Laser skin treatment - Cosmetic Laser

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Laser (light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation) is being increasingly used in cosmetic skin treatments.

Laser technologies are making inroads into traditional beauty and skin care industry and these cosmetic treatments are replacing traditional methods. Of late lasers are being used for skin and beauty care methods like,

• skin tightening,
• collagen rejuvenation,
• laser resurfacing,
• freckles, age spots, wrinkles, sun spots and stretch marks removal,
• scar removal,
• hair removal,
• tattoo removal,
• laser removal of pigmented lesions,
• pseudofolliculitis (shave bumps) removal,
• spider veins (telangiectasia) removal,
• laser removal of vascular lesions and
• removal of warts, rosacea, acne and acne blemishes.

How does cosmetic laser works?

Laser emits intense beam of light energy of a particular wavelength. The narrow intense beam may be visible or invisible depending upon its wavelength. On reaching the target tissues it is absorbed and converted into heat energy inactivating and destroying the target tissue cells without affecting the other surrounding cells.

Image of pseudofolliculitis (shave bumps)
which can be removed by cosmetic laser treatment

Ablative and non-ablative lasers are the two basic types. Ablative lasers remove the top layer of skin. The non ablative devices heat up the inner skin tissue to stimulate collagen deposit and do not affecting the outer epidermis layer.

The facial plastic surgeon is the right person for deciding on the type of cosmetic laser therapy to be undertaken, considering all the pros and cons of the options available. Depending upon the plan of action and strategy and the blemish involved one may need more than one session at the clinic.

After the completion of the laser session, the patient may develop swelling and reddening of the skin. He may be prescribed anti inflammatory medicine and antibiotics to reduce inflammation and to prevent infection. The full impact of the method will be apparent only after one or two months.

The effectiveness of the cosmetic treatment depends upon choice of the right type of laser device, training and skill of the operator of the device and the correct settings of wave length, power, pulse, duration and time lapse between the pulse.

Risks associated with cosmetic Laser treatment

• If proper eye protection is not worn during the performance there is a risk of eye damage.
• Pain, reddening, burns, inflammation and swelling are the usual after effects.
• The healing process may get prolonged for some individuals. The inflammation may get infected in some cases.
• There may be hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation of the wound (which is usually temporary).
• In some cases the change in pigmentation may become permanent.
• In case of use of wrong device or improper methodology permanent scars may result.
• Though each session may be short, the whole procedure may be time consuming requiring several trips.
• Cosmetic laser treatments are usually expensive.
• The effectiveness may vary from person to person and some having complete satisfaction and some getting disappointed with the result.

Contraindications for cosmetic Laser treatments

These methods are absolutely contraindicated in the following situations like,

• pregnancy,
• keloid scarring,
• severe reactions to earlier treatments,
• medications contraindicating bright light exposure of the user,
• dermis being sensitive to light exposure,
• severe and serious illness and
• having implants.

Individuals with chronic diseases must inform their doctor about their ailments and take his advice about undergoing cosmetic Laser treatment.

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Current topic: Cosmetic skin treatment with lasers