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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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Are laser treatments safe? |
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Yes. Lasers have been used in
medicine for a wide range of treatments since the early 1960's by
many specialties, including dermatology and plastic surgery. In the
hands of a trained healthcare professional, the use of a laser is
safe and effective. |
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How does the laser work?
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A laser
generates an intense beam of light. This beam brings energy to a
specific site, through a small handpiece connected to the laser. The
laser light is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin (bright red blood cells
carrying oxygen) and melanin/pigment (black or brown pigment found
in the skin) causing decomposition or destruction by heat of
unwanted cells while leaving healthy cells intact. |
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What should a patient expect during and after treatment? |
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Treatment may vary, depending upon patient characteristics and the
area being treated. You will be asked to wear special goggles to
protect your eyes from the intense beam of laser light. You will be
placed in a reclined position, depending on the location of
treatment. The doctor will use a "pencil thin" handpiece to direct a
beam of laser light to the specific area of treatment. In most
cases, anesthesia is not required. |
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| Some patients report feeling a
slight stinging sensation during the treatment
followed by some redness which usually goes away in
2-4 hours. Some swelling may also be experienced and
may last 1-2 days. There will not be any purple skin
discoloration or bruised appearance to the treated
skin. |
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| Postoperative care is minimal. Lasermed may ask you
to use an anti-bacterial ointment on the treated
area for a short period of time and will suggest
that you stay out of the sun during the healing
process. |
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| Final treatment
results should be evident within 10-14 days after treatment for
vascular lesions and within 2-3 weeks after treatment for pigmented
lesions. In the meantime, normal daily activities can be resumed
with only a slight redness evident at the treatment area. |
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What does the laser look and
sound like?
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The laser is small - about the
size of a VCR. As pulses of energy leave the end of
the handpiece fiber, you will hear a soft beeping
sound. |
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| What conditions are treated with the laser? |
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Vascular Lesions
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Telangiectsia
- facial spider veins caused by a dilation of
capillary vessels or arterioles.
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Cherry Angiomas
- slightly raised, red lesions.
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Spider Angiomas
- slightly raised, red spider-like lesions.
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Rosacea - red
facial lesions around the nose and cheeks causing a
sunburn look.
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| Pigmented Lesions |
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Lentigines - a flat, brown
spot on the skin present on skin with frequent sun exposure.
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Keratoses
- slightly elevated pigmented spots often found on the back and
hands.
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Freckles
- a brownish spot on the skin common on people with fair skin.
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Dermatosis Papulosis Nigra - small, clack marks
seen primarily on people of Asian or African descent.
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