The application of lasers in cosmetic surgery has been truly revolutionary. Those opting for laser treatment of the face will need to weigh in the benefits and risk factors, the availability of a dependable surgeon and finally, the cost of treatment. Here are some compelling reasons why dermatologist and surgeons have found laser treatment of face a powerful tool to fight aging skin-
• Lasers, when used as surgical tools, can cut through the skin tissue without causing excessive bleeding. In fact, lasers actually coagulate tissue to stop bleeding.
• Surgeons have more flexibility as they can make the laser reach areas that are difficult to get to by scalpels.
• Cosmetic surgeons can use the wavelengths of the laser lights selectively on specific tissues that need treatment while isolating the nearby tissues from damage.
What Exactly Is Laser Treatment Of Face?
Laser treatment of face, also called as laser resurfacing, is a controlled procedure during which a laser vaporizes the superficial layers of skin removing acne scars, creases around the nose and mouth, benign growths and most of all, wrinkles and lines caused by sun tan and facial expressions.
Why Do People Prefer Laser Resurfacing?
People have found laser treatment as a way of refreshing facial skin surface and replacing it by a new youthful layer. Some people swear that laser treatment has made them look 10 -20 years younger. The effect of the resurfacing procedure itself is known to last for about 10 years.
Is Laser Treatment Of Face Suitable For Everyone?
The answer is no. Cosmetic surgeons have identified the following group of people as unsuited for laser treatment of face:-
• Those having very sensitive skin do not respond positively to lubricants and medications that are administered during healing.
• Ethnic groups having darker skin are not considered good candidates for laser resurfacing because post treatment, the skin has a tendency to change color significantly.
• Those expecting a dramatic improvement immediately after the laser treatment are very likely to be disappointed. Post treatment, the face will have a bruised and swollen look and the patients will have to wait for at least ten days before applying make up.
What Are The Risk Factors?
Any surgical procedure is not without some risk factors. Laser treatment of face is no exception. Here are some risk factors identified with laser resurfacing of skin-
• Tenderness and prolonged redness of skin is a possibility.
• Easy flushing and hyper pigmentation, a condition characterized by the skin appearing darker than normal.
• Permanent hypo pigmentation, a condition wherein the skin appears lighter than normal, is a risk factor of more serious nature.