Surgery Using Lasers What is a laser? A laser is a high-energy beam of light that can selectively transfer its energy into tissue to treat the skin. Lasers contain a material that produces and amplifies light. Two mirrors cause the light to reflect back and forth through this material. The result is a light beam that is collimated and intense. This light is either one pure color or several different pure colors. These properties which separate the laser from a light bulb, are important to the medical application of lasers. Many procedures cannot be done without the laser. Likewise, many procedures are better performed without the laser. Even with the sparkle, pure color, and high-energy beam, the laser is not always the best tool for surgery. The choice of using a laser or other surgical methods is carefully made by the facial plastic surgeon. Your surgeon has the preference to consider the results, the possible complications, and the alternatives. In this pamphlet, you will find some of the procedures that can be performed with the laser. You are also given a brief explanation of the laser. Always remember that there are very few "right" and "wrong" answers with laser surgery. Many procedures can be performed with different lasers. The choice of the laser depends upon many factors, including the surgeon's experience, the size of the area to be treated, and the expectations of the patient. |
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What Can Laser Surgery Do For You?
Types Of Laser Surgery Laser Skin Peeling Laser Removal of Birthmarks and Skin Lesions The facial plastic surgeon often uses the minimum laser intensity possible. The low intensity requires many treatments. However, the low intensity also preserves as much of the healthy tissue as possible. This produces an aesthetically pleasing result. Many of these laser surgeries are performed as outpatient treatments in hospitals or offices. Laser Hair Transplants New Lasers
Because safety is a major component of laser use, your surgeon will describe safety precautions before the surgery. If you are treated with a local anesthetic, you will be required to wear protective glasses or goggles during laser use. What To Expect After Laser Surgery The full impact of the laser may not be apparent for a month or two, especially with vascular deformities. Additional treatment sessions will not be scheduled until the healing process for a particular treatment is complete. It is important for the patient to realize that lasers have specific applications. The facial plastic surgeon is experienced in the use of the laser and is the best source of information as to whether laser surgery is appropriate for your condition. Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is done purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve congenital deformities or accidental skin injuries may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient's responsibility to check with the insurance carrier for information on the degree of coverage. |