Lasers are devices that convert light into heat energy. They were initially used for superficial skin rejuvenation practices but have recently evolved to a point where they are being used for surgery especially on sensitive parts like the eye.
Lasers have also made a mark in the cosmetic field like in the treatment of vascular lesions, acne, tattoo removal, skin tightening, laser-assisted drug delivery, and skin discoloration treatment.
The terms laser peel, lasabrasion, and laser vaporization can be used interchangeably to mean laser skin therapy practices. Basically, laser skin therapy is effective in reducing facial wrinkles and skin irregularities.
Laser Therapy Advances
Curbing effects of aging
Aging is the loss of the body’s functionality. This can lead to the formation of lesions like ephelides, solar lentigines, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. However, clinical consultation should be done before starting treatment or laser therapy to ensure that the lesion is not malignant
Skin color no longer matters
Initially, lasers were only effective on light-colored skins. However, as the technology advanced, they started being effectively used on dark skins too. There are no more risks of scarring and hyperpigmentation for dark-skinned people. Some of the effective lasers for dark-skinned people are the pico lasers which can remove sunspots, scars, and other marks on pretty much any skin.
Use in stretch mark removal
Stretch marks are lines, streaks, or stripes that develop on the body especially the abdomen, thighs, and the upper arm as a result of weight gain. When a person adds the fat layer underneath the skin, the skin is put under pressure and stretches to accommodate the added mass. As the skin stretches, lines start to appear on the skin. These can be likened to the weak lines that form when a lot of air is inflated into a balloon.
Use of lasers in weight loss efforts or burning excess fat
Excess fat in the body can be a source of many conditions that can negatively affect your aesthetic appearance. For example, excess fat can cause various forms of acne, fat deposition on the walls of the arteries which hampers blood flow or leads to inefficient delivery of nutrients.
The most recent development in weight-loss claims that lasers stimulate the fat cells and liquefy them. These types of lasers do not heat the body, and thus you shouldn’t feel anything during the process. Once the fat gets liquefied, it’s passed out through excretion. This cosmetic procedure is commonly referred to as the lipo or laser lipolysis.
Laser skin surgery
Many aesthetic practices require surgical operations. For example, an effective facelift required making an incision around the hairline and lifting the muscles physically. However, with the latest development in laser skin therapy, a precision laser can be used to target the fat, muscle, and skin layer for skin tightening without physically making any cut on the skin.
Complications associated with skin resurfacing
Irrespective of the latest development in laser skin therapy, there are always risks associated with the treatments. Some of these are:
- There are risks of getting skin burns
- There is a risk of the condition not clearing completely without regular treatments
- Bacterial infections can result from any open wounds that might develop
- Hyperpigmentation or Hypopigmentation can result after the treatment
- Scarring
To reduce the incidences of developing complications associated with laser skin resurfacing ensure that you get your treatments from qualified dermatologists.
Wrap Up
Lasers are effective devices for a skin therapy, but their efficiency depends much on the experience and qualifications of the one doing the procedure. For excellent results, it’s advisable to get all your laser skin treatments from qualified dermatologists. Once you consult these professionals, they will advise on the latest laser skin therapy technology which is most suited for your particular condition.