-like feel) for three to five days. Full healing typically occurs in one week.
- MicroLaser Peel: Recovery ranges from two to seven days, depending on treatment depth. Expect mild peeling and dryness as the skin renews.
- AviClear™: Minimal downtime: occasional redness and mild sensitivity that resolves within 24 hours.
- Laser hair removal and tattoo removal: May have short-term redness or swelling, but normal activities can typically resume immediately.
Post-Treatment Care: Protecting Your Results
How you care for your skin afterward is just as important as the treatment itself.
Keep It Cool and Clean
Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and cool water. Avoid scrubbing, rubbing, or using washcloths for the first few days.
Hydrate Generously
Moisturizers rich in ceramides or hyaluronic acid will help repair the skin barrier and prevent tightness or flaking.
Avoid Heat and Sun Exposure
Skip saunas, steam rooms, and exercise for 24 to 48 hours. Always apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, as fresh skin is highly sensitive to the sun.
Don’t Pick or Peel
As your skin renews, tiny brown spots or flakes may appear. Let them shed naturally. Picking can lead to scarring or pigmentation.
Resume Active Products Gradually
You can typically reintroduce retinoids or exfoliants after five to seven days, once your skin feels smooth and calm.
Reveal Your Best Skin With Laser Treatments
At Willow Medical Aesthetics & Wellness, every laser treatment is more than a procedure; it’s a personalized path to lasting confidence. Whether you’re refreshing your glow with MOXI® or transforming your complexion with HALO® or BBL® HERO™, every session is designed for safe, visible, and natural-looking results.
Skin renewal continues well beyond your appointment, and we’re here to guide you through every step, from preparation to post-care and maintenance. Schedule your consultation today and step into radiant, resilient skin.
