Laser stands for Light Amplification by Stimulation Emission of Radiation. Laser therapies are medical treatments that use focused light from a laser at a specific wavelengths to allow surgeons a high level precision without damaging surrounding tissues. A common cosmetic laser therapy is laser resurfacing. Laser Resurfacing is a procedure that is used to reduce facial wrinkles, acne scars and other irregularities of the skin. Laser therapy has a multitude of medical uses:
• shrink or eliminate tumors or precancerous growths
• LASIK eye surgery
• tooth whitening
• cosmetic scar or tattoo removal
• treat pain, including back and nerve pain
• reduce fine lines and wrinkles around your mouth and eyes
Different lasers are used for different procedures. Three commonly used lasers are low level lasers, carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers and erbium lasers. The procedure will vary depending on which laser therapy you undergo. In general, each laser acts to vaporize skin cell damage and promote tissue regeneration.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) is used to perform minor surgeries to promote tissue regeneration. LLLT uses red and near infra-red wavelengths of light between 600 and 980 nanometers. LLLT is used over minor tissue injuries, to improve scar or wound healing,reduce inflammation and relieve pain. CO2 Laser Resurfacing CO2 laser resurfacing is used to help resolve a variety of skin issues, including acne scarring, warts, wrinkles, and large pores. CO2 laser technology uses ultrapulses, which are short pulses of light, delivered to the treatment area that strategically remove layers of skin.
Recovery may take up to two weeks. Erbium Laser Resurfacing Erbium laser resurfacing is used to resolve surface layer or moderately deep lines orwrinkles on the face, neck and upper torso. A major benefit of erbium laser treatment is that there is minimal burning and heat damage of the surrounding tissues, which leads to a quicker recovery than CO2 laser therapy. In addition, erbium laser therapy has been shown to be more effective for people with darker skin tones than CO2 laser therapy.