Laser Cosmetic Surgery: An Overview

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.