Cosmetic Treatments: Lasers, Devices and What to Expect
In-clinic treatments can do what skincare cannot, but results depend on choosing the right treatment for your skin and goals. Here is what to know before you book.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Danny Guo, MD, FRCPC, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist✓ Reviewed Nov 2026· 3 full videos · 13 Shorts
Key takeaways
- In-clinic treatments can improve texture, pigment, redness and laxity in ways skincare cannot.
- Lasers and devices are not interchangeable. The right one depends on your concern and your skin tone.
- Every procedure carries some risk, so an assessment and realistic expectations matter more than the brand name.
- Strong chemical peels and deep microneedling should not be done at home.
- Online before-and-after photos can be misleading because of lighting, angles and editing.
How do lasers and energy devices work?
Lasers and energy-based devices use light, heat or radiofrequency energy to target specific problems. Some target pigment, some target blood vessels for redness, and others create controlled injury to stimulate collagen for texture, scars and fine lines.
Resurfacing lasers range from gentle non-ablative treatments with little downtime to ablative treatments with more downtime and bigger changes. Radiofrequency microneedling combines tiny needles with heat to tighten and smooth the skin.
The right device depends on what you are treating and your skin tone. Deeper skin tones need devices and settings chosen carefully to avoid burns and pigment changes, and every device carries some risk of side effects.
What helps jowls, a double chin and the neck?
The lower face changes with age as bone, fat, ligaments and skin all shift. Jowls and a softer jawline usually come from a combination of volume loss, descending fat and skin laxity, so the best approach often combines more than one treatment.
Options include fillers to restore structure, energy-based devices to tighten skin, treatments that reduce fat under the chin, and surgery for more significant laxity. A consultation helps match the treatment to the cause.
Skincare, massage and facial exercises cannot lift jowls, but daily sunscreen and retinoids support skin quality alongside in-clinic care.
Full video · 12 min
How To Fix Jowls
Quick answers · 4 Shorts
Are at-home devices and peels worth it?
Some at-home devices have modest evidence. LED masks may help mild acne and fine lines with consistent use, but results are smaller and slower than with in-clinic treatments.
Other gadgets are mostly marketing. Before buying, look for published studies and realistic claims.
Strong chemical peels, such as high-strength TCA, and deep microneedling should never be done at home. The risk of burns, infection, scarring and dark marks is high, especially in deeper skin tones.
Full video · 21 min
Which At-Home Beauty Devices Are Worth It?
How do you get realistic results?
Hands show sun damage, volume loss and thin skin, often before the face does. Daily sunscreen and a retinoid help, and in-clinic treatments such as lasers and fillers can improve spots, texture and volume.
Be cautious with online before-and-after photos. Lighting, angles, makeup and editing can make results look very different from reality.
Choose a qualified, licensed practitioner, ask about risks and downtime, and expect a treatment plan rather than a single miracle session.
Full video · 14 min
Aging Hands? What Actually Works and What Doesn't
Quick answers · 1 Short
Frequently asked questions
Which laser is right for my skin?
It depends on what you want to treat, such as pigment, redness, texture or laxity, and on your skin tone. A dermatologist will assess your skin and recommend a device and settings that suit both.
Is laser treatment safe for darker skin tones?
Many lasers can be used safely in darker skin, but device choice and settings matter. The wrong treatment can cause burns or pigment changes, so see an experienced practitioner who regularly treats your skin type.
Do LED masks work?
There is some evidence that red and blue light can help mild acne and fine lines when used consistently. At-home masks are much weaker than in-clinic devices, so results are modest.
Can I do a chemical peel at home?
Gentle at-home exfoliating products are fine, but strong peels such as high-strength TCA should only be done in a clinic. At-home peels can cause burns, infection, scarring and dark marks.
How do I choose a cosmetic provider?
Look for a licensed, qualified practitioner with experience in the treatment you want, a medical assessment before treatment, a clear explanation of risks and downtime, and a plan for managing complications.
When to see a dermatologist
See a dermatologist for an assessment before any cosmetic procedure, especially if you have a darker skin tone, a history of cold sores or scarring, or are pregnant. The right treatment depends on your skin, goals and medical history.
In Calgary?
Dr. Guo sees patients at Rejuvenation Dermatology. Learn more at calgaryderm.com.
Sources
Educational content only. It is not medical advice and does not replace an assessment by your own doctor or dermatologist.
