Many people do not know that LASER is an acronym for
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. In its most
basic form, a laser is very much like the light found in a household
lamp. A laser is, however, much more powerful and specific in where the
light is directed.
Whereas a light bulb emits light in various direction, a laser
travels in just one direction.
Lasers have been used to assist with cosmetic
skin problems since the 1960's. There are many different types of
lasers, with each having its own intensity, color, and purpose when it
comes to assisting with medical problems. With recent advances in laser
technology, laser treatment
has become the preferred method for assisting with a wide
number of cosmetic problems and blemishes.
Cosmetic Use of Lasers
There are a number of cosmetic uses for lasers.
They can be used to remove a number of red lesions, such as strawberry
birthmarks (hemangiomas) and spider veins (telangiectasias). Lasers can
also be used to remove port wine stains and facial redness caused by
rosacea. Radiation
damage and neck discolorations (pokiloderma) can also be
removed with laser cosmetic surgery.
Brown lesions such as age or liver spots
(lentigos), freckles, moles, sun spots, café au lait spots and mask of
pregnancy (cholasma) are also treatable with laser cosmetic surgery.
Dark brown or blue lesions such as keratoses and tattoos can also be
removed with laser surgery.
Those looking to remove scars and wrinkles can
also find help with laser cosmetic surgery, as well as those suffering
with warts. Even burn scars, keloids, skin cancer, ulcers, cholesterol
deposits (xanthelasma), sun damage, tumors, and rhinphyma can be treated
with laser cosmetic
surgery.
Laser cosmetic surgery can even help with the
removal of scars from acne and surgery. Women who choose to have make-up
permanently placed on their faces, such as around the lips or eyes, can
have it removed with laser surgery. Stretch marks are also treatable
with laser cosmetic
surgery and unwanted hair is easily and permanently removed
with lasers. On the other hand, hair can be transplanted to the head
with the assistance of lasers.
Even the dentist can use lasers to help you look
better. Lasers can be used to help whiten teeth or to reshape overgrown
gums. Those looking to throw away their glasses are also benefiting
from lasers as they help correct poor eye vision.
Deciding if Laser Cosmetic Surgery is Right for You
There are a number of benefits associated with
cosmetic laser surgery. For example, most treatments can be completed in
just one day and stitches are not needed after the surgery is complete.
This makes laser cosmetic surgery a safe and effective treatment that
can be completed
on an outpatient basis. In addition, there is generally very
little discomfort associated with laser cosmetic surgery, yet the
results can be outstanding.
To decide if laser cosmetic surgery is the right
step for you, it is best to consult a cosmetic dermatologist. With the
help of this professional, you can discuss the methods that can be used
to achieve the look you desire. The dermatologist will also be able to
tell you whether
or not you are a good candidate for the procedure.
Laser cosmetic surgery has come a long way since
it was introduced to the world in the 1960's. This safe, effective
means of making it possible to look and to feel better is quickly
gaining in popularity. Although these surgeries are generally considered
purely cosmetic and, therefore,
are not covered by insurance, the cost of these procedures is
often within the reach of nearly anyone interested in looking his or her
best.
