The abbreviation L.A.S.E.R . is the acronym for Light Amplified by Stimulated by Emissions of Radiation. The wavelength of the light emitted by the laser is subject to the area that the dermatologist wants to operate on. Since there are different wavelengths of light required for various parts of the body, different types of lasers are also available to satisfy the needs of the dermatologist.
The common types of laser treatments are: -
- Laser hair removal
- Laser removal of facial redness
- Laser removal of brown spots
- Laser treatment of wrinkles
- Laser removal of tattoos
- Laser resurfacing, etc.
To treat the above-mentioned problems, a laser other than using different wavelengths also uses different techniques and approach to treat the patient.
To remove hair, dermatologist damages hair by choosing a laser that destroys the pigment situated in the root or bulb of the hair. To treat a patient with redness, the dermatologist chooses a laser that has a wavelength similar to that of the red globules, so that he can burst the small red vessels, which are causing red spots on the patients' face or body.
To cripple the brown spots, the dermatologist chooses a laser with such a wavelength that will help him destroy the pigment of the skin i.e. melanin which is causing the skin to show brown spots.
Lasers are also used in plastic surgeries.
Laser resurfacing is also sometimes referred as "laser peel". Laser resurfacing helps in removing areas of the damaged or wrinkled skin layer after layer. A carbon dioxide (CO2) laser is used for this procedure. This specially helps in removing those fine lines around the mouth and eyes area. It also treats facial scars and acne. Laser resurfacing is often used with other plastic surgery procedure like facelift or eyelid surgery.
It is still a very new process, it is more acceptable because it involves less bleeding, bruising and post-operative discomfort as compared to other surgical methods.
