Types of lasers used in dermatology

Developed for the first time in 1960, "laser" is an acronym for "light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation." These are high-intensity light sources have been used increasingly in recent years in dermatology to treat skin conditions. It uses a high intensity beam of a particular wavelength, negligible dispersion in a short range and focuses on the skin. There are three components of the skin that absorbs laser light, ie melanin, hemoglobin, and intracellular or extracellular water. The laser beam destroys the specific tissues of the target lesion without damaging surrounding skin.

Types of lasers used in dermatology

There are different types of lasers, each with its own special utility. Lasers are first used 40 years ago, carbon dioxide, argon and used to treat vascular blemishes such as wine stains and hemangiomas. With the introduction of new technologies, lasers used in dermatology laser light and then used the quasi-CW and pulsed mode. The type of laser used for any clinical application depends on the wavelength of laser light peak, pulse duration and absorption through the skin target.

Some lasers are commonly used:
Carbon dioxide laser
Nd: YAG
PDL
Laser Diode
Argon laser
ruby laser
Erbium YAG Laser
Skin conditions treated with laser

vascular lesions: The most common use of lasers in dermatology, the treatment of vascular lesions using pulsed dye laser. It was used mainly for treatment of birthmarks in children. However, with adjustments to the original settings that allow wavelengths longer pulses, is increasingly used to treat diseases of blood vessels and also for cooling the skin. Small superficial vascular malformation respond well to treatment for deep, larger vessels with a fade around 80% after 8-10 treatments.

Tattoos and pigmented lesions: A large cosmetic treatment is laser removal of tattoos and benign pigmented lesions while reducing complications and other scars. Using the Q switched lasers, ruby lasers, Nd: YAG and alexandrite causes destruction of melanin or tattoo pigments for subsequent removal of macrophages. The most common pigmented lesions can be corrected include freckles and birthmarks and, blue nevi, Becker nevi. Congenital melanocytic nevi and nevi of T Ota / Ito. Although lasers are effective Q to remove tattoos, she needs some color and multiple treatments may not respond or become darker leading to complications while removing. Like other laser treatments can also lead to scarring and pigmentation.

Hair Removal: Unwanted hair can be effectively eliminated or reduced by using the ruby laser over long distances or Nd: YAG. These lasers target melanin in the hair bulb and cause cell damage. This ability slows hair growth.

Facial Resurfacing Laser skin resurfacing allows collagen to be rebuilt, making it more patient look younger by reducing skin wrinkles. Over the years Erbium: YAG laser and carbon dioxide were used, but recently non-invasive devices have been developed. The device most frequently used non-invasive diode, LED or light emitting were used to stimulate the skin fibroblasts to produce collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans to rejuvenate the skin.

Lasers also have been used for removal of viral warts, acne and psoriasis. Keloids and hypertrophic scars, which have always been hard to remove, can be eradicated by laser vaporization, such as carbon dioxide and Erbium: YAG.

It is important that laser devices must be carefully trained and clinic patients and eye protection. Patients should take into account that laser treatments are essentially burns, which can cause temporary pain, infection and redness. I understand the risks and complications is essential. So before going for laser treatment, please consult a qualified laser surgeon.

0 comments:

Leave a Comment