What is LASER?
Laser is an advanced technology device that produces light of a specific wavelength. That is enhanced light having a stable and unique colour. In every laser system there is a different material specific to each laser and defines the colour of the emitted light (the laser is named after such material, e.g. alexandrite, dioxide etc.).
When this material is stimulated, light is produced, which is then emitted through an optical fibre to the skin in a controlled way. Light is emitted either continuously or with pulse-duration modulation. Important for the applications are the LASER colour and other parameters, such as the intensity and size of the light beam, as well as pulse duration.
Modern systems are also equipped with a mechanism that cools the skin concurrently with every pulse. Depending on the colour and the modulation of the above parameters, the enhanced LASER light is capable of only acting on specific targets within the skin, without affecting other components or organs, which is known as “selective photothermolysis”.
This specific action of the laser is achieved because different skin components absorb different light colours without being influenced by others.
Why are there multiple Dermatologic LASERS?
Every LASER system targets a specific problem of the skin. The type of LASER (namely, its colour and parameters) defines its therapeutic applications. For instance, we use a different LASER to treat warts and a different one to eliminate a blood vessel from the skin. LASERs were first applied in Medicine by Dermatologists half a century ago to remove tattoos.
Since then, major technological advancements along with the cumulative clinical expertise have used LASERs in order to respond to the many and increasing requirements of modern dermatology and aesthetic medicine. LASER technology allows us to treat every lesion without damaging the healthy adjacent tissues.
Different LASER types are required for every case, either on their own or combined with others. Therefore the Dermatologist today can combine many advanced LASERs with other “non-invasive methods”, in order to fully treat every case with a tailor-made solution.
Thanks to their selective action, they correct various aesthetic problems and help treat skin disorders. In recent years, they have entered decisively the anti-aging treatment.
What are the applications of Dermatologic LASER?
LASER light acts on various targets on the skin, achieving their selective elimination, activation or deactivation. Therefore plenty of applications are possible, the principal ones being described in the relevant links of the website.
FAQs about Dermatological LASERS
LASERs have been studied and established for many decades for a wide range of applications by the Greek and International Dermatologic Communities, including Greek and International Universities, Medical Societies. They are also the subject of on-going medical information and training in congresses, articles, literature and clinical studies.
Dermatological LASERs emit light and not ionizing radiation, radioactivity or x rays. Thus, they have selectivity and act only where we want, without affecting other parts of the body. Hence, when chosen by experienced doctors and all necessary precautions are taken, such as special protective glasses, they are absolutely safe, even for small children.
Since LASERs are a natural treatment option (without medications), they can be used even during pregnancy but not close to the abdomen after consulting the obstetrician-gynaecologist.
After most applications, there is mild or moderate redness which fades away in a few hours or, rarely, days, and may to be covered with make-up, as required. Everyday activities can be resumed immediately, but usually caution is required during the first days protecting the treated areas with appropriate sun block.
An exception are fractional lasers that cause fractional lesions to the skin. Thus, in the first two days there is oedema and erythema. On the third day though, they subside and the skin is covered by a fine brown scab, which falls off gradually over the next days. Use of make-up is allowed.
Also, LASERs used to treat dark spots, papillomas and hyperkeratosis create a brown scab, which falls off in 7 -15 days.
In most cases, the session lasts a few minutes and there is a slight discomfort, which varies with the application and the body area. I advise the application of an anaesthetic cream before the treatment.
Also, advanced LASERs that are equipped with a synchronised cooling system reduce the sense of discomfort and the treatment duration.