What is a Laser?
Laser stands for “Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation”. Lasers are composed of a laser chamber containing the laser medium, 2 mirrors and an external pump or excitation source. A lasing medium is the source of electrons needed to yield a laser beam. Lasing media can be liquid (dye), solid (crystal or diode), or gas (CO2). The external pump applies energy to lasing medium, causing electrons within the medium to transition to an unstable, excited state, they release energy in the form of photons.
How do Lasers interact with tissues?
- When laser light interfaces with the skin it is either absorbed, reflected, scattered or transmitted. All lasers have a specific target chromophore whether it is blood, melanin, water, or tattoo ink. When target molecules absorb the light from the laser, the energy is transferred to the target which causes its destruction. Light can be scattered due to collagen fibers in the dermis. The amount of scattering is inversely proportional to the wavelength of the laser (shorter wavelength scatters more and cannot penetrate deeply). Laser energy can be absorbed by a defined target chromophore, which leads to that target’s complete destruction without causing significant damage to surrounding tissues.
Laser Variables:
Some laser variables that must be controlled include wavelength, pulse duration, and energy density.
Types of Lasers at FPSI:
We have different lasers at FPSI that are used as monotherapy or in combination to yield aesthetic results. Our lasers include:
- Long pulse YAG: Vascular lesions (Telangiectasias, cherry angiomas)
- Q-Switch: Tattoo ink removal
- Diode: Laser hair reduction (face/neck only)
- Erbium YAG: skin resurfacing
- CO2 laser: skin resurfacing
- IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): not a true laser but targets vascular lesions and photo aging
How should I prepare for my Laser treatment?
Pre-procedure antivirals if a history of HSV. Should be started the day prior to procedure and then continued for a total of 7 days. The skin needs to be as light as possible, so avoidance of direct sun exposure prior to treatment for at least 1 week. Also avoid being on antibiotics prior to laser use due to photosensitivity and avoidance of retinols prior to laser treatment for a week as well.
Proper eye protection must be worn during treatment (goggles are provided). We do our best to keep you comfortable during your laser procedure. We provide topical numbing cream as well as nerve block injections to keep you comfortable. Also, CO2 laser can be done under anesthesia at the end of your surgical procedure.
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