Do you have embarrassing scars from the acne that plagued you as a teen? Do you still have your ex-husband’s name tattooed on your arm or lower back? Read this article to learn about the type of cosmetic laser treatment that would work for you.

Recently introduced as a treatment for scar removal, laser treatments remove scars from acne, burns, and plastic surgery scars. This procedure has been very effective. It does involve more risk than non-surgical treatments, and the costs are much higher.

Laser treatments are also an effective method of treating acne. People with severe cases of acne benefit most from this procedure. It is frequently recommended if topical creams or chemical peels have not worked. Acne treatments are painless and do not require any recovery time before you can return to work or school. They usually take from 15 to 60 minutes. Only licensed professionals with special training should administer these treatments.

Laser therapy involves a two-step process. In the first step, the laser is used to kill the skin bacteria that cause acne. This stops the current infection. Next, the laser is used to shrink the skin’s oil-producing, or sebaceous, glands. This step prevents recurring eruptions.

Professionals use laser treatments to remove acne scars in the same way that they use them for scar removal and wrinkle treatments. Two different types of lasers can be used for these cosmetic treatments. The Erbium laser is less effective, but there is less risk of complications. The CO2 laser is more effective, but can be dangerous if used by someone who is inexperienced. Furthermore, the recovery time is often longer.

Lasers are effective in removing tattoos as well. Their quick pulsations destroy the tattoo’s colors without destroying the underlying skin. The Q-switched laser is most effective and does not cause scarring. Three different types of laser light (Yag, Ruby, and Alexandrite) are used.

These same types of lasers have been used for the successful removal of unwanted hair from the legs, chin, back, or other areas. A newer type of laser, the Neodymium, appears to be the most beneficial to date. Remember, however, that the treatment is only effective for six weeks to six months, and is not useful for persons with white, blond, or grey hair.

If you are interested in these types of cosmetic laser treatment, educate yourself. Finally, locate an experienced professional; laser treatments can cause scars if not properly used. Protect your skin – and your body!

Hyperpigmentation means the abnormal darkening of skin, usually in a specific area of the body. This may be due to an injury, such as a burn, or from inflammation, such as an infection (e.g. a skin infection that was treated). Normal pigmentation is from melanin which is produced by melanocyte cells in the skin. Anytime there is an inflammatory stimulus, melanocytes might be triggered to produce extra melanin as part of the healing process. Increased melanin production by the melanocytes occurs in response to thermal changes and inflammation. It usually goes away but may last anywhere from a few weeks to many months. It is different from scarring. Scarring means that there is increased collagen production in the area and that the texture of the skin has changed. Hyperpigmentation causes no textural change of the skin, just a change in color.

Laser treatment of the skin can also occasionally lead to hyperpigmentation. Any laser transmits light into the skin. If there is heat generated or cells damaged, inflammation and thereby hyperpigmentation may be stimulated. The ideal in most cosmetic laser treatment is to target specific elements within the skin, such as hair or age spots, and avoid thermal damage to surrounding structures. This kind of targeted approach is usually successful in avoiding hyperpigmentation.

In published research, it has been shown that darker-skinned patients are more likely to be affected by hyperpigmentation when treated for laser hair removal. Darker skin types may have a 10 times risk versus the lightest skinned patients. In hair removal, some lasers have a lower risk of hyperpigmenation than others. The diode laser, for instance, has a much lower risk than the ruby. For this reason, the ruby is no longer commonly used for hair removal.

THe main treatment for hyperpigmenation has been hydroquinone. It varies in strengths from 2% to 4% or much higher. Hydroquinone works by blocking the tyrosinase enzyme which is important in the making of melanin. It is not recommended for long term use but may be very useful in the short term to prevent hyperpigmentation in patients prone to it who are receiving laser hair removal or other laser procedures. It may even be used as pre-treatment in darker-complexioned patients. There are many natural alternatives to hydroquinone, such as kojic acid, azelaic acid, and licorice extract. Their effectiveness in comparison to hydroquinone has not been well-tested.

Vascular lesion laser therapy

Purpuria accompanied by hyperemia is the immediate effect after the application of a 585-nm pulsed dye laser to treat vascular lesions. Intermittent wave (CW) lasers for instance copper vapor, krypton, KTP and argon-driven dye lasers, result in reddening of the skin with widening of the tiny blood vessels near its surface and extra fluid accumulation in tissue cells.

Restorative measures typically include:

o Safeguard skin from the sun.

o Use a topical antibiotic ointment 7 to 10 days after the laser application.

o Use only gentle, soothing soap e.g. Catrix Correction Cream Wash, BiOz azulene cleanser, Cetaphil or Aquanil, twice daily on the healing spots.

Pigmented lesion and tatoo laser treatment

The pigment or tattoo becomes ash-white or purpuric after the laser therapy.

Restorative measures typically include:

o Rinse the corrected spots with gentle soap and water twice daily, 1 to 2 weeks after the laser application.

o Use antibiotic ointment after each wash and continue this regimen till the spot is restored.

o Use sunscreens and bandages to safeguard the treated areas from the sun.

Laser treatment for vascular lesions, lentigines, tattoos, hypertrophic scars, or keloids

Here the corrected skin is highly sensitive and requires great care 7 to 10 days after the therapy. The post treatment blemishes take weeks to fade out.

Restorative measures typically include:

o Use bacitracin, polysporin, or Bactroban ointment and apply a protective Telfa pad with adhesive. This should be done once to twice daily for 7 to 10 days. Avoid Neosporin on corrected spots.

o Take short showers but avoid longs baths. After a bath, gently pat dry the corrected areas with a soft cloth. Never wipe hard with a towel.

o Apply acetaminophen (Tylenol) when there is any kind of short-term irritation. In case of long-term irritation, consult the physician.

o Do not take aspirin or aspirin-based drugs during the restorative period, which is generally 1 to 2 weeks after therapy.

o Use an ice pack for 10 to 15 minutes every hour (for 4 hours) on corrected area to soothe swelling.

o Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 to prevent sunburn during and after therapy.

o Do not swim and undertake any contact sports during the healing time.

o Never prick the blisters or scabs that may occur.

Cutaneous laser resurfacing

The skin turns light pink and slightly inflamed right after the therapy. After a day or two there is intense reddening, fluid buildup, accompanied by inflammation, oozing and crusting of the corrected spots. Take rest and avoid socializing in the first 7 to 10 days after therapy.