Skin Lasers
Aging brings blotches, wrinkles, acne, dry and shrivelled skin. For people who want to maintain a clear, young and supple skin, laser skin resurfacing is often suggested by cosmetic surgeons. Laser skin resurfacing is one of the effective cosmetic procedures that can aid in mitigating the effects of sun burns and other dermatological disorders. Fine lines, blemishes caused by acne and flaky patches on skin that are aggravated over a period of time due to exposure to Sun, can be cured by usage of Skin lasers. The positive effect of using skin lasers is triggering the production of new collagen in the lower dermis of the face. Essentially, collagen is a structural protein that constitutes the connective and fibrous tissues like, skin, tendons and ligaments, cartilage, corneas, bones, blood vessels and even intervertebral discs in humans and animals. Hence, engaging deep laser skin treatments besides stimulating production of collagen, can aid in removal of moles and warts. Skin cancer, if detected in early stage can also be treated using Skin laser techniques. Besides, this treatment aids in effective mitigation of facial scars post surgeries and injuries.
Skin lasers: Techniques
Skin is the largest organ of our body that protects organs, tissues and blood vessels from external factors like heat and radiations. It is made up of two prominent layers – dermis (the inner layer) and epidermis (the outer layer). Epidermis is further made of three different types of cells namely, squamous cells (thin flat cells that cover the skin), basal cells (the round cells underneath the squamous cells) and, melanocytes (that contain the pigment melanin). When cancer cells spread in these cells, evident symptoms of skin discolouration appear in the epidermis. If the cancer cells form in the basal or the squamous cells, it is known as non melanoma skin cancer. If detected early, it can be treated using skin laser treatment. Another prominent symptom is Actinic Keratoses, in which the skin develops scaly lesions because of exposure to UV rays. The lesions are usually red and appear on the soft spots like bald scalp, lips and face. If undetected, this can progress towards squamous cell carcinoma.
Skin laser techniques aid in treatment of superficial cancerous growths on the epithelial lining of the body and organs. This technique is beneficial only if the cancerous growth is detected in the early stage. Basal cell skin cancer, vaginal and penile cancer can be treated using skin laser treatment if detected early. In certain treatments, skin lasers are used in sealing the lymph vessels and nerve endings to prevent the spread of cancer. Skin laser procedure approximately takes about 30 minutes to two hours depending on the amount of skin resurfacing that has to be done. Cosmetic surgeons involved in executing these procedures are well trained and are equipped with the necessary expertise to work with highest level of precision while adjusting the intensity of the laser beams during the procedure. The procedure is known as IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). Besides treating skin cancer, IPL is used in removal of unwanted hair, treating pigmentation in skin and sun burns. The technology uses filters to remove lower wavelengths of the radiation that could damage the skin. Apart from IPL, CO2 fractional laser and diode laser are used in treatment of anomalies in skin.
Skin Laser for Cancer: Procedure
Essentially, skin laser treatment procedure is an outpatient procedure that is commenced with administering local anaesthesia to the patient post pre-operative care. The technique engaged in skin laser treatment involves passing of short concentrated laser beams on the site of treatment. Laser beams are amplified radiation emissions with a very high intensity that have the precise ability to incise a tissue in a non invasive manner. The molecular bonds of the exposed skin are dissolved or vaporised, thereby exposing the younger skin surface underneath. The exposure of the skin to the laser beam stimulates the growth of collagen responsible for production of new skin cells.
Although the idea of employing skin laser procedures for cosmetic reasons sounds appealing, there are certain constraints that need to be taken note of. People with a weak immune system or, those who have suffered auto immune disorders like Sjogren’s syndrome or, lupus erythematosus are advised against going for skin laser treatments. Besides, people with dark skin tone are advised to forgo the treatment. The reason being the pigment in the skin cells of such people, can absorb copious amount of the laser beam leading to destruction of the cell. As for every surgical procedure, the costs incurred cover the surgeon’s fee, the pre-operative care, post-operative care, cost of the anaesthesia and the facility being provided.
Doctors and cosmetic surgeons are well trained to carry out cosmetic surgeries with little or no side effects. Dr. Debraj Shome is a specialised oculoplastic surgeon who has performed many successful cosmetic surgeries. His work has helped people in rejuvenating their looks, having undergone cosmetic surgeries and treatment under his care.