|
Services
Age Spots and Brown
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Are laser treatments safe?
Yes. Lasers have been used in medicine for a wide range of treatments since the early 1960s by many specialties, including dermatology and plastic surgery. In the hands of a trained healthcare professional, the use of a laser is safe and effective.
How does the laser work?
A laser generates an intense beam of light. This beam brings energy to a specific site, through a small hand piece connected to the laser. The laser light is absorbed by melanin/pigment (black or brown pigment found in the skin) causing decomposition or destruction by heat of unwanted cells while leaving healthy cells intact.
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 veins (telangiectasia), are the most common 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 intensifies, it forms freckles, brown age spots and moles. Dermatosis papulosa nigra (very small and numerous slightly elevated dark papules or bumps, on the face, particularly on the cheeks and near the eyes) is an example of a pigment containing lesion, as are freckles and brown age spots and liver spots.
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 yours eyes from the intense beam of laser light.
You will be placed in reclined position, depending on the location of treatment. A "pencil thin" handpiece is used to direct a beam of laser light to the specific area of treatment. 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, but can last up to a week. Some swelling may also be experienced and may last 1-2 days. Occasionally, there may be a superficial blister or crusting, which is usually healed in one week.
Postoperative care is minimal. Final treatment results should be evident within 2-3 weeks after treatment for pigmented lesions. In the meantime, normal daily activities can by resumed with only a slight redness evident at the treatment area.
What does the laser look and sound like?
The lasers are small; about the size of a VCR; others are about the size of a small end table. As pulses of energy leave the end of the end of the handpiece fiber, you will hear a soft beeping or popping sound.
As a patient, what does the laser mean to me? What are the benefits?
Excellent and consistent results with minimal to no discoloration, swelling or complications. The treatment is gentle and is typically performed without anesthesia or pain. There is minimal care required before or after treatment
This treatment is performed in our office and takes only minutes
How will I know if laser treatment is right for me?
After a brief examination, we can determine if laser treatment is appropriate for you. |
