Shahnaz Husain
The word LASER stands for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.” Laser produces an intense beam of light of a single- wavelength, which can be accurately focused to transmit that light on to a very small area.
From eye surgery and skin resurfacing to hair removal, laser treatment has shown good results. Cosmetic laser treatments are also becoming popular. They can address problems like lines and wrinkles, pigmented (dark) patches, facial hair, acne scars, broken blood vessels and even help in removing tattoos. The temporary known side effects can be redness, swelling and itching, which subside in a few days. One should select the laser therapist with care to avoid other effects like skin burns. There have been some cases of sun-sensitivity too, or problems like blisters, which heal on their own.
From skin resurfacing to eye surgery and hair removal, laser treatments have shown good results. Laser is effective, mainly because it influences the deeper layers of skin. The laser may work on the top layers of the skin, or can be focused to deeper layers of the skin, without damaging the top layer. Therefore, they are more effective than treatments like chemical peels. Unlike dermabrasion or peels, laser light can target the area precisely and can work by vaporizing damaged skin. Laser treatments are also used to minimize wrinkles and fine lines, as well as blemishes. In fact, laser treatment is also being used to treat many other problems, like haemorrhoids, or piles, for instance. Although the laser can treat larger areas in less time, one should find out the effects during and after the procedure.
One of the main uses of facial laser therapy is for the removal of facial hair. It is said to be a method of permanent hair removal, but hair growth is known to occur for some time lessen gradually. Laser produces an intense beam of light, which is absorbed by the hair follicles. The laser disables the hair follicle’s ability to produce hair. Cooling devices are used to prevent damage to the rest of the skin. Laser therapy can be used on the entire face, or on certain areas. One should find out the number of sessions that may be needed. According to the area, the time taken for each session can be from five to fifteen minutes. However, the treatments are repeated for a few months, in order to achieve the desired results. The temporary known side effects are redness, swelling and itching.
Laser can be used to remove hair from the entire face, or from particular areas, like upper lips, chin or cheeks. The time taken for the actual treatment is not much. As re-growth may occur, one may have to repeat the treatment after four or five months. The heat produced by the laser light is controlled by the operator. A strong laser light leads to more heat. That is why cooling devices are used to prevent damage to the rest of the skin. The advantage of laser is that the laser light can scan broader areas. Therefore, fewer sessions may be required. It should be done under supervision of a doctor. The temporary known side effects are redness, swelling and itching. The main risk in laser treatment is the possibility of skin burns, due to excessive heat of the laser light. Regrowth occurs in some cases, but is slower and scantier.
It is very important to find a good laser clinic. So, before choosing the clinic, it is essential to find out its reputation, by making enquiries and talking to people who have been through the treatment. It is an expensive procedure and one should also discuss the approximate number of sessions that may be needed.
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