Lasers were first developed in 1960 for
industrial uses like the precise cutting of metals and plastics. During the next
20 years, laser design and engineering were advanced to produce short individual
pulses of light energy – necessary for its role in medical care. Today, lasers
have revolutionized patient care in dermatology, cosmetic surgery,
ophthalmology, oncology and dentistry, to name just a few. In fact, laser
therapy has become the gold standard of care for a wide range of medical
therapies and cosmetic conditions.
From wrinkles, acne, sagging skin and vein
disorders to birthmarks, diabetic retinopathy, breast cancer detection and
age-related macular degeneration, lasers, and light and other energy sources
offer patients an effective solution that doesn’t require incisions, scalpel
surgery and extensive recovery periods. In most cases, laser and related
high-tech procedures are performed in a doctor’s office using only topical or
local anesthesia, providing increased safety, enhanced precision, less bleeding
and faster healing than is generally the case with conventional surgery. The
laser revolution has also helped to make certain treatments affordable and
accessible to consumers from every walk of life.
Laser Design and Engineering
New advances in photonics and laser design
are being developed on an ongoing basis to better serve the needs of medical
professionals. Similar to consumer electronics, laser technology is driven by
the demand for miniaturization. Diode laser technology is replacing bulky
equipment, making utilization by physicians easier and more precise. Advances
are also being made in patient safety and comfort. Devices and accessories that
cool the skin surface and make skin more transparent allow for superior laser
penetration. New designs also lead the way to new applications. For example,
lasers for vascular lesions, radiofrequency devices for skin tightening, and
light-based acne treatments are now available for patient care, thanks to the
scientific developments and technical progress emerging from laser engineering
labs.
Laser Therapy for Acne, Scars, Wrinkles, Unwanted Hair,
Birthmarks and Other Skin Conditions
Lasers, pulsed light treatments and other
high-tech energy sources are being used to combat the most stubborn cases of
acne and acne scarring. Some of these systems thermally alter the sebaceous (or
oily) glands, which contribute to acne, while others emit wavelengths of light
that target the acne bacteria itself. Due to high efficacy, high safety, high
compliance and high patient satisfaction, laser/light therapy is fast becoming a
first-line defense against acne and acne scarring. In some cases use of topical
agents in combination with laser/light activated therapy is proving beneficial.
The use of ablative, fractional and
nonablative laser/light and radiofrequency technologies have become the
established methods for skin resurfacing and photorejuvenation; removal of
unwanted hair, red birthmarks and port wine stains, as well as for the treatment
of broken blood vessels, rosacea and red-nose syndrome.
The CO2 laser beam can also cut
the skin, which is useful for removing select skin cancers, treating warts and
for eyelid operations.
Laser Treatment of
Pigmentation Problems
Laser therapy is one of the most exciting
treatments for removing unwanted skin pigments, such as brown birthmarks, age
spots, freckles, and tattoos. The laser emits a specialized light that passes
through the skin and is selectively absorbed by the pigment, causing the
targeted pigment or tattoo ink to break up and ultimately disappear. It often
takes several treatments to totally eliminate a pigmented lesion or tattoo,
depending on the amount of pigment or ink present in the lesion.
Guidelines for Laser Safety
The ASLMS was among the first organizations
to develop practice guidelines and safety standards for the use of lasers by
physician and health personnel in hospitals and office settings. The Society
recommends training devoted to the principles of lasers, their instrumentation
and physiological effects and safety requirements. An initial program should
include clinical applications of various wavelengths in the particular specialty
field and hands-on practical sessions with lasers and their appropriate surgical
or therapeutic delivery systems. Further, the ASLMS promotes prudent selection
of both procedures and patients appropriate for office-based and institutional
laser procedures. To ensure safe and effective selection, ASLMS asserts that a
comprehensive knowledge of the disease process and experience in management of
patients with the disease is essential. In addition, each patient should have at
minimum a brief history and physical examination by the physician. Medical
records and the highest level of quality assurance should be maintained.
The American Society for Laser Medicine
and Surgery (ASLMS)
The American Society for Laser Medicine and
Surgery (ASLMS) is the world’s preeminent resource for laser research, safety,
education, and clinical knowledge. Founded in 1980, ASLMS promotes excellence
in patient care by advancing product engineering and clinical applications of
lasers and related technologies. Currently, ASLMS has nearly 3,700 members,
including physicians and surgeons representing more than 51 specialties,
physicists involved in product development, biomedical engineers, biologists,
nurses, industry representatives and manufacturers. More information can be
found on the Society’s website:
www.aslms.org.
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