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 Forty
years ago, physicians began studying the effects of lasers
on the skin. Early in their evolution, laser and pulsed light
treatments were painful, unreliable, and risky. Advances in
technology, growth of knowledge, and the development of special
training programs led to their refinement. Today, we can use
lasers and pulsed light to safely and gently remove unwanted
hair, dilated blood vessels, tattoos, and more.
Lasers and pulsed light machines emit light energy which
can selectively affect a target problem without harming the
surrounding skin.
Laser Hair Removal
Hair removal lasers emit energy that is absorbed by pigment
in the hair follicle. The laser energy converts into heat,
disabling the hair follicle without injuring the surrounding
skin. Laser hair removal is an excellent option for patients
with excessive dark hair and is faster than most alternatives.
A series of laser treatments can reduce hair density and
coarseness for years on any part of the body.
Laser and Pulsed Light Treatment of
Dilated Blood Vessels and Redness
Vascular lasers emit energy that targets oxygenated hemoglobin
found in superficial blood vessels. The energy causes the
vessel to shrink without injuring the surrounding skin. Red
lines and ruddinell on the face can be treated safely and
gently with a short series of laser and/or pulsed light treatments.
There are no injections, open wounds or scabs, and the recovery
time is minimal.
Laser Treatment of Pigmented Lesions
Pigmented lesion lasers are tuned to remove the brown discoloration
typical of age spots (lentigines). Usually only one laser
treatment is necessary—a great advantage over most bleaching
creams.
Skin Rejuvenation with Pulsed Light
Pulsed light treatments can reverse sun damage on the face,
hands, and upper chest. Like lasers, pulsed light devices
emit light energy that can safely remove or improve brown
age spots, dilated blood vessels and ruddiness, while improving
skin tone (fine wrinkles), texture, and pore size. A series
of three monthly treatments is recommended for optimal results,
and downtime is minimal. Be aware that not all pulsed light
machines are equal, and less effective machines require more
visits.
Tattoo Removal
Lasers are our safest method of tattoo removal. A series of
laser treatments breaks the tattoo pigment into smaller particles
allowing the body to absorb the tattoo without harming the
normal skin. Different tattoo colors require different wavelengths
of light and that means more than one laser is necessary for
a multi-colored tattoo. Make sure your doctor knows the difference.
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LASERS AND YOUR SAFETY
Most states have yet to establish clear laws protecting patients
from poorly-trained practitioners or ineffective lasers. In
fact, unlike almost half of the other states, Maryland’s
laws do not even necessitate that physicians actually perform
the procedure. Any physician, nurse, or technician can pick
up a laser and start treating.
To  ensure
the highest level of expertise, Dr. Warner completed his dermatology
training and an additional two years of fellowship training
under the tutelage of experienced laser surgeons at the Cleveland
Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. There, emphasis was
placed on laser fundamentals, patient selection, surgical
technique, and the medical and surgical management of complications.
Ask your physician to explain his or her level of training
and experience. Be careful of fancy marketing or price cutting
used by inexperienced outfits to attract patients. When used
improperly, lasers and pulsed light can cause permanent damage
to the skin.
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