Laser & Light-Based Treatments
Fractional & ablative laser · IPL · Hair removal · Tattoo removal · Vascular — physician-performed since the 1990s, currently on physician-grade Rohrer platforms.
Physician-Performed Laser Treatments Since the 1990s
Dr. Croland began using laser and light-based devices in clinical practice in the 1990s — when these technologies were still largely the domain of dermatology and plastic surgery. He has operated physician-grade laser platforms throughout his career and currently performs all treatments on Rohrer Spectrum and Phoenix CO2 equipment. The clinical judgment behind device selection, settings, and patient suitability is not delegated.
Erbium YAG & CO2 Laser Resurfacing
Laser skin resurfacing precisely removes damaged outer layers of skin while triggering the body’s healing and collagen-remodeling response — producing improvements in fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, texture, and pigmentation that topical treatments and energy-based devices cannot match. Two distinct resurfacing modalities are available, each with its own clinical profile:
Erbium YAG Resurfacing
The erbium laser is highly absorbed by water in skin tissue, allowing precise removal of outer skin layers with minimal thermal spread to surrounding tissue. This precision means effective resurfacing with a generally faster healing process. A fractional delivery option treats a percentage of the skin surface while leaving surrounding tissue intact, further reducing downtime while preserving meaningful results. Well-suited for fine lines, mild to moderate wrinkles, uneven texture, and surface pigmentation concerns.
CO2 Laser Resurfacing
CO2 laser energy penetrates more deeply than erbium and generates greater thermal effect in the dermis, stimulating a stronger collagen remodeling response. The preferred choice for deeper wrinkles, more advanced texture concerns, acne scarring, and patients seeking more significant skin rejuvenation. Both ablative and fractional scanner settings are available, allowing treatment to be calibrated from a conservative approach to a more comprehensive resurfacing depending on the patient’s goals and downtime tolerance.
Which is right for you?
The choice between erbium and CO2 — and between fractional and ablative settings — depends on the specific concerns being addressed, skin type, and how much recovery time is acceptable. Dr. Croland will make a specific recommendation during your consultation based on clinical assessment rather than a protocol-driven default.
- Topical numbing cream applied approximately 40 minutes prior to treatment
- Treatment duration 45–90 minutes depending on modality and area treated
- Recovery: redness and peeling from a few days (fractional erbium) to 1–2 weeks (ablative CO2)
- Medical-grade SPF essential during healing and maintained ongoing
- Antiviral pretreatment recommended for patients with history of cold sores
- Avoid alcohol and smoking at least two weeks before and after treatment
IPL — Pigmentation, Redness & Sun Damage
IPL uses broad-spectrum light energy delivered in controlled pulses to target chromophores in the skin — melanin responsible for brown spots and uneven pigmentation, and oxyhemoglobin responsible for redness, broken capillaries, and rosacea flushing. Unlike single-wavelength lasers, IPL delivers a range of wavelengths simultaneously, making it effective across multiple surface concerns in a single treatment.
Dr. Croland has been using IPL in clinical practice since the 1990s. The calibration judgment and patient selection experience that comes from that timeline cannot be replicated by practitioners who gained access to the technology recently.
- Treatment takes approximately 20–40 minutes
- Sensation described as a warm snap
- Brown spots typically darken and fleck off within 7–10 days
- Redness and vascular concerns improve progressively over 4–6 weeks
- Series of 3–5 treatments typically recommended for optimal results
- Annual maintenance for ongoing pigmentation management
Diode Laser Hair Removal
Diode laser energy targets melanin in the hair follicle with precision, disabling the follicle’s ability to produce hair while leaving surrounding skin unaffected. The diode wavelength is effective across a broad range of skin types and hair colors, and is the clinical standard for laser hair removal.
- Series of 6–8 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart to address all follicular growth phases
- Annual maintenance sessions may be needed
- Shave the treatment area before your appointment
- Avoid sun exposure for several weeks before and after treatment
- Results vary based on hair color, skin type, and treatment area
Q-Switch Laser Tattoo Removal
Q-Switch laser energy delivers ultra-short, high-intensity pulses that shatter tattoo ink particles into fragments small enough for the body’s lymphatic system to clear. Two wavelengths are available — one targeting darker inks (black, dark blue, dark green) and one targeting warmer inks (red, orange, yellow) — allowing treatment of multi-color tattoos on a single platform.
- Typically 6–12 or more sessions depending on ink colors, density, age, and skin type
- Sessions spaced 6–8 weeks apart to allow the body to clear fragmented ink between treatments
- Heavily saturated professional tattoos take longer than amateur or older tattoos
- A consultation and test patch assessment will give a more accurate estimate for your specific tattoo
Spider Veins & Vascular Lesions
Laser vascular treatment uses a wavelength that targets oxyhemoglobin in blood vessels, penetrating deeply enough to reach larger vascular structures while sparing the overlying skin. It is effective for facial spider veins, leg telangiectasias, and other superficial vascular lesions.
- Treatment takes 15–30 minutes depending on area
- Some redness and bruising normal following treatment
- Vessels typically darken and gradually fade over 4–6 weeks
- Multiple sessions may be needed for complete clearance
The Right Laser Treatment Starts With the Right Assessment
Laser and light-based treatments are only as effective — and as safe — as the clinical judgment behind them. Wavelength selection, treatment depth, and device settings must be matched to your skin type, concerns, and realistic recovery tolerance. A consultation with Dr. Croland begins with that assessment, not with a menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What laser treatments are available at Learn2Renew?
Learn2Renew offers erbium YAG and CO2 laser resurfacing (fractional and ablative), IPL for pigmentation and redness, diode laser hair removal, Q-Switch laser tattoo removal, and laser vascular treatments for spider veins. All treatments are performed personally by Dr. David Croland, DO, on physician-grade equipment.
Does a doctor actually perform the laser treatments?
Yes. Every laser and light-based treatment at Learn2Renew is personally performed by Dr. Croland. He has been using laser and IPL technology in clinical practice since the 1990s — making him one of the most experienced physician laser operators in the Charlotte region.
What is the difference between erbium and CO2 laser resurfacing?
Erbium resurfacing is more precise with minimal thermal spread, making it well-suited for fine lines, mild to moderate wrinkles, and surface texture with a faster recovery. CO2 resurfacing penetrates more deeply and generates a stronger collagen remodeling response, making it better for deeper wrinkles, more advanced texture, and acne scarring. Both are available at Learn2Renew, and Dr. Croland will recommend the appropriate modality during your consultation.
How many laser hair removal sessions will I need?
Most patients require 6–8 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart to address hair follicles across their different growth phases. Annual maintenance may be needed. The number of sessions varies based on hair color, skin type, and treatment area.
How many sessions does tattoo removal take?
Typically 6–12 or more sessions depending on ink colors, density, age of the tattoo, and skin type. Sessions are spaced 6–8 weeks apart to allow the body to clear fragmented ink between treatments. A consultation and test patch will give a more accurate estimate for your specific tattoo.
What does IPL treat?
IPL treats sun spots, age spots, freckles, uneven pigmentation, facial redness, rosacea, and broken capillaries. Dr. Croland has been using IPL in clinical practice since the 1990s.
How should I prepare for laser resurfacing?
Avoid direct sunlight and tanning for several weeks prior to treatment. Avoid aggressive exfoliation and chemical peels. If you have a history of cold sores, antiviral pretreatment is recommended. Avoid alcohol and smoking for at least two weeks before and after treatment. Medical-grade SPF should be used daily during healing and maintained afterward. Dr. Croland will provide specific preparation instructions at your consultation.