Skin Rejuvenation
Laser Treatments in Clarks Summit and Scranton, PA - Cutera platform expertise, all skin types safely treated.
Laser treatments at The Summit Aesthetics span two platforms: the Cutera XEO – a versatile Nd:YAG-based system used for Laser Hair Removal →, Limelight IPL →, Laser Genesis →, and Laser Vein Removal → – and the TetraPRO CO₂ laser → for advanced skin resurfacing (including the low-downtime CoolPeel option). Every laser treatment we offer is personally performed by Lori Barone, our Certified Cosmetic Laser Technician with more than 5 years of experience on the Cutera platform. Same provider. Same platform. Every treatment. Whether you’re addressing unwanted hair, sun damage, redness, visible vessels, texture concerns, or deeper resurfacing goals, the right laser plan depends on your specific skin type, treatment area, downtime tolerance, and result goals – decisions made at your complimentary consultation with Lori.
5 treatments
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Skin Health
Virtue RF Microneedling
Gold-plated microneedling meets radiofrequency.
Virtue RF combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen and remodel skin — face, neck, and body.
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Skin Health
EVERESSE by Volnewmer
Next-generation monopolar RF lift and firm.
Non-invasive monopolar radiofrequency that lifts, firms, and volumizes — with water-cooling for exceptional comfort.
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Skin Health
Chemical Peels
Exfoliate. Regenerate. Reveal.
VI Peels use a medical-grade blend of acids to exfoliate and stimulate cell regeneration — customizable for every skin type.
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Skin Health
Diamond Glow Facial
Exfoliate. Extract. Infuse.
A 3-in-1 skin-resurfacing treatment combining diamond-tipped microdermabrasion with custom serum infusion.
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Skin Health
Dermaplaning
Smoother skin. Flawless makeup.
Non-invasive exfoliation with a sterile surgical blade — removes dead cells and peach fuzz, using Dermaplane Pro safety blades.
The two laser platforms in our practice
Understanding which platform your treatment uses helps you understand what to expect: the downtime, the number of sessions, the depth of result, and whether it’s appropriate for your skin type. Our practice runs two distinct platforms:
The Cutera XEO – versatile Nd:YAG system, no ablation
The Cutera XEO is a modular platform that delivers 1064 nm Nd:YAG energy through different handpiece configurations to serve multiple clinical purposes on the same device. The 1064 nm wavelength is preferentially absorbed by hemoglobin (making it excellent for vascular treatments like vein removal and rosacea) and by melanin in hair follicles (making it excellent for hair removal). Four of our five laser treatments use this platform:
- Laser Hair Removal → safe across all Fitzpatrick skin types (I-VI)
- Limelight IPL → the exception – uses IPL rather than Nd:YAG for sun damage and pigment concerns; Fitzpatrick I-III only
- Laser Genesis → non-ablative Nd:YAG for redness, rosacea, and skin quality
- Laser Vein Removal → Nd:YAG for facial spider veins and small vessels
All Cutera XEO treatments are non-ablative – they work through the surface skin without removing or damaging it. That means minimal downtime and multi-session treatment series for cumulative results.
