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Laser Cosmetic Surgery Information

by Isobel Washington

Overview

Laser Cosmetic Surgery Information

The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reports that Americans spent over $13.2 billion on surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures in 2007, confirming America's obsession with youthful appearance. The number of laser skin resurfacing procedures performed in the U.S. increased by over four million from 1997 to 2006. The market for anti-aging skin care products is enormous, and the availability of cosmetic treatments that aim to reverse and combat the signs of aging has spread widely from the upscale cosmopolitan market to middle-class America. More and more consumers seek cosmetic laser surgery as the corrective and preventative anti-aging solution.
How it Works

Cosmetic laser surgery, while aesthetically transforming, is not actually surgery at all, since the procedures are non-invasive, meaning that they require no incisions in the skin or entrance into the body through a cavity. Laser treatment uses advanced technology that permeates the epidermis with high-intensity laser beams with plasma energy. The technique involves extreme precision, and the lasers can target specific spots on the skin and permeate to varying depths, depending on the type of laser technology, the desired results and the skin's condition. The beams dissolve or destroy the undesirable skin cells, sloughing off dead cells of the outer layer to reveal a new, fresh layer of skin. Treatment stimulates collagen growth, and the skin is therefore restored from the inside out.

Reasons for Treatment

The ultimate goal of cosmetic laser surgery is more youthful and attractive skin, achieved by softening, tightening and evening out the skin tone and color. The signs of aging reveal skin irregularities and discoloration, and patients are often people of mid-30s and upwards whose skin shows sun damage. Degrees of visible sun damage are based on many variables including exposure to UV rays, natural skin pigmentation, and the strength of the skin, primarily indicated by age. Hyperpigmentation, such as age spots and liver spots, caused by UV rays is a major cause for laser treatment. Patients also seek cosmetic laser treatment to diminish scars (especially those caused by acne), birth marks, undesirable moles, stretch marks, redness from Rosacea, broken capillaries,spider veins, and melasma patches. Fine lines and wrinkles are also reduced with multiple cosmetic laser sessions. While it's less common, combating acne is a reason some younger patients use laser treatment.
Effects

There is no question that cosmetic laser surgery is effective in improving the skin's appearance; however, the time it takes to achieve the desired results depends on the goals and the patient's skin condition before treatment. Because treatment immediately exposes a fresh outer layer of the epidermis, an improved complexion is achieved with one session, usually between 30 and 60 minutes. Used on younger patients for preventative anti-aging, one laser treatment session will produce visible radiance and improvement in skin texture. Other skin irregularities require additional sessions. For hyperpigmentation areas, the laser beams "zap" the darker skin cells, where melanin has been ill-distributed or has over-accumulated, and promote the regeneration of new skin cells. Thus, discoloration is resolved. Undesirable textures from wrinkles and scars can be "filled" from the inside out by the stimulation of collagen. Again, the time it takes for these improvements depends on the condition of the target areas.
Types of Laser Technology

The most commonly used technology for cosmetic laser surgery is Intense Pulsed Light technology. IPL achieves all of the above desired results, reduces the size of pores, and promotes new skin cell and collagen growth. This laser treatment usually requires no anesthetic, as there is little or no pain (perhaps a slight pinch as the beam strikes). There is also no post-treatment downtime, so patients can leave the session and immediately return to normal daily activities. YAG is another laser type, ideal for textural skin problems, such as scars, since this laser can intensely stimulate collagen and elastin production. The Titan laser uses infrared light to heat the dermis and work from the inside out, and is used for deeper skin revitalization and tightening, commonly on the upper arms and shoulders, face, chest, and stomach.
Where to Receive Treatment

The high demand and growth of cosmetic laser surgery has resulted in the treatment's widespread availability. While at one time laser surgery was only offered through dermatologists and plastic surgery centers, it is now offered by some spas and beauty salons. "MedSpas" are businesses that combine salon and spa treatments with medical cosmetic procedures, and the number of these facilities has grown to over 2500 in the U.S. However, regulation of laser surgery has become an issue among state and national medical/health departments. Regulatory actions will soon enforce special training and certification for non-medical practitioners, such as cosmetologists, electrologists and aestheticians, in order to legally administer laser surgery procedures.
Warning

The side effects of cosmetic laser surgery are rather ironic: while youthful looking skin is achieved, the skin is also substantially more sensitive to environmental effects, most significantly, UV rays. Post-surgery, a strong SPF sunscreen is crucial. The skin may also be more irritable, causing redness and itchiness, and, at worst, slight stinging, though this is rare. Until regulation is in place, patients must be extremely cautious in choosing who renders the treatment. Session prices range from $150 to $600, and while a non-medical practitioner may offer treatment on the less expensive end, paying a bit more to receive laser surgery through your local dermatologist might be safer and more effective.