Home > Articles > Laser Treatments

Email Digg Delicious

Harness the Power of Lasers

The word “laser” is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers are intense beams of light of a particular wavelength that don’t disperse over a short distance. This allows dermatologists to very precisely target specific tissues in the skin. Because of their precision, lasers cause exact tissue destruction but leave the immediately surrounding skin undamaged. This is why laser surgeries have become so popular over the years. Laser beams are absorbed by the water and pigments in the skin such as melanin, hemoglobin and tattoo ink. Thus, many different skin conditions can be treated with lasers.

Laser resurfacing has been shown to effectively minimize acne scars, wrinkles, age spots, pockmarks, small pox scars and chicken pox scars. In laser resurfacing, a thin layer of skin is precisely removed, allowing new, healthier skin to grow in its place.

Red-hued birthmarks can be removed with a pulsed dye laser, which uses liquid dye to produce a yellow laser. These short flashes of yellow light are absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood. Although the removal of red-hued birthmarks generally requires multiple treatments, the results can be dramatic.

Tattoo removal is often done with the help of a laser. Although lasers are generally quite powerful when removing a tattoo, there are many variables that affect laser tattoo removal. The size, color and depth of the tattoo determine the outcome of laser treatment, as well as the number of treatments needed.

Laser hair removal has become enormously popular in recent years. In this treatment, the hair follicles absorb the lasers, causing the hair to cease growth and enter into the resting phase. Most patients require multiple treatments (usually four to seven treatments over the course of several months), and can benefit from yearly maintenance sessions to reduce the possibility of hair regrowth. Laser hair removal is extremely effective, with the majority of patients attaining an 80 to 90 percent reduction in hair growth. Laser hair removal is known to cause hyperpigmentation, especially in darker complexions. Because of this, laser hair removal is generally less challenging for those with fair skin.

Finally, spider and varicose veins, moles, warts, age spots, and freckles can also be treated with various types of lasers, restoring an even tone and clarity to the skin.

If you’re interested in laser treatments, the first step is to speak to your dermatologist. He or she can determine whether or not the condition you are wishing to treat is an innocent blemish or the indication of a much more serious skin condition.

Following a professional laser treatment, skin is very sensitive and prone to dryness, so it must be treated with extreme caution. Aftercare Environmental Protection Cream SPF 30 - Glycolic Free by MD Forte was designed specifically for delicate, post-laser skin. Higher levels of transparent zinc oxide provide maximum UVA/UVB protection; allantoin heals and soothes chapped, wind burned skin; and vitamin E provides antioxidant defense. Reactive Skin Care Cream by Pevonia Botanica is another great choice for post-laser skin. Shea butter, calendula and micronized titanium dioxide are combined to heal, protect and provide immediate relief. This product is also recommended for Retin-A users and following microdermabrasion.

To clean recently resurfaced skin, try Lightening Cleanser by Donell. In addition to caring and cleansing sensitive skin, it works to avoid the development of hyperpigmentation. Sensitive Skin Cleanser by SkinMedica was specifically designed for sensitive and inflamed skin. It thoroughly removes environmental aggressors, dirt and grime while providing extra hydration to soothe irritated skin.

If the thought of going under the laser gives you goose bumps, try Dr. Brandt’s Laser in a Bottle - Laser Tight. This breakthrough product has results that mimic those of laser treatments, plus it instantly tightens and tones skin. The formula combines a protein derived from sweet peas with anti-aging antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin looking firm. Grapeseed extract protects collagen and elastin for a more youthful complexion while QuSome technology deeply delivers ingredients. Follow this up with Laser in a Bottle - Laser Relief, which immediately reduces redness and inflammation. The cooling and calming ingredients in this formula provide complete relief while anti-aging actions keep your skin healthy, soft and smooth.

Article posted 3/31/2008.

http://www.dermstore.com/
Copyright © 1999-2008 DermStore.com, Inc., All rights reserved.

Lightening Cleanser by Donell $45.99

Laser in a Bottle - Laser Tight by Dr. Brandt $110.00

Laser in a Bottle - Laser Relief by Dr. Brandt $85.00