The TetraPRO CO₂ – fractionated ablative resurfacing
The TetraPRO CO₂ → is a fractionated CO₂ laser platform delivering 10,600 nm wavelength that’s absorbed by water in the skin. Unlike the Cutera treatments, CO₂ is ablative – it vaporizes precise columns of skin tissue to trigger deep healing and dramatic collagen remodeling. Two configurations serve different needs:
- CoolPeel (superficial, low-downtime) – for skin quality, texture, and mild concerns; 2 to 4 days of downtime
- Standard fractional / full ablation – for deep wrinkles, severe texture, significant sun damage, or acne scars; 5 to 14 days of downtime depending on depth
Individual laser treatments we offer
Laser Hair Removal (Cutera XEO Nd:YAG)
For permanent reduction of unwanted hair. Uses the Cutera XEO Nd:YAG wavelength that’s safe across all Fitzpatrick skin types (I-VI). Typical series: 6 to 8 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Zero downtime. Not affected by tanning risk that limits IPL-based hair removal on darker skin. Read more →
Limelight IPL (Cutera intense pulsed light)
For sun damage, brown spots, and diffuse pigment concerns. Uses intense pulsed light (IPL) technology to target melanin in age spots, freckles, and sun damage. Safe on Fitzpatrick skin types I-III; not recommended for darker skin types where the pigment absorption can cause hyperpigmentation. Typical series: 2 to 4 sessions. Minimal downtime (24 hours of pinkness typical). Read more →
Laser Genesis (Cutera Nd:YAG, non-ablative)
For diffuse redness, rosacea, and overall skin quality. Uses gentle non-ablative Nd:YAG heating to reduce vascularity, stimulate collagen, and improve skin brightness and texture. Zero downtime. Safe across all skin types. Typical series: 4 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Often the maintenance treatment of choice for rosacea patients. Read more →
Laser Vein Removal (Cutera XEO Nd:YAG)
For facial spider veins, cherry angiomas, broken capillaries, and small leg spider veins. Uses the same Cutera XEO Nd:YAG platform as our LHR service but with vein-specific settings. Safe across all skin types. Individual vessels typically resolve after 1 to 3 sessions. Not appropriate for varicose veins or medium-larger leg vessels – those require sclerotherapy or a vein specialist. Read more →
TetraPRO CO₂ Laser + CoolPeel
For advanced skin resurfacing, deep wrinkles, texture concerns, and acne scars. Fractionated CO₂ platform delivering ablative laser energy for dramatic collagen remodeling. Comes in two configurations: CoolPeel (superficial, 2-4 days downtime) and standard fractional/full ablation (5-14 days downtime, depending on depth). The gold standard for meaningful resurfacing results in a single treatment. Read more →
Which laser treatment for which concern
The most useful way to think about laser treatments is to start with your specific concern and work back to the right platform and treatment. Here’s how the most common concerns typically map:
Concern
Recommended treatment
Platform
Unwanted hair (any skin type)
Laser Hair Removal
Cutera XEO Nd:YAG
Sun damage / brown spots (skin type I-III)
Limelight IPL
Cutera IPL
Sun damage on darker skin (IV-VI)
NOT IPL – discuss alternatives at consultation
Various
Diffuse facial redness
Laser Genesis
Cutera Nd:YAG
Rosacea (diffuse form)
Laser Genesis
Cutera Nd:YAG
Broken capillaries
Laser Vein Removal
Cutera Nd:YAG
Facial spider veins
Laser Vein Removal
Cutera Nd:YAG
Cherry angiomas
Laser Vein Removal
Cutera Nd:YAG
Small leg spider veins (<3mm)
Laser Vein Removal
Cutera Nd:YAG
Overall skin quality / brightness
Laser Genesis
Cutera Nd:YAG
Fine lines (mild)
Laser Genesis or CoolPeel
Varies
Moderate wrinkles or texture
CoolPeel
TetraPRO
Deep wrinkles
TetraPRO CO₂ (full ablation)
TetraPRO
Acne scars (mild)
CoolPeel
TetraPRO
Acne scars (moderate to severe)
TetraPRO CO₂ (fractional)
TetraPRO
Significant sun damage / photoaging
TetraPRO CO₂ (fractional)
TetraPRO
Fitzpatrick skin type safety across our laser platforms
The Fitzpatrick scale classifies skin from Type I (very pale, always burns) to Type VI (very dark, never burns). Different laser platforms have different safety profiles across the range. Our platform mix is deliberately weighted toward all-skin-type safety, but the specific treatment matters:
Skin Type
Description
Cutera Nd:YAG (LHR, Genesis, Vein)
Cutera Nd:YAG (LHR, Genesis, Vein)
Limelight IPL
I
Very pale, always burns
Safe
Safe
Safe (expert care)
II
Pale, usually burns
Safe
Safe
Safe (expert care)
III
Medium, sometimes burns
Safe
Safe
Safe
IV
Olive, rarely burns
Safe
Care required
Safe
V
Brown, very rarely burns
Safe
NOT recommended
Expert care required
VI
Very dark, never burns
Safe
NOT recommended
Expert care required
What this table means practically: if you are Fitzpatrick IV, V, or VI, we do not recommend our Limelight IPL for you. There are other approaches to sun damage on darker skin types (chemical peels, Laser Genesis for skin quality, targeted topicals) that we can discuss at consultation. The Nd:YAG Cutera treatments (Laser Hair Removal, Laser Genesis, Laser Vein Removal) are specifically formulated to be safe across all skin types because the wavelength targets hemoglobin and follicular melanin rather than skin pigment.
