Laser Surgery for the Skin
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
References
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.
O’Connor K, Dover JS. Understanding lasers, light sources, and other energy-based technology. In: Tanzi EL, Dover JS, eds. Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology: Lasers, Lights and Energy Devices. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 1.
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