Laser Treatments Offer Beauty in a Flash

July 14, 2006
More and more people are turning to minimally invasive laser procedures to zap zits, erase sun damage, and terminate unwanted hair. Lasers are no longer just a wave of the future. Advanced laser technologies offer patients less painful alternatives to reaching their aesthetic goals without the long recovery time.

“Lasers are the standard way of treating things now,” says Dr. Marc Avram, chief of dermatology at Long Island College Hospital. “Though everything has risk, they tend to be pretty safe, are non-invasive, and about 80 percent to 90 percent of patients see dramatic results.”

Prior to laser treatments, those looking to permanently remove unwanted hair underwent long, painful electrolysis treatments. Now, lasers can eliminate hair by beaming light at small areas of the skin to penetrate and damage the hair follicle.

Acne, once treated by creams and prescription drugs, can now be zapped by lasers, which also help zits from evolving.

Cosmetic laser and light treatments have become the most common reason U.S. women see dermatologists and the second most common reason men go, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS).

Lasers work by beaming light at particular areas of the skin to vaporize, cut, or seal hair, blood vessels, and tissue. Most procedures are non-invasive compared to other cosmetic surgery options that may involve cutting, scarring, and long recovery periods.

“About 10 years ago, the pendulum swung more toward people saying, ‘I want the most aggressive procedure, and I'll accept the risk,' to now people saying, ‘I don't want the down time, and I don't want to accept much risk at all,” says Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick, director of cosmetic dermatology at La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre in Calif.

However, beauty that comes in a flash doesn't come cheap and results are not always immediate. Most patients don't begin to see a dramatic improvement until after a few treatments.

And just like with any other procedure, there are some risks and side effects that vary from patient to patient. Some patients may feel pain depending on the treatment, and side effects can include short-term redness, burning, and hyperpigmentation.

It is important to choose a trained professional before undergoing laser treatments. Please contact us today to speak to a qualified and experienced board certified plastic surgeon in your area.

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