How does the laser work?
 A
laser generates and intense beam of light. This beam brings energy
to a specific site, through a small handpiece connected to the laser
console.
The laser light is absorbed by
oxyhemoglobin (bright red blood cells carrying oxygen) and
melanin/pigment (black or brown pigment found in the skin) causing
decomposition or destruction by heat of unwanted cells while leaving
healthy cells intact.
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What is a vascular lesion?
A vascular lesion is formed by
abnormally large or numerous blood vessels located directly under the surface
of the skin. These vessels may be visible through the skin or result in
a red appearance of the skin. Spider Angiomas,
pictured to the right are examples of vascular lesions.
What is a pigmented lesion?
Melanin is the dark pigment present in skin
and is produced by melanocytes. Pigmented lesions occur when an
abundance of melanocytes are found in the skin. When dark pigment
multiplies, it forms freckles, brown age spots and moles.
What should a patient expect during and
after treatment?
Treatment may vary, depending upon patient
characteristics and the area being treated.
You will be asked to wear special goggles to
protect your eyes from the intense beam of laser light.
You
will be placed in a reclined position, depending on the location of the
treatment. The doctor will use a "pencil thin" handpiece to
direct a beam of laser light to the lesion. In most cases, anesthesia is
not required.
Some patients report feeling a slight stinging
sensation during the treatment followed by some redness which usually goes
away in 2-4 hours. Some swelling may also be experienced and may last
1-2 days. There will not be any purple skin discoloration or bruised
appearance to the treated skin.
Postoperative care is minimal. Your
doctor may ask you to use an anti-bacterial ointment on the treated area for a
short period of time and will suggest that you stay out of the sun during the
healing process.
Final treatment results should be evident
within 10-14 day after treatment for vascular lesions and within 2-3 weeks
after treatment for pigmented lesions. In the meantime, normal daily
activities can be resumed with only a slight redness evident at the treatment
area.
What does the laser look and sound like?
The laser is small - about the size of a
VCR. As pulses of energy leave the end of the handpiece fiber, you will
hear a soft beeping sound.
What conditions are treated with a laser?
Vascular Lesions
- Telangiectasia
- facial spider veins caused by a dilation of capillary vessels or
arterioles
- Cherry Angiomas - slightly raised, red
lesions
- Spider Angiomas
- slightly raised, red spider like lesions
- Rosacea - red facial lesions around the
nose and cheeks causing a sunburn look
Pigmented Lesions
- Lentigines -
flat, brown spots on the skin; present on skin with frequent sun exposure
- Keratoses - slightly elevated pigmented
spots often found on the back and hands
- Freckles - brownish spots on the skin;
common on people with fair skin
- Dermatosis Papulosis Nigra - small, black
marks seen primarily on people of Asian or African descent
As a patient, what does the laser mean to
me? What are the benefits?
- Excellent and consistent outcome - minimal
to no discoloration, swelling or complications.
- Friendly and gentle treatment - typically
performed without anesthesia or pain.
- Simple treatment - minimal care before and
after treatment
- Comfortable surroundings - treatment is
performed in our office and takes only minutes
Do I need to schedule an appointment?
Since treatment only takes a few minutes, it
may be possible to perform the procedure today. Please feel free to call
our office for an appointment.
