Laser Surgery
WHAT IS A LASER?
Laser stands for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers work by producing an intense beam of bright light that travels in one direction. The laser beam can cut, seal or vaporize skin tissue and blood vessels. The laser has the unique ability to produce one specific color (wavelength) of light that can be varied in its intensity and pulse duration. Ordinary light from non-laser sources is composed of many different colors and appears white. This broad spectrum of light can also be pulsed to a specific duration and varied in intensity as well as the exact range of wavelengths. This allows broad spectrum Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) the ability to specifically treat blood vessels and pigmentation. The wavelength and power output of a particular laser or IPL typically determines its medical application. When the laser or IPL light is directed at skin tissue, its light energy is absorbed by water or pigments found in the skin. Water is found in large amounts in all living cells. Pigments of the skin include hemoglobin, a protein that makes blood red, and melanin, the tan or brown-colored pigment. All three targets absorb laser light of different colors.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LASER AND/OR IPL SURGERY?
Lasers may offer you and your dermasurgeon the following general benefits:
* Improved therapeutic results
* Reduced risk of infection
* “Bloodless” surgery with most lasers
* An alternative to traditional scalpel surgery, in some cases
* Less scarring, in most cases
* Precisely controlled surgery, which limits injury to normal skin
* Safe and effective outpatient, same-day surgery for many skin conditions
WHAT TYPE OF LASER OR IPL SHOULD BE USED?
Different types of lasers and IPL are used to treat a variety of skin conditions, birthmarks and growths and cosmetic complaints. Presently, no single laser or IPL is capable of treating all skin conditions, but certain lasers can be tuned to a variety of colors of light or coupled to a robotized scanning device to expand their clinical effectiveness. Your dermatologic surgeon will carefully evaluate your individual condition and suggest the appropriate type of laser and/or IPL system to achieve the best results.
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