What to Expect During and After Your First Laser Treatment
- Cassie Ogren
- Dec 16, 2025
- 3 min read
Considering your first laser treatment can feel exciting—but also a little intimidating if you’re not sure what to expect. At Sanctuary Skin in Virginia Beach, we use the Aerolase Neo Elite, one of the gentlest, safest, and most versatile lasers available today. It treats everything from acne and pigment to redness, aging, and scarring… all with no downtime and suitable for all skin tones.
Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions clients ask before their first session.
What does the Aerolase Neo Elite laser treat?
The Aerolase Neo Elite is a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser designed to target multiple skin concerns safely and effectively. It can treat:
Acne & acne-causing bacteria
Inflammation and redness
Hyperpigmentation and sun damage
Melasma
Rosacea
Fine lines & wrinkles
Skin laxity (tightening effect)
Scarring and texture concerns
Large pores and dullness
Because the laser energy is delivered in extremely short pulses, it penetrates deeply without overheating the skin’s surface—making it comfortable for clients and appropriate for all Fitzpatrick skin types.
How does the Aerolase Neo Elite work?
The Aerolase uses short, controlled bursts of energy that selectively target different structures in the skin:
Pigment (melanin): breaks up dark spots so the body can clear them
Hemoglobin: reduces redness, visible vessels, and inflammation
P. acnes bacteria: helps clear active acne
Water in the dermis: heats deeper layers to stimulate collagen and tighten skin
This multi-target approach is why the Aerolase is so effective for complex concerns like acne with post-inflammatory marks, aging, redness, or melasma with inflammation.
Does the laser treatment hurt?
Most clients describe the sensation as a gentle warmth with the possible quick zap when passing over an area with higher concentrations of pigment or hemoglobin (similar to when cooking oil jumps from the pan to your skin). Compared to older lasers, Aerolase is exceptionally comfortable. You do not need numbing cream.
Clients often say:“It feels warm, but not painful.”“It’s way easier than I expected.”
Treatments typically take 15–30 minutes, depending on the area.
What will my skin look like immediately after the laser treatment?
Right after your session, you may notice:
Slight redness or a warm sensation (usually gone within a few minutes)
A healthy glow
Slight darkening of pigmentation as spots begin to lift
Mild tightness or dryness for some clients
If you’re treating hyperpigmentation, it’s completely normal for darker spots to look slightly darker for a few days—they will gradually lighten as they lift from the skin.
For acne clients, breakouts often begin to calm within 24–48 hours.
Most clients resume normal activities immediately, including makeup the next day.
How many laser treatments do I need to see results?
For best results, we typically recommend a series of 4–6 treatments, spaced every 2–4 weeks.
Here’s why:
Collagen stimulation is cumulative
Pigmentation fades in layers
Redness and vessels require repeated energy exposure
Acne and inflammation improve progressively
Many clients see visible improvement after just one session, but full transformation happens with a series.
How soon will I see results from a laser treatment?
Results depend on your skin concern, but generally:
Acne: first improvements within 1–3 days
Pigmentation: brightening within 1–2 weeks
Redness/rosacea: reduction in flushing after 2–3 sessions
Skin tightening: gradual improvement over 6–12 weeks
Texture/scarring: smoothing over several treatments
The Aerolase’s biggest advantage is that results build beautifully over time without downtime.
Is there downtime or post-care after the laser treatment?
There is no downtime, but we recommend:
Avoiding hot yoga, saunas, or intense workouts for 24 hours
Wearing SPF daily
Using gentle, hydrating products
Avoiding exfoliants or retinoids for 24–48 hours
Your esthetician will give you simple, customized post-care based on your skin’s needs.
Is the laser safe for all skin types?
Yes—Aerolase is one of the few lasers considered safe for all skin tones, from very fair to deep. Because the laser energy is delivered so quickly, it dramatically reduces risk of pigmentation issues in darker skin tones that were seen with older laser devices.
This makes it a great choice for diverse clients in Virginia Beach looking for gentle but effective skin rejuvenation.
Can I combine Aerolase with other treatments?
Absolutely. Some of our most popular combinations include:
Aerolase + DMK Enzyme Therapy
Aerolase + Customized Facials
Aerolase + Microneedling
Aerolase + Chemical Peels
Combining treatments can enhance collagen production, reduce downtime between services, and accelerate results.
How do I know if laser is right for me?
At Sanctuary Skin, our Master Estheticians will evaluate:
Your skin concerns
Your treatment history
Your sensitivity level
Your lifestyle and sun exposure
Your long-term goals
Aerolase is incredibly versatile, making it a fit for most people.
Ready for your first Aerolase laser treatment in Virginia Beach?
If you want clearer, brighter, calmer, or more lifted skin—with no downtime—the Aerolase Neo Elite is one of the safest and most effective options available.
Book your treatment at Sanctuary Skin today.
📍 Virginia Beach📞 757-646-7985💻 Book Online
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