Grant L. Carter, MD and Gayle M. Carter, MD are board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and are proud to announce the opening of Southern Utah Laser Aesthetics. Both physicians are laser certified and have extensive backgrounds in gynecologic laser treatment of endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and infertility. Southern Utah Laser Aesthetics allows our physicians to build on their backgrounds to provide professional laser aesthetic skin treatments for both women and men.

Grant L. Carter, MD attended medical school at the University of Utah, where he was recognized by the AOA Medical Honor Society and Chief Resident. He is board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and has been practicing in Southern Utah since 1982 when he founded Southern Utah Womens Health Center. He is currently director of Women’s and Children’s Services at Dixie Regional Medical Center. Dr. Carter is well known for his practice of comprehensive women’s health care, including laser surgery, which he pioneered in the Southern Utah area. He was laser certified using Laserscope laser in 1989 and since then has had experience treating multiple conditions. Dr. Carter is licensed in Utah and Nevada and has privileges at both Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, Utah and Kane County Hospital in Kanab, Utah.

Gayle M. Carter, MD joined Grant Carter, MD at Southern Utah Womens Health Center in 1984. He attended medical school at the University of Utah, where he was Chief Resident. Dr. Carter was the first recipient of the Michael Worley Award, presented to the outstanding resident in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1980. He has been board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology since 1986. He was laser certified using the Laserscope laser in 1989, and has had extensive experience with laser surgery and treatment of various medical conditions, encompassing all facets of women’s health care. Dr. Gayle Carter is currently serving as Chairman of the Department of OB/GYN, as well as serving on the Medical Executive Committee, at Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, Utah. He is licensed in both Utah and Nevada.

Acne is a condition caused by skin cells that do not shed properly and plug pores, causing oil and bacteria to be trapped inside. As the oil and bacteria accumulates, the skin becomes inflamed and swells outwards forming the familiar whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. This most common type of acne shows up on the face, neck, shoulders, back, and chest.

Laser acne treatments offer a no down-time approach to help clear acne lesions and help reduce the severity of future break-outs. You can return to work or school immediately after treatment, the only side effect will be slight facial redness. Laser treatments do not have the side effects seen with oral and topical treatments.

How does it work?

Using the laser, light pulses are delivered through the skin's surface, targeting an organic compound generated by the Propionibaterium acnes (p. acne) bacteria called porphyrin. These porphyrins are photosensitive and when targeted by light, generate singlet oxygen, which kill the p. acne bacteria that cause inflammation. Your S.U.L.A. medical professional will analyze your skin condition and help you select the most effective treatment for you.

What results can be expected?

Effects are cumulative. After the first treatment, you may see improvements. The number of lesions and severity of break-outs should reduce over the course of treatment and beyond. Some patients continue to improve two months after their last treatment.

Is the treatment painful?

Many patients describe the laser pulse as feeling like the snap of a rubber band against the skin. Treatments done over active lesions may have more discomfort. Your physician may recommend a topical anesthetic cream in order to make treatments more comfortable.

What can be expected after treatment?

Immediately after the procedure patients may experience mild to moderated redness and swelling that will fade in as little as a couple hours to as much as a few days. You may apply makeup afterwards. It is extremely important to apply a moisturizer with sun block and avoid sun exposure on a daily basis to prevent sun damage.

How long does the treatment take?

The treatment takes approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on the area being treated.

What about skin care products?

Our physician-grade skin care products offer a great opportunity to enhance the effects of your treatments. Proper skin care will help reduce fine lines and help create a more youthful appearance.

Will the treatment alter my daily activities?

NO! All of our treatments are designed to avoid any burning or downtime. You can expect to return to your normal activities following your treatment.