As we move
into the new millennium, it is becoming increasingly clear that the usage of
Laser and modern technologies are entering the most exciting phase of their
development. Laser treatment is commonly used for
removing facial wrinkles and skin irregularities. The pulsating beams of light
are concentrated on the irregular skin which removes the unwanted skin layer by
layer. In short, it helps in improving the skin texture
and the appearance as a whole. Laser treatment should always be performed by
trained and certifiedpractitioners under the supervision of the dermatologist maintaining
strict hygiene standards.
Laser treatments are different from
laser surgery. Laser treatment for beautification does not involve any kind of
surgery. Laser surgery is generally related to stone removal and for eye
diagnoses.
Find below some popular myths related
to laser treatment and the truths behind it:
Myth 1: Laser treatments expose your skin to infections
Truth: Laser treatments don’t cause
infections as the skin is not cut open to expose the internal layers or veins.
There is very little risk of infection as the treatment’s nature is very
different.
Myth 2: Lasers expose you to radiation
Truth: Laser treatments are safe asonly light is used in the process and
no harmful ionising radiation. In fact, normal sunlight contains more radiation
than most modern lasersused for medical practices.
Myth 3: Lasers can cause burns
Truth: All modern lasers use the theory of selective photo-thrombolysis
formulated at the famous Harvard medical school. This actually means that laser
light specifically searches and destroys only the intended target and acts
likes magic bullets.
Myth 4: Lasers cause thinning of the skin
Truth: In contrary,skin thickens after Lasertreatments.
Skin is a living tissue and due to laser treatment controlled gentle heating in
the dermis induces new collagen and elastin formation, replacing the older
damaged tissue. That is why laser treatments have a rejuvenating effect on the
skin, reducing wrinkles to become plumper. Of course, your laser therapist
should have in-depth knowledge of laser physics to achieve the desired
results.
Myth 5: Lasers are unnecessary
Truth: There are many physical problems
and diseases for which lasers are indispensable. There are no medications or
creams which can permanently remove scars, birthmarks, tattoos, remove unwanted
hair, varicose veins, port-wine stains, etc. Laser technology is similarly
indispensable for many other internal medical conditions too.
Myth 6: Lasers cause cancers
Truth: Lasers are used to remove all
kinds of skin and other cancers. Laser light does not contain wavelengths which
can trigger cancers.
Myth 7: Laser hair treatment is harmful to health
Truth: The depth of laser penetration is 1-4
mm; it reaches only the hair follicles, and then is completely dissipated and
does not penetrate deeper! Laser destroys only the hair bulb.
Myth 8: Laser hair reduction hurts
Truth: A little pin-prick, that’s all the
pain involved in this treatment. But this depends on individual pain barrier.
For particularly sensitive parts of the body like bikini, underarms etc. an
anaesthetic cream can be used. It can be applied everywhere,If your pain
threshold is less.
Myth 9: Stopping laser treatment can cause skin to deteriorate
Truth: Lasers actually cause skin
rejuvenation. It align and tighten the tissuesto make the skin appear younger.
That is why, some persons opt for long-term regular maintenance treatment to
keep the skin youthful,even after few sessions with the ageing process.
Myth 10: All laser treatments are the
same
Truth: All laser machines are different
from each other. Also, two laser therapists cannot adopt exactly the same
process of treatments. The laser machines have to be reliable to get optimal
results. More importantly, your dermatologist should not only have thorough knowledge
of human skin but also needs to have expertise knowledge of lasersphysics
simultaneously.
Dr.
Ajay Rana
Founder and Director of
ILAMED (www.ilamed.org) is one of the few professional educational institutions in the worldthat
provides training and hands-on courses in Cosmetology & Aesthetic Medicine.
