Laser Skin Treatment in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is laser skin treatment?
Laser skin treatment is a procedure in which a laser delivers controlled light energy to one chosen target in the skin. Each target absorbs light differently: red blood in dilated vessels, brown pigment in a sun spot, or water in scar tissue. By tuning the settings to that target, the laser treats the problem while the surrounding skin is protected.
Laser works on skin in one of two ways:
- Targeting colour. The light is absorbed by blood or pigment, which is broken down and cleared by the body, so redness or spots fade.
- Remodelling texture. The light creates tiny, evenly spaced treatment zones in the skin, and healing of those zones produces new collagen that softens scars and uneven texture.
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, laser skin treatment is performed in-house by the dermatology team using a Deka laser, with settings chosen for your skin type and the condition being treated. It is a separate service from laser tattoo removal and laser hair removal, which target ink and hair follicles.
Who needs it
Laser skin treatment suits people with:
- Pitted or rolling acne scars, once active acne is controlled through acne treatment
- Persistent facial redness, flushing and visible thread veins, including redness from rosacea
- Sun spots on the face, hands and chest
- Red or dark marks left by healed acne or injuries
- Rough texture and fine lines from sun damage
A dermatologist first confirms the diagnosis, because a brown spot may be melasma, which is managed mainly through hyperpigmentation treatment, and any spot with unusual features is checked before it is treated. Laser is often combined with microneedling or prescribed creams for the best overall result.
What happens
The first visit is a consultation: the dermatologist examines your skin, asks about your skin's response to sun, scarring and cold sores, takes baseline photographs and explains the course planned for you. A small test patch is often treated first, especially for darker skin, and checked at a later visit.
On treatment day, your skin is cleansed and any makeup removed. A numbing cream may be applied for texture treatments. You wear protective eye shields throughout, and the team wear eye protection too. The handpiece is passed over the area in a systematic pattern; each pulse feels like a warm snap against the skin, and cooling is used to keep you comfortable. Small areas take a short time, and a full face takes longer.
Treatments are repeated as a course, with sessions spaced several weeks apart so the skin heals and collagen builds between them. Your dermatologist reviews progress against your photographs at each visit.
Preparing for it
Avoid tanning, sunbeds and self-tan for several weeks before treatment, because tanned skin absorbs more laser energy. Pause retinoid creams, exfoliating acids, waxing and hair removal creams on the area as advised. Tell the team about any history of cold sores, since a preventive medicine may be given before facial treatment.
Mention pregnancy, recent tablets for acne, medicines that increase sun sensitivity, and any tendency to raised scars. Many people in the UAE prefer to start a course in the cooler months, when sun avoidance is easier. If you plan treatment during Ramadan, choose a time when you can keep up with moisturiser and aftercare.
Afterwards
Treated skin usually looks pink and feels warm, like mild sunburn, and some swelling is normal, especially around the eyes. Sun spots darken and flake off over the following days. After texture treatments, the skin may feel rough and look bronzed as the tiny treatment zones heal.
Wash gently, apply the moisturiser you were given, and let flakes shed naturally. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and a hat every day, since the Sharjah sun can darken freshly treated skin. Avoid the gym, sauna, swimming and hot outdoor work for a couple of days, and avoid makeup until the team says the skin is ready.
Contact the hospital if treated skin blisters, weeps, develops crusts with increasing pain, or shows signs of infection or a cold sore. **Go to the emergency department straight away if you develop swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing.**
Cost and insurance
Most UAE insurance plans classify laser for acne scars, sun spots and cosmetic redness as cosmetic and exclude it. Some plans consider laser case by case for symptomatic conditions, and pre-approval is essential in that case. The consultation to diagnose the skin condition may be covered. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can explain what your course involves and help you check your cover on 06 599 7777.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
What are the risks of laser skin treatment?
The risks of laser skin treatment include redness, swelling and temporary crusting, as well as darkening or lightening of the treated skin, which is more likely in darker or tanned skin. Blistering, infection, a cold sore flare and, rarely, scarring can occur. A test patch, careful settings and good aftercare reduce these risks, and your dermatologist explains how they apply to you.
Does laser skin treatment hurt?
Laser skin treatment feels like a series of warm snaps against the skin. Cooling and, for some treatments, numbing cream keep it tolerable, and most discomfort fades soon after the session.
Is laser safe for darker skin?
Laser can be used for many darker skin types with suitable settings and a test patch, but darker skin has a higher risk of temporary pigment change. Your dermatologist assesses your skin type and may recommend preparation creams or a different treatment if laser is unsuitable.
How many laser sessions will I need?
The number of laser sessions depends on the condition, its depth and your skin, and your dermatologist gives you a plan at your consultation. Scars and texture usually need more sessions than a few isolated sun spots.
Will laser remove my acne scars completely?
Laser can soften acne scars and improve texture, but it cannot remove scars completely. Deep, narrow scars may need other treatments alongside laser, and your dermatologist explains the realistic improvement for your scars.
Can laser treat melasma?
Laser is used cautiously for melasma, because heat can trigger rebound darkening. Sun spots respond more predictably than melasma, which is usually managed first with prescribed creams, peels and sun protection.
Can I have laser treatment in summer in the UAE?
Laser treatment is possible in summer if you can avoid strong sun and heat on the treated skin afterwards. Many people choose the cooler months, when daily sun avoidance is easier, to lower the risk of darkening.
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