What is Laser Treatment?
Laser surgery is a type of surgery that performs treatments with specific light beams without the involvement of medical equipment.
Laser surgery has a significant impact on medical and surgical operations, which use powerful laser beams for treatment. The laser used in medical fields is not the same laser that is used to cut steel or shape diamonds.
In medicine, lasers enable surgeons to work with high precision by focusing on a small area while inflicting less damage to surrounding tissue.
When compared to standard surgery, laser treatment is widely used for less pain, oedema and scars. On the other hand, laser therapy can be costly and requires proper doctor's advice.
Types of Laser Treatment
Lasers are used in surgery for different reasons. Some of the most common signs and symptoms are as follows:
Refractive eye surgery
LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis) eye surgery is the most well-known and widely used laser refractive surgery for vision correction.
A particular form of cutting laser is used during LASIK surgery to accurately alter the shape of the dome-shaped transparent tissue at the front of your eye (cornea) in order to improve vision.
Tooth whitening
A bleaching process performed by the dentist with the help of a laser is known as laser teeth whitening. It differs from conventional tooth-whitening procedures that involve the usage of bleaching gel and a laser.
Teeth whitening with lasers is a process that brightens your teeth. It is commonly called Laser teeth whitening.
Operation of laser tooth whitening
A whitening gel is applied to your teeth during the operation. The gel is then heated by a laser that is directed onto your teeth. This triggers the whitening qualities of the product and causes stain molecules on the teeth to change.
The purpose of laser teeth whitening is to whiten your teeth and decrease discolouration.
Cosmetic Scar
A scar can be made less apparent with laser treatment, but it cannot be completely removed. When you get laser scar treatment, a big scar is replaced with a smaller scar.
For treating the scar, Fraxel laser treatment is used, which uses a beam of light to penetrate deeper into the skin to stimulate the generation of new collagen for treating the scar.
Cataract
Laser cataract surgery is an outpatient surgical procedure in which a cataract (eye lens) is removed from the eyes and replaced with an artificial lens to restore clear vision.
Refractive defects such as short-sightedness and long-sightedness are treated with laser eye surgery with the help of eye surgeons.
Uses of laser therapy
Destroy tumours
To shrink or eliminate cancer cells, laser treatment uses an extremely narrow and focused beam of light to remove tumours without causing damage to the nearby tissues.
Laser therapy removes or destroys abnormal cells that have the potential to become cancerous cells using a powerful narrow beam of light.
Relieving symptoms of cancer
Lasers can also be utilised to treat advanced cancer symptoms like bleeding and obstructions. A laser is primarily used to eliminate tumour sections that are obstructing the windpipe, neck, colon or stomach.
Remove kidney stones
For removing kidney stones, a method called Laser lithotripsy is used. Through this method, kidney stones are broken into very little fragments to remove the stones.
After successful laser lithotripsy treatment, you can resume regular activities within two to three days.
Remove part of the prostate
An enlarged prostate can be removed with holmium laser prostate surgery. The operation involves removing tissue that is obstructing urine flow.
Repair a detached retina
Laser treatment plays an important role in restoring the detached retina. A doctor will inject a small air bubble into your eye during the treatment.
The air bubble will press your retina back into position, allowing your ophthalmologist to heal any holes or rips using a laser or freezing treatment.
The healing process for patients who have just had laser surgery for a retinal tear or detachment could take anywhere from one to four weeks.
Improve vision
For vision problems, laser vision surgery is a prominent therapeutic option that has the potential to lessen or even remove the requirement for spectacles or contact lenses.
Also, refractive defects can also be corrected with laser techniques.
Hair loss due to alopecia
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune ailment that leads to loss of hair throughout the body. People of all ages and genders can be affected by this disorder. Through the application of laser treatment, hair loss problems can be resolved effectively.
Treat pain
Laser therapy is a relatively new therapeutic option for musculoskeletal disorders, but it is proven to be more successful than Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) or cryotherapy.
Benefits of Laser Treatment
Less pain
The laser reduces nerve sensitivity by lowering the level of bradykinin (a pain-inducing hormone). It is recommended to follow the protocols below before undergoing laser treatments:
- Keep yourself hydrated and take your medication before your appointment
- Scratching should be avoided
- Select the appropriate pain relievers
- Use sunscreen and wear loose clothes
Swelling
Swelling is to be expected following laser skin resurfacing. To avoid getting affected by swelling, your doctor may prescribe steroids to lower the side effects.
Scaring
Laser treatment is also known as laser-scar revision or laser-skin resurfacing. Skin problems like wrinkles, dark spots, skin lesions, as well as scars are cured with this treatment.
Side effects of laser treatment
Redness, swelling, itching and pain
Skin that has been treated by laser treatment may swell, itch or burn. The redness may be extreme and last for months.
Acne
Applying thick lotions and bandages to your face after treatment can aggravate acne or cause little white lumps on your treated skin.
Infection
Fungal growth is a rapidly spreading infection that can be aggravating and difficult to treat after laser treatment. Laser is the ideal therapy recommended for curing even the most obstinate illnesses because it is both safe and effective.
The laser kills and destroys the fungus by delivering high quantities of light energy.
Changes in skin colour
Hyperpigmentation (skin darkening) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) can occur as a result of laser resurfacing (hypopigmentation).
People with dark brown or black complexion are more likely to experience permanent colour changes.
What to expect after laser treatment for scars?
Avoid direct sunlight after a laser procedure
It's advisable to stay out of the sun for 7-14 days before and after your laser treatment. Sometimes, UV radiation produces pigment changes in the skin that are irreversible.
It is advised to avoid being exposed to the sun for approximately two months before and after therapy. You can also apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day for the greatest benefits.
Apply a moist cloth to the area to reduce swelling
During the first 24 to 48 hours after laser treatment, apply a cool compress or a wrapped ice pack for nearly 15 to 20 minutes to reduce the swelling.
Over-the-counter pain medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help reduce pain and reduce a fever. Medications like acetaminophen, aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are the most frequent OTC pain relievers.
Wash and apply moisturiser daily
Develop the habit of frequently washing your hands to avoid being affected by bacteria infections. It is very mandatory to follow this habit, especially after laser treatment.
Avoid makeup for a few days
Generally, doctors or health care professionals advise women to refrain from makeup right after laser treatment. This is to avoid the side effects of laser treatment.
Laser treatment for Scar preparation
Stop smoking
After laser eye treatment, your eye will be sensitive, and the smoke from cigarettes will irritate them greatly. This can make your eyes watery, or if you have dry eye following surgery, it might cause serious eye irritation.
Don't take aspirin
Ibuprofen and aspirin should not be taken as they may react with laser light. This medication may increase the risk of scars.
Don't use skincare products
Refrain from using skin care products for at least post the laser treatment. This diminishes the chances of skin complications due to laser treatment.
- You can follow the skin safety tips given below to avoid being affected by skin disease
- Keep your distance from the sun
- Reduce swelling by gently cleaning the area
- Ensure that your skin is well hydrated
- Don't use strong ingredients
- Maintain a positive attitude
Wear sunblock
Even if you plan to stay indoors, try to always wear sunscreen to protect your skin. Sunblocks act as a good skin protector not only from the sun but also from other skin bacterial infections.
Use of Laser Therapy
A laser therapy or laser operation is a modern medical procedure that uses a narrow and intense beam of light to destroy and remove cancer and abnormal cells that cause cancer. It also helps to seal blood vessels, prevent blood loss, reduce pain after surgery, reduce swelling, and limit the spread of tumor cells.
Who should avoid Laser Therapy?
The laser treatment for skin, such as eye surgeries and cosmetic skin, is considered as an elective surgery. People decide based on the potential risks as some skin/health conditions can get aggravated after a laser surgery. It is advisable to consult your doctor before undergoing a laser surgery as it is based on your overall health, age, and healthcare plan.
After care for Laser Therapy
Regardless of the type of laser treatment for face and skin, one should understand the proper care tips that will act as an effective recovery plan to minimise pain. It also ensures your skin will benefit from the laser procedure.
Ablative Lasers and Non-Ablative Laser
In general, ablation refers technically that a medical professional use to describe tissue removal. An ablative laser treatment is a procedure that uses an intense wavelength of light to remove skin cells and deal with scarring, hyperpigmentation, and skin laxity issues by heating the underlying skin. It also stimulates the growth of new collagen fibres.
A non-ablative laser treatment applies stress by heating cells in dermal layers and produces new collagen without damaging the skin surface.
When to see a doctor?
You can consult your doctor under the following conditions:
- When you spot tumours, polyps and precancerous growth on your body
- When you suspect cancer symptoms, kidney stones and retina problems
- When you have a hair loss problem and spinal nerve discomfort
Summing up
Laser surgery recovery is similar to that of traditional surgery. Doctors may recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers until the discomfort and swelling subside.
The time it takes for you to recover from laser therapy depends on the type of treatment you had and how much of your body was impacted.
You may suffer swelling, itching and rawness surrounding the treated area if you had laser therapy on your skin. Your doctor may apply an ointment to the area and dress it up to make it infection-free.
FAQs
1. How can you reduce the risk of lasers?
1 · Ensure that optics are aligned and that adequate eye protection is worn
2 · Ensure that high voltage is handled safely
3 · Ensure to cover the rest of the body during laser treatment
2. Is laser treatment good for skin?
Lasers can cause photochemical or thermal burns to the skin. The beam may penetrate both the epidermis and the dermis, depending on the wavelength.
3. Why is laser safety important?
Laser safety is important because high-power lasers can cause damage to not just the eye but also to the skin.
4. What are the effects of lasers?
Photophobia, redness of the eye, weeping, discharge and stromal haze are some of the effects of laser therapy. These side effects normally take several hours to appear, but they will appear within 24 hours.
