Cosmetic laser therapy is a great way to repair or change imperfections that a person may perceive to be trouble spots that they want to change or improve. Made up of various processes of using a laser beam to treat all kinds of conditions of the skin or hair, laser therapy is relatively painless, needing less analgesic. In addition, the recovery period from cosmetic laser surgery is vastly shorter than older, more invasive therapies. The benefits and positive effects of laser surgery are enormous!

The utilization of medical skills and processes to improve or correct a person’s perceived flaws or an imperfection is not a recent discovery. For countless centuries, human beings have been known to use any means at their disposal to improve their appearance and beautify themselves. This includes such things as dyes from berry juice absorbed into the skin as makeup and the piercing of everything from earlobes to lips. Past methods of actual physical change – or the attempt at – have included the use of herbs, creams, chemicals, medicines, ointment, injections and surgery. Cosmetic laser treatments are no different; they simply are a new and different tool contained in a doctor’s arsenal. (Be sure to find a certified doctor)

How Exactly Does A Cosmetic Laser Work?

Lasers in their most basic form are nothing but highly concentrated and focused light beams, wherein the light waves have been highly focused enabling the operator to have the ability to focus with precision tremendously high concentrations of light energy and heat on any area of the patient’s body requiring repair or resurfacing. In addition, there are a few types of lasers, each that has its own particular characteristics that work well for different types of procedures. The laser light beam concentration is able to be focused on a very small spot, eliminating burns. The accuracy is very precise, allowing the laser energy to do its work without being absorbed by and harming the adjoining tissue. The benefit being very minimal invasiveness, quicker procedures, minimal danger of infection, and faster healing times. It’s easy to see how a cosmetic laser procedure can be performed without harming surrounding tissue!

How Is A Laser Used In Cosmetic Surgery?

In cosmetic (as well as other types of) surgery, the laser may be used as a scalpel, a way to eliminate tumors and other growths, seal off blood vessels, as well as reduce or eliminate wrinkles. Again by its very nature, the accuracy of a laser is phenomenal, adjoining tissue is not harmed. Cosmetic lasers are an ideal means for treating port wine stains and other birthmarks, as well as age spots. Simply put, a laser is just an all around versatile surgical instrument that lends itself ideally to cosmetic procedures.

What Are The Different Types Of Lasers?

There are two basic types of lasers used in cosmetic surgery, they are ablative and non-ablative. The major difference in the two types of lasers is how deep into the skin each one penetrates. An ablative laser works on the very surface of the skin, and in fact, an ablative laser will remove the skin they are being used on. Conversely, the non-ablative laser has deeper penetration – under the skin – and does not harm the top layers of the dermis (skin). As stated previously, the type of laser used in a procedure will depend on the work being done, and what the exact needs are. Naturally, non-ablative laser surgery has very little recuperation time, and requires less analgesic because of its non-invasive nature. This is a very nice feature of cosmetic laser surgery!

Basically in cosmetic laser therapy, to get the desired great results, the skin must be damaged in a very controlled way, thus encouraging the skin to heal and increase its collagen production. The collagen production tightens the skin, and provides the skin with the ability of various degrees of things such as wrinkle reduction.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common cosmetic procedures. They are listed here in no particular order. This is by no means an all inclusive list. Cosmetic laser therapy is always evolving, and more and more uses and procedures are discovered all the time.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles in the Dermis

The laser actually tightens up loose skin caused from aging or damage from other sources

Skin Tightening

Using the skins own repair mechanism, skin is actually able to regain its youthful appearance

Pigmented Lesions

High concentrations of Melanin from sun exposure aging or congenital factors can be eliminated

Precancerous Lesions

The highly exact nature of the laser can be used to cut around precancerous lesion cells, and eliminate them,

Vascular Lesions

The reddish or bluish color of a vascular lesion can be reduced or completely eliminated with laser therapy

Laser Tattoo Removal

In laser tattoo removal, a laser is used to break up the ink of a tattoo, and allows the body to eliminate it in a natural way.

Treatment of Cellulite

Hair Removal

Laser hair removal targets the hair follicle without damaging surrounding skin.

Acne and Acne Scars

Top layer of the facial or back skin is removed, allowing healthy new skin to grow in its place.

Skin Resurfacing

This is a broad term to describe the process of using a laser to treat various skin ailments, and to improve elasticity. Different ailments require different treatments

Peel

Pores

Plumping

Skin Lifting and Tightening

The laser produces a controlled skin injury promoting increased collagen production. Healthy skin grows in its place

Toenail Fungus Elimination

Lasers for toenail fungus kill the fungus that causes unsightly nails.

Liposuction

There are seemingly endless uses for the cosmetic laser. The clean, effective, highly non-invasive nature of laser procedures has helped millions of people to gain the self confidence they seek, and removed skin problems such as wrinkles and tattoos very easily and quickly.