In the field of beauty and aesthetics, there are different applications for surgical lasers. These lasers make it possible to gently and carefully remove skin lesions. Another area of application for these lasers is aesthetic surgery. Two lasers currently used for surgical treatment exist:
- CO2 laser
- Erbium Yag Laser (Er:Yag Laser)
Before treatment
Before laser therapy, an intensive medical history discussion should be conducted that includes the medical history and motivation for the procedure. The procedure, any side effects, and the consequences of the surgery should be discussed in detail. It should also be asked whether the patient is prone to keloids or pigmentation disorders. Note: The requirements of the explanation are stricter than usual, since courts in the field of cosmetic surgery demand an “unsparing” explanation.Furthermore, you should not take acetylsalicylic acid (ASS), sleeping pills or alcohol for a period of seven to ten days before the procedure. Both acetylsalicylic acid (platelet aggregation inhibitor) and other analgesics delay blood clotting and can cause unwanted bleeding. Smokers should severely limit their nicotine consumption as early as four weeks before the procedure to avoid jeopardizing wound healing.
The CO2 laser
This carbon dioxide laser is a proven tool for ultra-fine cutting and ablation. Carbon dioxide, CO2, is used to generate the laser light. Short pulses of laser light are used to selectively vaporize troublesome skin lesions without damaging the surrounding tissue. A major advantage of laser treatment is that superficial changes usually leave no scars. In the case of deep-seated skin changes, it is usually possible to remove them with minimal scarring. Laser treatment shrinks the collagen fibers of the treated skin area, which is called collagen shrinking. At the same time, the skin is stimulated to form new collagen fibers. For example, when wrinkles are removed, the skin is simultaneously renewed and thus tightened. Indications (areas of application)
- Acne scars (eg Z. n. Acne vulgaris).
- Wrinkles
- Fibromas
- Histiocytomas
- Lentigo senilis (age spots)
- Milia
- Nevi*
- Scars
- Tattoos
- Warts (viral warts)
- Xanthelasma
* Note: In a long-term follow-up, many patients with congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) had recurrence of depigmentation; a combination therapy of excision and laser seems to be more effective. The following aesthetic surgeries can be performed using CO2 laser:
- Eyelid correction
Erbium Yag Laser
The fields of application and modes of operation of the erbium yag laser are almost the same as those of the CO2 laser. Erbium laser is also used for ablation or fine cutting. Erbium is a soft, silver-gray metal. The advantage of the Erbium Yag laser is a slightly less painful treatment and faster healing of the skin than when using the carbon dioxide laser. However, collagen shrinking does not take place during treatment with the erbium laser. In this case, it is important to weigh up exactly what is desired in order to select the right laser. Indications (areas of application)
- Acne scars
- Wrinkles
- Keratoses
- Lentigo senilis (age spots)
- Milia
- Scars
- Nevi*
- Rhinophyma (in rosacea)
- Seborrheic keratoses (age warts)
- Warts
- Xanthelasma
* Note: In a long-term follow-up, many patients with congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) had recurrence of depigmentation; a combination therapy of excision and laser seems to be more effective. The following aesthetic surgeries can be performed using erbium Yag laser:
- Eyelid correction
Removal of disturbing skin changes and minor aesthetic surgical procedures will help to boost your self-confidence. You will feel and radiate more joie de vivre and thus appear vital, beautiful and attractive to those around you.