Laser - Treatment, Procedure And Side Effects

A relatively new form of medical treatment, laser therapy makes use of focused light. The full form of LASER is light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. In this type of treatment, the light is effectively tuned, using specific wavelengths to create controlling beams.

As a form of medical treatment, the laser is used for precision, wherein specific areas of the body are subjected to the beam in order to prevent the surrounding area from damage. As compared to traditional forms of surgery, laser treatment results in less pain and faster recovery. But it can be expensive and multiple sessions may be necessary.

Laser therapy is used to treat a number of medical problems like-

• Malignant or non-malignant tumors and polyps: They are either shrunk or completely destroyed.
• Cancer symptoms
• Kidney stones
• Treat detached retina
• Vision improvement
• Nerve pain of the back

Laser treatment is also a popular cosmetic procedure, used to remove warts and birthmarks as well as sun spots. Laser treatment for hair removal is also very popular. Many individuals also opt for laser therapy to get rid of tattoos and wrinkles on the face.

Before undergoing Laser Treatment one needs to ensure that they understand the implications of the therapy. Doubts and questions should be cleared with the doctor before undergoing the treatment. Pre-treatment planning should be done to ensure that someone is available to drive you home and you have enough time to recover thereafter.

Certain medications may be discontinued a few days prior to the commencement of the treatment process. This is done to prevent the effect of blood thinners.

The technique of laser therapy that is used for treatment generally depends on the problem that is being treated. For instance, in the case of laser therapy to treat a tumor, an endoscope is first inserted into the body to view the tumor. The laser is then aimed at the tumor and concentrated light beams are used to destroy or shrink the tumor.

In the case of cosmetic treatments, the laser is applied directly to the skin.

Different lasers are used to treat different medical conditions, for instance, carbon dioxide lasers treat superficial cancers. Skin cancer is an example of superficial cancer.

The eligibility for a particular type of laser surgery depends on various factors like age, sex, health and lifestyle as well as the cost of treatment.

Laser therapy should be opted for after detailed consultation with the doctor. Depending on your age and health, he may or may not recommend the treatment. For example, young adults below the age of 18 years are generally not eligible for a laser eye surgery.

Laser therapy does involve a few risk factors. For instance, skin laser therapy can result in bleeding, pain, redness of the skin, the onset of infection and even scarring.

Some types of laser treatments are done under the influence of anesthesia, which involves risk factors like pneumonia, sudden heart attack or stroke and extreme confusion after regaining consciousness.

Each individual has a different resistance level for pain so each patient will feel different during laser Treatment. If the laser Treatment involves dead skin or facial hair, you may feel light spat like someone hit you with a small elastic band. On the contrary, laser Treatment involves alteration with the upper layer of the skin can be a little more painful. To induce the pain, your doctor may use a local anaesthetic on the site that has been chosen for the treatment.

Summary: Depending upon the pain threshold of an individual and the motive of the laser Treatment one can assist the level of pain.

Post laser treatment, the guidelines for recovery are quite similar to other traditional forms of surgeries. Rest should be taken for the first few days after the treatment. Pain and swelling are common. Painkillers are generally prescribed to help deal with the discomfort.

Recovery time generally varies according to the procedure. Doctors’ advice should be strictly followed. In the case of skin laser therapy, the treated area should be cleaned with water. The ointment should be applied properly. Ice packs can be used for relief from discomfort and swelling.

Laser therapy generally involves multiple sessions, thus it takes a long period of time for recovery.

Depending on the type of laser treatment one is seeking, it may cost between the range of Rs 1500- Rs 30000.

The results of the treatment are not quite permanent and multiple sessions may be required.

Traditional surgical procedures may be opted for instead of laser treatment.

Summary: laser Treatment is a cosmetic procedure that has been used to treat general skin issues like sunburn, wrinkles, dark spots, etc. via different methods of the laser. It may give your skin some uncomfortable days, however, the effects of the treatment last long any other skin treatment. It can be managed easily with the help of proper care and precautions.