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Skin Care

What Does the Aerolase Laser Treat?

Tiaya Welsh, FNP-BC 5 min read

The Aerolase Neo Elite is a 650-microsecond Nd:YAG laser that treats over 36 skin conditions — including acne, rosacea, sun damage, fine lines, melasma, and vascular lesions — with no downtime and no numbing cream required. It is safe for all skin types, including darker skin tones, and most treatments take just 15–30 minutes.

Here’s a complete guide to what it treats and what to expect.

How Aerolase Works

The Aerolase Neo Elite uses a unique 650-microsecond Nd:YAG laser technology. In plain terms, it delivers energy in extremely short pulses that penetrate the skin without the heat buildup that causes pain and irritation with older lasers.

This means:

  • No numbing cream needed — most patients describe the sensation as a gentle warming
  • No contact with the skin — the handpiece hovers above the treatment area
  • No downtime — you can return to normal activities (including wearing makeup) the same day
  • Safe for all skin types — including darker skin tones that are at higher risk with other laser systems

Conditions Aerolase Treats

Acne and Acne Scars

Aerolase targets the bacteria that cause acne (P. acnes) and reduces the inflammation and excess oil production that lead to breakouts. For patients with active acne who haven’t responded to topical treatments, or for those looking to reduce the appearance of acne scarring, Aerolase offers a drug-free alternative.

Rosacea and Facial Redness

Rosacea causes persistent redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes acne-like bumps. Aerolase treats rosacea by targeting the dilated blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface, reducing redness and flushing. Many patients see visible improvement after just one or two sessions.

Sun Damage and Age Spots

Years of sun exposure leads to hyperpigmentation — dark spots, uneven skin tone, and a weathered appearance. Aerolase breaks down excess melanin deposits, helping to even out skin tone and restore a more youthful appearance.

Fine Lines and Skin Tightening

Aerolase stimulates collagen production beneath the skin’s surface. Over a series of treatments, this leads to firmer, smoother skin with reduced fine lines. It’s not a facelift — but for patients looking for gradual, natural improvement without surgery, it’s an excellent option.

Vascular Lesions

Spider veins on the face, broken capillaries, and cherry angiomas (small red spots) respond well to Aerolase treatment. The laser targets hemoglobin in the blood vessels, causing them to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body.

Melasma

Melasma causes brown or gray-brown patches, typically on the face. It’s notoriously difficult to treat and can worsen with many traditional lasers. Aerolase’s gentle energy delivery makes it one of the safer options for treating melasma without triggering a flare-up.

What to Expect During Treatment

A typical Aerolase session takes 15–30 minutes depending on the area being treated. Here’s the process:

  1. Your skin is cleansed and any makeup is removed
  2. Your provider passes the Aerolase handpiece over the treatment area — you’ll feel a gentle warmth
  3. After treatment, a moisturizer and sunscreen are applied
  4. You’re done — no bandages, no ice packs, no hiding at home

Most patients benefit from a series of 3–6 treatments spaced 2–4 weeks apart, depending on the condition being treated.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Aerolase is a great fit if you:

  • Have skin concerns that haven’t responded to creams or topical treatments
  • Want a gentler alternative to more aggressive lasers (like CO2 or IPL)
  • Have a darker skin tone and have been told other lasers aren’t safe for you
  • Want visible improvement with no downtime
  • Are looking for a complement to chemical peels or other skin care treatments

Aerolase + Chemical Peels

Many of our patients combine Aerolase with chemical peels for enhanced results. Read our guide on what to know before your first chemical peel. The laser addresses deeper concerns (redness, vessels, collagen) while peels work on the surface (texture, pores, dullness). Your provider can help design a treatment plan that combines both.

Interested in Aerolase? Request an appointment or call 678-587-5993. See before-and-after results on our Aerolase page or explore all of our wellness services.

Tags: aerolase laser treatment acne rosacea anti-aging skin care
Tiaya Welsh, FNP-BC

About the Author

Tiaya Welsh, FNP-BC

Tiaya Welsh is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 23 years of community healthcare experience, including 8 years in orthopedics and 7 years as an ER nurse. She earned her BSN from Brenau University and her MSN from Kennesaw State University. She specializes in pain management and wellness at Southern Comfort Pain & Wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What skin conditions does Aerolase treat?

The Aerolase Neo Elite treats acne, acne scars, rosacea, sun damage, age spots, fine lines, melasma, spider veins, broken capillaries, and cherry angiomas. It is FDA-cleared for over 36 indications.

Is Aerolase safe for dark skin tones?

Yes. The Aerolase Neo Elite's 650-microsecond pulse duration is safe for all Fitzpatrick skin types (I–VI), including darker skin tones that are at higher risk with traditional laser systems.

How many Aerolase treatments do you need?

Most patients benefit from a series of 3–6 treatments spaced 2–4 weeks apart, depending on the condition being treated. Many patients see visible improvement after just one or two sessions.

Is there downtime after Aerolase?

No. Aerolase requires no downtime. You can return to normal activities, including wearing makeup, the same day as your treatment.

Have questions about your care?

Schedule a consultation to discuss your treatment options.