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.
The
use of lasers in medicine is complex, and your facial plastic surgeon
is trained in the use of lasers and understands how and when to use a
laser. Your surgeon will decide if a laser is appropriate, and which laser
is best for the situation.
In medicine, physicians
can use lasers to make incisions, vaporize tumors, close blood vessels,
selectively reduce pigmentation, or even treat skin wrinkles. The laser
makes it possible to change tissue without making an incision. So a surgeon
can treat birthmarks or damaged blood vessels, remove port-wine stains,
and shrink facial "spider veins" without major surgery.
Is it any wonder
that many facial plastic surgeons use lasers on a routine basis? They
use the laser as a "light scalpel." The tissue is left sterile, and bleeding
is greatly reduced. When the laser is used to treat port-wine stains,
no cuts are made. The laser energy penetrates through the skin to shrink
the abnormal blood vessels that are the cause of these marks.
Laser Skin Peeling
Lasers can be used to reduce wrinkles around the lips or eyes, even the
entire face, softening fine wrinkles and removing certain blemishes on
the face.
Laser
Removal of Birthmarks and Skin Lesions
Port-wine stain birthmarks respond remarkably well to laser treatment.
The abnormal blood vessels that cause these marks are reduced in size
by the laser. This results in a lightening of the treated area. Skin growths,
facial "spider veins," warts, and some tattoos respond to laser surgery.
Most situations take more than one laser treatment, but some respond to
a single treatment.
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
In this procedure, lasers are used to prepare the area where the hair
transplants will be placed.
New
Lasers
There are constant technologic advances which lead to even new applications
of future generations of lasers. Please ask your doctor to discuss the
latest advances with you.
After
your surgeon has indicated that a laser can be helpful in the surgery,
your surgeon will explain the laser of choice and what can be accomplished.
As with all surgery, the laser has its limitations. Often the results
are spectacular. Your surgeon will give you the best judgment for the
particular procedure.
Some surgeons may
use local anesthetics to numb the treated area before the surgery. Surgery
can sometimes be done in the surgeon's office; other times the surgeries
are performed in outpatient facilities at a clinic or hospital. Your surgeon
will decide on the appropriate method, dictated by the nature of the surgery.
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.
After the surgery, you will probably experience some swelling and skin
redness for several days. Antibiotic ointments may be used during the
healing process. It is important for the patient to follow all the post-operative
directions of the surgeon, particularly in using sunblock and avoiding
sun exposure.
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.
© Copyright
2000 American Academy of Facial and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery