Laser surgery for the skin
Surgery using a laserLaser surgery uses laser energy to treat the skin. Laser surgery can be used to treat skin diseases or cosmetic concerns such as sunspots or wrinkles.
Wrinkles
Wrinkles are creases in the skin. The medical term for wrinkles is rhytids.
Description
A laser is a light beam that can be focused on a very small area. The laser heats specific cells in the area being treated until they burst.
There are several types of lasers. Each laser has specific uses. The color of the light beam used is directly related to the type of surgery being performed and the color of the tissue being treated.
Why the Procedure Is Performed
Laser surgery can be used to:
- Remove warts, moles, sunspots, and tattoos
Warts
Warts are small, usually painless growths on the skin. Most of the time, they are harmless. They are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus ...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleMoles
A birthmark is a skin marking that is present at birth. Birthmarks include cafe-au-lait spots, moles, and Mongolian spots. Birthmarks can be red or...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Reduce skin wrinkles, scars, and other skin blemishes
- Remove dilated blood vessels and redness
- Remove hair
- Remove skin cells that could turn into cancer
- Shrink surface leg veins
Surface leg veins
Varicose veins are swollen, tortuous, and sometimes painful veins that have filled with blood that does not drain out in a normal fashion.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Improve skin texture and cellulite
Cellulite
Cellulite is fat that collects in pockets just below the surface of the skin. It forms around the hips, thighs, and buttocks. Cellulite deposits ca...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Improve loose skin from aging
Loose skin from aging
Aging changes in the skin are a group of common conditions and developments that occur as people grow older.
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Risks
Possible risks of laser surgery include:
- Pain, bruising, or swelling
-
Blisters, burns, or scarring
Burns
Burns commonly occur by direct or indirect contact with heat, electric current, radiation, or chemical agents. Burns can lead to cell death, which c...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Infections
- Discoloration of the skin
-
Cold sores
Cold sores
There are different types of mouth sores. They can occur anywhere in the mouth including bottom of the mouth, inner cheeks, gums, lips, and tongue....
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Problem not going away
Most laser surgery for the skin is done while you are awake. Talk to your health care provider about the risks of laser surgery.
After the Procedure
The success of laser surgery depends on the condition being treated. Talk to your provider about what you can expect.
Also discuss with your provider, skin care following treatment. You may need to keep your skin moisturized and out of the sun.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The recovery time depends on the type of treatment and your overall health. Ask your provider before treatment how much recovery time you will need. Also ask about how many treatments you'll need to achieve your goal.
References
James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Cutaneous laser surgery. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 38.
O'Connor K, Dover JS. Understanding lasers, light sources, and other energy-based technology. In: Tanzi EL, Dover JS, eds. Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology: Lasers, Lights and Energy Devices. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 1.
Review Date: 10/14/2024
Reviewed By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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