Laser Treatment

Science and technology go hand in hand. The evolution of technology in medical science for decades has revolutionized the use of laser technology. Lasers are beams of special lights that impart light energy, which gets converted to heat energy. This heat energy treats several health conditions and delivers the desired results. Lasers are increasingly popular in dermatology to help enhance skin, rejuvenate it, correct skin flaws, and help in hair growth. 

This informative blog explains how lasers can treat various skin conditions to improve appearance and quality of life. So keep scrolling!

What is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatments are medical therapies that utilize focused light. Laser stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, which is tuned to specific wavelengths. This can be easily focused into powerful beams. 

In medicine, lasers allow doctors to work at high levels of precision by focusing on a small area, damaging less of the surrounding tissue. Laser treatments are most often chosen over traditional methods of treating any condition since they offer an array of compelling benefits and minimal side effects. However, laser treatment can be expensive, requiring repeated sessions. 

What Are the Types of Lasers Used?

There are two major types of lasers such as:

High Power Lasers 

• These are known as hot lasers since they generate high thermal (heat) energy levels.
• They are often used in surgical procedures like cutting and destroying tumors and infected tissues. 

Low Power Lasers 

• Lower-power lasers stimulate weak responses due to the low thermal energy they generate.
• Such lasers are commonly used in dermatology for rejuvenating skin and managing hair loss. 

What is Laser Treatment Used for?

Depending on your needs and expectations, Lasers are used for medical and cosmetic purposes. 

Medical Uses 

• Shrink and destroy tumors or precancerous growths
• Relieve symptoms of cancer 
• Remove kidney stone
• Help in procedures like prostatectomy 
• Repair a detached retina 
• Improve vision 
• Treat chronic pain like neck and back pain 
• Help seal:
• Nerve endings to minimize pain after surgery 
• Blood vessels to prevent blood loss
• Lymph vessels to reduce swelling and halt the spread of tumor cells
• Help in treating several types of cancers, such as: Vaginal cancer, Cervical cancer, Penile cancer and Basal cell carcinoma 

Cosmetic Uses 

• Treating skin conditions like:
• Warts
• Moles
• Birthmarks 
• Sunspots 
• Improve the appearance of acne and scars by stimulating collagen production.
• Removal of unwanted facial and body hair 
• Accelerating hair growth is a treatment for hair loss. This is possible when hair follicles are stimulated to produce new hair. 
• Reducing the appearance of thread veins or spider veins that may develop on your lower legs
• Laser skin resurfacing can help treat a number of skin-related issues, such as acne marks, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.
• Skin contouring and tightening 
• Tattoo removal 

How Do You Prepare for Laser Therapy?

Planning ahead of laser treatment is beneficial since it facilitates an easy procedure, quick recovery, and minimal side effects. A few weeks before the laser treatment, you will be advised to discontinue certain medications like herbal and vitamin supplements and blood thinners. Furthermore, you will be asked to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol a few hours before you undergo treatment. 

Do not use creams, lotions, or gels on your face since they may contain products that interfere with the laser light. Also, stop any acne treatment or self-tanning procedures two weeks before the appointment. 

How is Laser Therapy Done? 

The procedure for laser therapy depends on the condition being treated. Laser treatments used for cosmetic procedures are safe, simple, and quick. 

• Your skin or area of the target will be cleaned with a disinfectant.
• You will be given local anesthesia, which eases any pain or discomfort during the procedure. 
• Your doctor will insert an endoscope (a long, thin tube with light and a camera) into your body for laser treatments for internal lesions or tumors.
• The laser is applied or targeted directly on your skin for skin treatments through hand-held devices. 
• The entire procedure may take 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the treated condition and surface area. 

What Happens After Laser Therapy?

Recovery after laser treatment is different when performed for different purposes. Therapy for medical reasons may require recovery and healing for a few days. However, recovery after laser treatment for the skin is quick. You may experience mild swelling, itching, and soreness around the treated area. Your doctor may prescribe mild painkillers to manage pain and discomfort. 

For skin laser treatments, you will be recommended:

• To resume your routine activities immediately 
• Mild soothing gels or creams to soothe inflammation 
• Applying ice packs to the treated areas
• To avoid using public swimming pools
• To avoid strenuous physical activities
• To avoid makeup for a day or two after laser treatment

What Are the Benefits of Laser Therapy?

Laser treatments, especially for cosmetic skin purposes, offer a cascade of benefits. 

• The procedure is quick and usually takes only a few minutes. 
• It is a non-invasive procedure involving no cuts, bruises, or bleeding.
• Laser treatments do not require suturing.
• Healing and recovery after laser treatment are quick.
• There are minimal to no side effects after laser treatment.
• You do not require hospitalization.
• There are minimal aftercare instructions to follow. 
• Lasers have applications in a wide range of medical and cosmetic fields.
• A rejuvenated and flawless skin achieved through laser treatments can help boost your confidence and self-esteem.
• You can return to your routine activities and work almost immediately or a day after laser treatments (for cosmetic reasons) 

Takeaway

Consult your doctor or dermatologist before undergoing laser treatments of any kind. This ensures you will get the right laser treatment tailored to your needs and concerns. Laser technology has been evolving tremendously and is used to treat several medical and cosmetic concerns. They are preferred over traditional surgical procedures since they are incision-less, blood-less, and sutureless procedures with quick recovery and minimal complications. So fret not for your skin-related problems since you can reap full benefits from a laser treatment and improve your quality of life.