Laser Skin Resurfacing Safety Concerns
Laser skin resurfacing is the most common cosmetic procedure today, along with other laser treatments such as LLLT (Low-Level Laser Therapy) and photodynamic therapy. These treatments are typically performed in a physician’s office under local anesthesia. The patient may also receive intravenous sedation for relaxation, which can last for hours during treatment. The safety of laser skin resurfacing is essential, since many different lasers are used during the process, and not all patients respond equally well to it or experience complications.
Laser skin resurfacing removes or repairs damaged skin by using an intense beam of light to penetrate it deeply. Most skin problems are caused by excessive pigmentation, wrinkling, and scars, which lasers can help correct. Laser treatments can also be used for anti-aging purposes and for replenishing collagen in the outermost layer of skin; however, this is not typical in most people.
The first safety concern in laser treatment is collateral damage that occurs while treating other body parts. This includes cancerous lesions, vascular malformations, and keloids, sometimes seen at consultations alone. Damage to the blood vessels can cause problems such as bruising and swelling, and damage to nerves can lead to weakness or numbness. Keloids, which are benign and slow-growing tumors that appear after a skin injury, are more common in people with dark African-American skin.
Another primary safety concern is heat damage to the surrounding tissue, including the eyes or other sensitive areas on the face. This injury can be quite serious; however, it is easily avoidable for the most part if patients follow the instructions of their physician. Most complications related to laser resurfacing occur within days after treatment, but some continue up to a year later. Patients should avoid sun exposure or any heat and humidity on their faces during this time.
Although lasers are safe when and if used correctly, they are not without risks; another common side effect of laser resurfacing is an uneven skin tone in the treated area. This can be corrected by performing the treatment again, although not all patients want to take that path. Laser treatments also require more than one session for noticeable results, so some may not want to continue with more procedures. Get laser skin resurfacing here..
Lasers have been in use since 1960 by doctors wanting to treat different medical conditions such as skin problems such as wrinkles and pigmentation spots, hair removal, vascular lesions, or cancerous moles on the skin’s surface.
