Health Illustrated Encyclopedia - Laser surgery for the skin

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Laser surgery for the skin

Definition

Laser 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.

Alternative Names

Surgery using a laser

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
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
Improve skin texture and cellulite
Improve loose skin from aging

Risks

Possible risks of laser surgery include:

Pain, bruising, or swelling
Blisters, burns, or scarring
Infections
Discoloration of the skin
Cold sores
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)

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

DiGiorgio CM, Anderson RR, Sakamoto FH. Understanding lasers, lights, and tissue interactions. In: Hruza GJ, Tanzi EL, Dover JS, Alam M, eds. Lasers and Lights: Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 1.

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.

Review Date: 11/30/2022
Reviewed By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, 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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