A cosmetic laser - typically found in beauty salons and consumer market products - uses low-powered pulsed light technology. It is not a true laser in the clinical sense and cannot produce the same depth of effect or clinical outcome as a medical-grade aesthetic laser system. An aesthetic laser is a federally regulated medical device that may only be operated by a certified medical professional. The difference in outcome is significant - aesthetic lasers achieve results in one to a few sessions that cosmetic devices cannot produce at all. At Vilafortuny, all laser treatments use medical-grade aesthetic laser systems operated by Dr. Mario Trelles - a board-certified plastic and laser surgeon.

Pain levels vary by treatment type and individual sensitivity. IPL treatments are generally painless - most patients describe a mild warming sensation. Non-ablative laser treatments (The Laser) are well-tolerated with topical numbing cream. Fractional laser treatments involve more sensation - a local anaesthetic is administered before the procedure. Dr. Mario Trelles discusses the specific comfort management approach for each treatment at the consultation so patients know exactly what to expect.

This depends entirely on the treatment type and the condition being addressed. IPL photofacials typically require three to six sessions for optimal results. Non-ablative laser wrinkle treatment often produces results within two sessions. A single fractional laser session can produce significant improvement for deep wrinkles and sun damage. Tattoo removal typically requires six to twelve sessions depending on the size, colour, and depth of the tattoo. The treatment plan and session number is always established at consultation before any commitment is made.

Some laser treatments carry a higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones - this is one of the most important safety considerations in laser medicine and one that is assessed carefully at every consultation at Vilafortuny. The selection of laser type, wavelength, and energy settings must be adapted for the patient's Fitzpatrick skin type. IPL in particular requires careful consideration for darker skin tones. At Vilafortuny, all laser parameters are set individually for each patient by a medically qualified laser specialist - not by a technician following a standard protocol.