Ablative vs. non-ablative lasers
The single biggest categorical distinction among laser treatments is whether the laser is ablative (removes surface skin) or non-ablative (works through skin without removing surface). This affects downtime, results, and cost per treatment substantially:
Details
Ablative (TetraPRO CO₂)
Non-ablative (everything else)
Mechanism
Vaporizes precise columns of surface skin
Works through skin without removing surface
Downtime
5 to 14 days (depending on depth)
Zero to 2 days
Results
Dramatic; visible after healing completes
Gradual; cumulative over multi-session series
Sessions typically
1 to 2 treatments
3 to 8 treatments in series
Cost per treatment
Higher (single-session investment)
Lower per session (multi-session total varies)
Best for
Deep wrinkles, severe texture, moderate to severe acne scars, significant sun damage
Maintenance, mild concerns, ongoing skin quality, rosacea, brown spots, unwanted hair, small vessels
Requires social/work planning
Yes – significant downtime
Minimal to no planning needed
How Lori usually thinks about the choice: for maintenance-oriented patients addressing ongoing skin concerns, non-ablative treatments (particularly Laser Genesis for skin quality, Limelight IPL for pigment on lighter skin types) are the workhorse. For patients addressing significant existing concerns – deep wrinkles, severe photoaging, notable acne scarring – ablative CO₂ produces results that non-ablative treatments cannot match, at the cost of downtime and single-session investment. Both approaches serve different clinical purposes.
Downtime spectrum across our laser treatments
If you’re planning treatment around a specific event or work schedule, the downtime spectrum matters. Here’s where each treatment falls:
Treatment
Typical downtime
What downtime looks like
Laser Hair Removal
Zero
Return to normal activities immediately
Laser Genesis
Zero
Mild pinkness for 1-2 hours; makeup can be applied same day
Limelight IPL
Minimal (24 hours)
Redness for 24 hours; dark spots temporarily darken before flaking off (5-7 days)
Laser Vein Removal
Minimal (1-3 days)
Treated vessels may darken/redden briefly; mild bruising possible
CoolPeel (CO₂ superficial)
Low (2-4 days)
Sandpaper texture and mild flaking; skin looks normal by day 3-4
TetraPRO CO₂ fractional (moderate)
Moderate (5-7 days)
Redness and flaking; not appropriate for events or work-facing visibility in that window
TetraPRO CO₂ full ablation
Significant (10-14 days)
Real recovery; requires clear scheduling
Why "provider-consistent care" matters for laser treatments
Laser treatment technique is not intuitive. Correct settings depend on skin type, treatment area, prior response, and cumulative treatment history. Each Cutera platform application has specific technical nuances – handpiece choice, pulse duration, spot size, cooling protocols – that only come with sustained platform experience.
Every laser treatment at The Summit Aesthetics is personally performed by Lori Barone. Not delegated to a rotating technician. Not handed off to a junior aesthetician. Same provider from consultation through the full multi-session series. This is meaningfully different from franchise medical spa models where laser technicians rotate through the schedule and platform experience varies from session to session.
Specifically for laser treatments, this matters because:
- Cutera platform expertise. 5+ years of continuous experience on this specific platform. The Cutera XEO has device quirks, optimal handpiece configurations, and calibrated settings for different treatment goals that only come with sustained use. Cross-treatment familiarity (LHR settings inform Laser Genesis settings inform Laser Vein Removal settings) is not something a rotating technician can develop.
