NightLase® in Monroe, LA and Southlake, TX
NightLase® is a non-invasive laser treatment that reduces snoring and improves the symptoms of sleep apnea — no masks, no mouthguards, no surgery. At Hopkins Dermatology, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Janine Hopkins, M.D., F.A.A.D. offers NightLase® to men and women in Monroe, Alexandria, Shreveport, the Ark-La-Miss, and Southlake, TX.
What is NightLase®?
NightLase® is an innovative, FDA-cleared treatment that uses the Fotona laser system to gently tighten the soft tissues of the upper airway. By delivering controlled laser energy to the oral mucosa — the tissue lining the inside of the mouth and throat — NightLase® stimulates collagen production and causes a gentle tightening effect. This reduces the vibration of soft tissues that causes snoring and helps open the airway for improved breathing during sleep.
Unlike CPAP machines or oral appliances, NightLase® requires no equipment to take home and no nightly routine to maintain. It is a completely non-invasive, in-office procedure with no cutting, no anesthesia, and no recovery time.
What Does NightLase® Treat?
NightLase® is most commonly used to address:
Snoring — The laser energy tightens and firms the soft palate and uvula, the primary sources of snoring vibration, helping patients and their partners sleep more soundly.
Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea — By reducing tissue laxity in the throat and opening the airway, NightLase® can help decrease the frequency of apnea episodes. It is an excellent option for patients who struggle with or prefer to avoid CPAP therapy.
Daytime Fatigue Related to Poor Sleep Quality — Patients who experience fragmented sleep due to snoring or airway obstruction often report improved energy levels and sleep quality following a series of NightLase® treatments.
How Does the NightLase® Treatment Work?
During your NightLase® session at Hopkins Dermatology, a trained provider will use the Fotona Er:YAG laser to deliver gentle pulses of laser energy to the soft tissues of the mouth and throat. The laser heats the tissue at a safe, controlled depth, triggering the body’s natural collagen remodeling response. Over time, this tightens the tissue, reducing its tendency to collapse and vibrate during sleep.
The treatment is performed entirely in-office with no anesthesia required. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild, comfortable warmth inside the mouth. Each session takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes, and patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately afterward.
A full course of NightLase® typically consists of three treatment sessions spaced approximately three weeks apart. Most patients begin to notice improvement in their snoring after the first session, with the best results appearing several weeks after completing the full series as collagen remodeling continues.
What Are the Benefits of NightLase®?
NightLase® stands apart from other snoring and sleep apnea treatments because it works with your body’s own healing response — naturally and non-invasively. Key benefits include:
- No equipment or devices to wear at home
- No surgery, anesthesia, or downtime
- Comfortable, in-office treatment completed in under 30 minutes
- Suitable for most patients, including those who have tried and discontinued CPAP therapy
- Natural-looking, gradual results that improve over several weeks
- Results that can last up to one year, with maintenance treatments available to prolong effects
- Safe for all skin types
What Results Can I Expect?
Many patients notice a reduction in snoring volume immediately after their first NightLase® session. Results continue to improve over the weeks following each treatment as the body produces new collagen and tissue tightening progresses. After completing the recommended series of three treatments, patients and their sleep partners typically report a significant and noticeable improvement.
The effects of NightLase® generally last up to 12 months. Periodic maintenance treatments can help sustain your results over time.
Is NightLase® Right for Me?
NightLase® may be an excellent option if you:
- Snore regularly and it is disrupting your sleep or your partner’s sleep
- Have been diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea
- Have difficulty tolerating a CPAP machine or oral appliance
- Are looking for a non-invasive, non-surgical alternative to traditional sleep apnea treatments
- Prefer an in-office procedure with no downtime
The best way to determine whether NightLase® is the right treatment for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Janine Hopkins at Hopkins Dermatology. During your consultation, Dr. Hopkins will review your health history, discuss your symptoms, and help you decide whether NightLase® is the right fit for your needs. Patients with severe sleep apnea are encouraged to work in conjunction with their physician or sleep specialist.
How the NightLase Procedure Eliminated My Sleep Apnea and Helped Lower My Blood Pressure, Reducing My Risk of Aortic Dissection Recurrence
“On September 11, 2025, I suffered an emergency Type A aortic dissection and was life-flighted to UT Southwestern Medical Center for an eight-hour surgery. Thankfully, the procedure was successful. Because the risk of recurrence is closely tied to elevated blood pressure, I carefully monitored my readings every morning and evening during recovery. While my evening numbers were consistently healthy, my morning readings remained unusually high and did not match the rest of the day. Even after doubling my medication, the morning spikes persisted. My physicians ultimately determined that my previously diagnosed sleep apnea was likely driving these overnight elevations. I had long struggled with CPAP therapy, especially with a full-face mask, and had only recently transitioned to a nasal pillow mask in hopes of better tolerance.
After meeting Dr. Janine Hopkins of Hopkins Dermatology, we discussed my cardiovascular risk factors and how untreated sleep apnea could be contributing to sustained nighttime hypertension. She introduced me to the NightLase treatment offered through Fotona, explaining how it could improve airway function during sleep.
I completed five painless treatments, spaced two weeks apart and lasting about 15 minutes each. The results were remarkable: my morning blood pressure readings finally aligned with my late-morning and evening measurements. Gaining control over my blood pressure significantly reduced my risk of another aortic dissection. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Hopkins and laser technician, Kayla Moreland, for their expertise, care, and commitment to improving my health and quality of life.”
CEO
The 44 Group
Healthcare Consulting Services
How Many NightLase® Treatments Will I Need?
Most patients achieve their best results with a series of three NightLase® treatments, spaced approximately three weeks apart. Following the initial treatment series, maintenance sessions once or twice a year can help sustain the tissue-tightening effects and keep snoring at bay.
How Much Does NightLase® Cost in Monroe, LA and Southlake, TX?
The cost of NightLase® treatment varies depending on the number of sessions recommended and your individual treatment plan. During your consultation at Hopkins Dermatology, Dr. Hopkins will provide a clear outline of your recommended treatment protocol and associated costs, so you can make a fully informed decision before beginning care.
NightLase® as Part of the Fotona Laser Family
NightLase® is one of many advanced treatments available through the Fotona laser platform at Hopkins Dermatology. The same system that powers NightLase® also drives our popular TightLase™, LipLase, SmoothLase, and 4D Laser Facelift treatments. This means you are receiving care from a practice that has deep, hands-on expertise with the Fotona system across its full range of applications.