Laser Surgery - Know Its Common Types!

With the urge to remain and look young constantly on the rise, more and more people are moving towards cosmetic surgical options to retain their youthful looks. Laser therapy is one of the most commonly used procedures in cosmetic surgery. Read on to know additional information on the types of lasers and the various uses in cosmetic surgery.

How it works?

A laser unit produces a beam of high-energy, focused-intense light which selectively interacts with the various tissues in the skin. By altering the amount of light and the area of application, many medical conditions can be treated using laser therapy. While only laser is used in some cases, it could be used in combination with other products in some other people. The skin has an underlying layer of connective tissue which has collagen, elastin, and blood vessels. The laser acts on these and removes the superficial dead layers at the same time improving production of collagen and elastin. The result is youthful, glowing skin that is almost instant.

Types of laser surgery:

Laser is used in multiple ways on the skin.

1. Laser skin resurfacing: For treating ageing issues like wrinkles, blemishes, and dark pigments, a beam of the laser is directed at the affected area. It acts on the collagen layer and the result is wrinkle-free skin that looks youthful and glows.
2. Removal of skin lesions: For small lesions like birthmarks and warts, the blood vessels are usually affected. A beam of the laser is aimed at these lesions, and by cutting off blood supply to these, the lesions are removed and regrowth is prevented. Laser is also useful in treating spider veins and tattoos. Depending on the severity of the lesion, more than one session may be required. Another major advantage of the laser procedure is that it is done in the outpatient setting and does not require hospitalisation.
3. Laser hair treatments: Laser is used both in hair removal and in the transplant process. In hair transplant process, the area of transplant is prepared to receive the transplant using laser. In hair removal process, the follicles are removed and therefore unwanted hair on the body is removed. This again may require multiple sessions depending on the quality of the hair.
4. Types of cosmetic lasers: Carbon dioxide laser, Erbium laser, Nd:Yag laser, Pulsed-dye laser, intense pulsed laser, infrared, and radio frequency lasers are some commonly used lasers. There are constant developments in this ever-evolving field, and your cosmetic surgeon would be the right person to give you that information.

Also, having a detailed discussion with your surgeon on what to expect after a laser procedure is extremely essential. This will help set expectations for both the surgeon and the patient." In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!