- Skin history knowledge. How your skin responded to prior sessions, which settings worked, whether you tanned between visits, what your baseline redness looked like – Lori remembers this session to session, across years of ongoing care.
- Real-time settings adjustment. If your skin looks different on treatment day (from sun exposure, from a skincare change, from a hormonal shift), an experienced provider recognizes this and adjusts settings accordingly. Rotating technicians follow protocols; experienced providers respond to what they observe.
- Series-level judgment. For multi-session treatments – Laser Genesis (4-6 sessions), Laser Hair Removal (6-8 sessions), Limelight IPL (2-4 sessions) – each session’s settings and technique build on how your skin responded to the previous. This continuity is not optional for the best results.
- Right-treatment judgment. The most valuable clinical judgment often isn’t about laser settings – it’s about whether a laser is the right tool at all. Lori will honestly tell you when your concern needs a chemical peel, RF microneedling, or a completely different treatment – rather than defaulting to laser because that’s what her role produces.
What to expect at your laser consultation
Every new laser patient begins with a complimentary consultation with Lori – typically 30 to 45 minutes.
The consultation: Lori assesses your skin type (Fitzpatrick classification), examines the treatment area, discusses your concerns and goals, explains which laser platform and configuration fits your situation, and builds a written treatment plan you take home. If a non-laser treatment (chemical peel, RF microneedling, etc.) is a better fit for your concern, she will say so honestly.
The treatment plan: The plan identifies which laser treatment (or series), typical number of sessions, spacing between sessions, and downtime expectations. For series treatments, we typically book the full series at consultation to secure your preferred provider times.
Pricing and financing: Laser treatments are priced per-treatment or per-series depending on the specific service. Series pricing typically includes a bundled discount vs. per-session pricing. Financing is available through Cherry, PatientFi, CareCredit – 0% APR options for qualifying patients.
General aftercare across laser treatments
Specific aftercare varies substantially by treatment. General principles apply across most non-ablative laser treatments. Ablative CO₂ has completely different aftercare (see the CO₂ treatment page). Detailed aftercare instructions are provided at your appointment.
For 24-48 hours after non-ablative laser
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ on the treated area
- Avoid direct sun exposure and tanning
- Skip retinoids and exfoliating acids in the treated area
- Avoid heat (saunas, hot tubs, hot yoga) for 24 hours
- Continue gentle skincare – hyaluronic acid, moisturizer, sunscreen
For the first 2 weeks after any laser treatment
- Continue diligent sun protection – UV exposure can cause pigmentation in freshly-treated areas
- Avoid tanning and self-tanner in treated areas
- Do not schedule additional treatments in the same area until the previous treatment has fully resolved
- Follow any specific instructions from your treatment plan
General laser safety and contraindications
Laser treatments have strong safety records when performed by qualified providers on appropriate candidates. Contraindications that apply broadly across laser treatments:
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Active infection, cold sores, or skin condition in the treatment area
- Recent sunburn or tan in the treatment area (wait 4 weeks after tanning)
- Recent chemical peel, retinoid course, or laser treatment in the same area
- Currently on isotretinoin (Accutane) – wait 6 months after finishing
- History of keloid scarring in the treatment area
- Photosensitizing medications (discuss at consultation)
- Melanoma or other skin cancer history (requires dermatology clearance)
Complications are uncommon and typically mild. Redness, temporary swelling, and mild pigmentation changes are the most common. Rare but more serious complications (blistering, scarring, hyperpigmentation) are essentially always managed successfully with prompt intervention when the provider has sustained platform expertise. Both apply to our practice structure.
Frequently asked questions about laser treatments
Questions our patients ask most
What's the difference between laser and IPL?
Laser produces a single-wavelength concentrated beam of light targeted at a specific chromophore (hemoglobin, melanin, water). IPL (intense pulsed light) produces a broader range of wavelengths delivered in filtered pulses – more like a targeted flashbulb than a focused beam. Both are useful for different concerns; both are used at our practice. In general, laser is preferred where precision is critical (individual vessels, specific pigment concerns on darker skin) and IPL is preferred where broader-area treatment is efficient (diffuse sun damage across a large area of skin type I-III).
