Lasers in Plastic Surgery - An Overview

Introduction

The use of lasers in treating skin diseases has changed forever. The name "laser" refers to light amplification through stimulated radiation emissions. Laser light has a wavelength and is created when photons from the pulsed laser medium are encouraged to emit. The lasing media, the intensity of the light emitted, and the pulse width can be used to classify lasers. Lasers allow for precise treatment because of their ability to focus on small areas.

Among the ailments that lasers are frequently used to treat are:

• Scars left by chicken pox or acne.

• Oil glands or pores that are particularly large on the nose or face.

• Warts.

• Skin that is not responding after a facelift.

• Age spots or creases near the eyes, forehead, or mouth.

• Wrinkled or sun-damaged skin.

• For a better complexion improvement in cases of grayish or yellowish skin color.

• Unwanted tattoo and hair removal.

Where Are Lasers Commonly Used in Plastic Surgery?

Lasers are commonly used in:

• Skin rejuvenation.

• Removal of marks or pigments.

• Hair removal.

Skin Rejuvenation

Laser rejuvenation uses a light beam to treat blemishes, folds, and wrinkles. The device sends short; varied wavelengths focused on wrinkled skin areas. The light projection systematically removes unwanted skin in a precise way. CO2 (carbon dioxide) lasers were used for treating skin issues. There are advancements in CO2 lasers that help direct the beam of light in the target area without causing damage to adjacent tissue.

How Do Lasers Act on Skin Rejuvenation?

The laser removes the upper layer of skin called the epidermis and sometimes the dermis. During this process, new collagen fibers are generated to enhance the healing. This causes new skin which is healthier, firmer, and smoother.

Removal of Marks or Pigments

Laser treatments are used to remove the unwanted birthmarks, tattoos, and hyperpigmentation caused due to injury or infection, and in certain conditions which cause marks such as cafe-au-lait macules (hyperpigmented spots found in newborns), nevus (moles that develop during the growing period), melasma (pigmented spots created due to hormonal changes).

How Do Lasers Act in the Removal of Marks and Pigments?

The laser light mainly targets and destroys melanin cells by heating them. Once the cells are destroyed, they are removed by the body's immune cells, and new cells are formed. This will fall after one or two weeks and expose the underlying light and healthy skin.

Hair Removal

Many still struggle with unwanted hair because typical hair removal procedures are ineffective. Waxing and shaving are commonly employed traditional methods to get rid of unwanted hair, but they provide only a short-term benefit. Effective hair removal is now possible with the help of the development of photothermolysis and the development of numerous laser systems with a broad spectrum of wavelengths.

How Do Lasers Act in Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal works by destroying individual follicles. The hypothesis that thermal injury is restricted to a target that has a light-absorbing molecule known as a chromosphere at a specific wavelength, fluence, and pulse duration provides the foundation for the ability to remove the hair without harming the surrounding skin.

How Are Preparations Done Before Laser Treatment?

• The procedure usually takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the affected area.

• Before the process, the site is thoroughly cleaned, and protective eyewear is given to patients.

• A topical anesthetic agent is applied to the area to numb the surface to be treated.

What Are the Precautions to Be Taken by the Patient After Lasers?

• Skin redness and swelling may persist for a few days following laser therapy.

• Antibiotic ointments or moisturizing creams may speed up the healing process.

• Ice packs can be used to reduce swelling and redness.

• As the surgeon recommends, smoking should be avoided at least one month before and two weeks after the procedure to prevent complications during healing.

• The patient must adhere to all post-laser treatment instructions, including the advice to use sunscreen and limit exposure to the sun regularly.

• After treatment, the treated skin will be sun-sensitive. Sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 50 should be applied often following treatments.

• When deep pigment disorders are treated with a long wavelength, there is an immediate reddening at the treatment sites that subsides over 24 to 48 hours.

• If superficial pigment issues are treated with a short wavelength, the treated area may take 10 to 14 days to heal, and slight bleeding will be evident.

• The skin that has been treated may swell for two to three days.

• There is always a chance that the treatment will leave your skin a little bit darker or lighter than before.

• Refrain from intense activity for at least two days as the exercise increases the body temperature, which can irritate the skin.

• Always use a gentle cleanser to clean the affected area.

• Only use harsh chemicals and skin care products once the doctor recommends doing so.

Advice for a Quick Recovery

• Apply the protective skin care products advised to encourage skin renewal and repair.

• After healing, it is crucial to apply sunscreen religiously to avoid hyperpigmentation.

• To keep the new skin moisturized, apply a generous amount of moisturizer daily.

What Are the Complications of Lasers?

• Bacterial Infection - If this happens, antibiotics are administered before and after the procedure.

• Reactivation of a Cold Sore: This could happen if the patient had laser resurfacing done near the mouth. Be sure to let the doctor know about having cold sores (herpes) in the past. Consuming an antiviral drug before and following the treatment can avoid reactivation.

• Hyperpigmentation: The area that has been treated may turn darker in color. The doctor might suggest a bleaching agent to lighten the skin to occur more infrequently.

• Milia: These tiny white lumps could develop while the body heals. With a washcloth and gentle cleaning, you can get rid of them.

• Redness that Persists: For some people, the redness persists for a longer time.

• Scarring: This is uncommon to occur.

• Swelling: This is commonly seen during the skin rejuvenation process near the eyes. Doctors may prescribe oral steroids to reduce swelling.

• Allergic Reaction: This may be caused due to topical anesthetic agents.

Conclusion

The results of lasers in plastic surgery are seen immediately. These results usually last long. However, in the case of facial rejuvenation, the results can improve over a year, but as the skin ages, the need for retreatment may be necessary.