Want to achieve flawless skin with laser treatments? Laser is a very pure and intense light source. When the laser light shines onto the skin, a certain target in the skin absorbs the laser light. Different targets in the skin will absorb laser light of different characteristics. After absorption of the laser light, the target may be physically altered or destroyed. Therefore, the laser is used to selectively destroy unwanted targets in the skin. For example, unwanted pigments and blood vessels. A specific laser system is needed to treat specific skin conditions.
What are the skin disorders that can be treated by lasers?
Unwanted skin growths
Carbon dioxide laser is selectively absorbed by water content within the cells of these growths, resulting in excessive heat generation within the growths and subsequent destruction of the growth. Some of the skin growths that can be treated with laser include viral warts, reborhoeic warts, sebaceous hyperplasia and syringomas.
Unwanted wrinkles and scars
Carbon dioxide laser can be used to remove the superficial layers of skin to allow the re-growth of healthier, firmer and better-looking skin.
Pigmentation disorders
Pigment laser light is selectively absorbed by the pigment target within the skin and results in selective destruction of the pigment target. Some of the pigmented disorders that can be treated with pigment lasers include unwanted tattoos, solar lentigines (sunspots, liver spots) and black birthmarks. Often multiple laser treatments are required.
Blood vessel disorders
Vascular laser light is selectively absorbed by red blood cells within the blood vessels, resulting in heating within the vessels and subsequent sealing up of the vessels. Vascular lasers can be used to treat blood vessel birthmarks (such as hemangiomas and port-wine stains) and broken veins (such as those on the nose and legs). However, it is important to note that not all skin lesions, whether they are growths, pigmentation or blood vessel disorders can be treated with lasers. Your doctors will be able to advise you on the most appropriate treatment.
Types of Laser Treatments for Skin
- Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment: Harnessing the power of carbon dioxide laser technology, this treatment precisely targets and resurfaces the skin, effectively reducing wrinkles, scars, and sun damage for smoother, rejuvenated skin.
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Therapy: Using broad-spectrum light pulses, IPL therapy treats various skin concerns such as sunspots, redness, and uneven pigmentation, resulting in a more even-toned, youthful complexion.
- Nd: YAG Laser Treatment: This versatile laser treatment targets a wide range of skin issues, including vascular lesions, pigmented lesions, and unwanted hair, offering a comprehensive solution for skin rejuvenation and hair removal.
- Erbium Laser Resurfacing: Ideal for addressing moderate to deep wrinkles, age spots, and acne scars, erbium laser resurfacing precisely removes damaged skin layers, promoting collagen production and revealing smoother, more youthful skin.
- Q-switched Laser Therapy: Known for its effectiveness in tattoo removal, Q-switched laser therapy also treats pigmented lesions, birthmarks, and melasma by targeting specific pigments without damaging the surrounding skin.
- Fraxel Laser Treatment: Utilizing fractional laser technology, Fraxel treatment stimulates collagen production and targets specific areas, reducing fine lines, acne scars, and age spots while improving overall skin texture and tone.
- Alexandrite Laser Hair Removal: This laser treatment offers long-lasting hair reduction by targeting the hair follicles with an alexandrite laser, effectively removing unwanted hair from various body areas, including the face, legs, and underarms.
- PicoSure Laser Treatment: With ultra-short pulses, PicoSure laser treatment addresses skin concerns like acne scars, pigmentation issues, and wrinkles while minimizing downtime and promoting faster skin rejuvenation.
- Diode Laser Treatment: Designed for hair removal, diode laser treatment uses a diode laser system to target and disable hair follicles, providing lasting results on various skin types and hair colors.
- Vbeam Laser Therapy: Vbeam laser therapy is a go-to treatment for vascular conditions, including rosacea, spider veins, and port-wine stains. It precisely targets blood vessels while minimizing damage to surrounding skin, resulting in reduced redness and improved skin tone.
Pre Requisites Before Laser Treatments for Skin
The pre-operative treatment will differ depending on the type of laser surgery. In general, patients should avoid sun exposure and have good routine skin care. For patients undergoing laser treatment for wrinkles and scars, pre-operative creams and medications may be prescribed by your doctor.
Pre Requisites After Laser Treatments for Skin
Good skin care is necessary to ensure optimal healing of the skin after laser surgery. The treated area should be kept clean with a skin cleanser and ointment. Oral antibiotic antiviral and painkillers may be necessary after laser treatment for wrinkles and scars.
What is involved in Laser Skin Surgery?
Laser skin surgery is carried out as an outpatient procedure. Local anesthetic creams or injections are given before the treatment to minimize pain. The appropriate laser system is then used to treat specific skin disorders. The procedure is generally painless, although patients may experience some discomfort. The procedure will last from about 5 minutes to 45 minutes, depending on the type of procedure and extent of treatment.
What are the risks involved in laser skin surgery?
Laser treatment is generally safe. Some procedures, such as laser treatment for scars and wrinkles carry a higher risk for side effects compared to other laser treatments. Some of the potential side effects include:
- Redness of skin after treatment: This is usually transient and resolves within months.
- Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin): This can be minimized by sun avoidance both pre-operative and post-operatively. It can also be treated with sunscreens bleaching agents. It usually fades with time.
- Hypopigmentation (lightening of skin): This is less common but will improve with time as well.
- Scarring: This is extremely rare if all the necessary precautions are taken. It usually occurs secondary to wound infection during the healing phase after laser surgery. Good wound care after laser surgery can help to reduce the risk of scarring.