Which laser is best for [my concern]?
Depends on your specific concern, your skin type, and your downtime tolerance. The decision matrix above gives the general answer for most concerns. For a specific answer for your specific situation, book a complimentary consultation with Lori – the assessment includes examining your skin type, treatment area, and prior treatment history to build a plan.
Are laser treatments safe on darker skin?
Depends on the specific treatment. Our Cutera Nd:YAG treatments (Laser Hair Removal, Laser Genesis, Laser Vein Removal) are safe across all Fitzpatrick skin types (I through VI) because the 1064 nm wavelength targets hemoglobin and follicular melanin rather than skin pigment. Our Limelight IPL is NOT appropriate for Fitzpatrick IV-VI – IPL carries pigmentation risk on darker skin types. TetraPRO CO₂ requires expert technique on darker skin but is possible.
How many sessions will I need?
Varies substantially by treatment. Laser Hair Removal: 6 to 8 sessions. Laser Genesis: 4 to 6 sessions in a series, with maintenance every 1-2 months after. Limelight IPL: 2 to 4 sessions. Laser Vein Removal: 1 to 4 sessions depending on vessel type and density. TetraPRO CO₂ CoolPeel: 2 to 4 sessions. TetraPRO CO₂ full ablation: often single treatment. Lori will build the specific plan for your concern at consultation.
What's the downtime for laser treatments?
Ranges from zero (Laser Hair Removal, Laser Genesis) to 14 days (TetraPRO CO₂ full ablation). The downtime spectrum table above shows the range across our treatments. Most non-ablative treatments have minimal or zero downtime; With fractional CO2 treatments, downtime can vary based on treatment intensity and your desired level or correction. Your treatment can be customized to balance your goals with the amount of downtime that works for you. Lighter treatments typically involve less downtime but may require additional sessions to achieve your desired outcome, while more intensive treatments may provide greater correction with a longer recovery.
Are laser results permanent?
Depends on what’s being treated. Laser Hair Removal produces permanent reduction of treated hair follicles – typically 70-90% permanent reduction with maintenance sessions for new hairs from previously dormant follicles. Vessel treatments permanently destroy treated vessels; new vessels can form over time. Skin quality and pigment treatments are generally not permanent – sun exposure, aging, and hormonal changes continue producing new concerns. Maintenance treatments preserve results.
Can I combine multiple laser treatments?
Sometimes in the same visit; sometimes in the same series but different visits. Laser Vein Removal and Laser Genesis are often combined in a single visit. Limelight IPL and Laser Genesis are often combined for the “photofacial” treatment approach. Multiple different lasers on the same treatment area in the same visit is generally not appropriate. Lori builds the sequencing at consultation.
How much do laser treatments cost at The Summit Aesthetics?
Varies by treatment and area. Series treatments are typically priced with a bundled discount vs. per-session pricing. TetraPRO CO₂ is priced higher per session but often produces single-session results. Lori provides specific pricing during your consultation. Financing is available through Cherry, PatientFi, CareCredit – 0% APR options for qualifying patients.
I have melasma. Which laser is best for me?
For most patients with melasma, laser treatment is not our first recommendation. Melasma is often made worse by laser heat – the thermal stimulation can trigger the exact melanocyte hyperactivity that produces the pigmentation. The right treatment for melasma is usually chemical peels (particularly VI Peel formulations that include tranexamic acid or hydroquinone) and topical management, not laser. See our Chemical Peels page or book a consultation for a treatment plan built around melasma specifically.
Why This Category
What makes our skin rejuvenation different
Owner-Injector Care
Every injectable is personally performed by Dr. Dennis, our owner. Every other treatment is personally performed by Lori.
Advanced Technology
We invest exclusively in FDA-cleared, gold-standard platforms — never entry-level equipment.
Personalized Protocols
No two skins are alike. Your plan is engineered around your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.
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Now Accepting New Patients
Begin your botanical journey.
Reserve a complimentary 45 – minute consultation with our board-certified team. No card required,
no obligation, no upsell – just a real conversation and a written plan you take home.