Laser Surgery - What is a Laser?
Medical Information
DEFINE: LASERLasers & SurgeryLASER SURGERY
We wanted to know, "What is a laser, and how do they use it to remove moles?"
A surgical laser; is a high-energy beam of light that can transfer its energy into skin tissue. Lasers contain a material that produces and amplifies light. The laser uses two mirrors that cause the light to reflect back and forth through this material. The end result is a light beam that is quite intense.
Many surgical procedures cannot be done without the laser. Likewise, many procedures are better performed without the laser. Sometimes the laser is not the best tool for surgery. The choice of using a laser or other surgical methods is carefully made by the facial plastic surgeon and the you, the patient. Your surgeon has the preference to consider the results, the possible complications, and the alternatives.
The use of lasers in medicine is very complex, and your facial plastic surgeon is trained in the use of lasers and understands how and when to use a laser. Your surgeon will decide if a laser is appropriate for your mole removal, and which laser is best for the mole removal surgery.
Physicians can use lasers to make incisions, vaporize tumors, close blood vessels, selectively reduce pigmentation, or even treat skin wrinkles. The laser makes it possible to change tissue without making an incision. So a surgeon can treat birthmarks or damaged blood vessels, remove port-wine stains, and shrink facial "spider veins" without major surgery.
Lasers can be used to reduce wrinkles around the lips or eyes, even the entire face, softening fine wrinkles and removing certain blemishes on the face.
Some surgeons may use local anesthetics to numb the treated area before the surgery. Surgery can sometimes be done in the surgeon's office; other times the surgeries are performed in outpatient facilities at a clinic or hospital. Your surgeon will decide on the appropriate method, dictated by the nature of the surgery.
Because safety is a major component of laser use, your surgeon will describe safety precautions before the surgery. If you are treated with a local anesthetic, you will be required to wear protective glasses or goggles during laser use.
After the surgery, you will probably experience some swelling and skin redness for several days. Antibiotic ointments may be used during the healing process. It is important for the patient to follow all the post-operative directions of the surgeon, particularly in using sunblock and avoiding sun exposure.
The full impact of the laser may not be apparent for a month or two, especially with vascular deformities. Additional treatment sessions will not be scheduled until the healing process for a particular treatment is complete.
It is important for the patient to realize that lasers have specific applications. The facial plastic surgeon is experienced in the use of the laser and is the best source of information as to whether laser surgery is appropriate for your condition.
Insurance does not generally cover surgery that is done purely for cosmetic reasons. Surgery to correct or improve congenital deformities or accidental skin injuries may be reimbursable in whole or in part. It is the patient's responsibility to check with the insurance carrier for information on the degree of coverage.
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